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Ark Nova (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Ark Nova is a board game released in 2021 by Feuerland Spiele. Designed by Mathias Wigge, the game focuses on building a floating wildlife sanctuary to save endangered species from a flood. With stunning artwork by Steffen Bieker, Loïc Billiau, Dennis Lohausen, and Christof Tisch, Ark Nova is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must work together to protect animals and rebuild civilization.

Game Components of Ark Nova

  • Hexagon grid game board
  • Player boards
  • Animal tiles
  • Resource tokens
  • Action cards
  • Wooden animal meeples
  • Boat tokens

How To Setup Ark Nova

  • Set up the hexagon grid game board in the center of the table.
  • Each player chooses a player board and places it in front of them.
  • Shuffle the animal tiles and place them face down on the board.
  • Distribute resource tokens and action cards to each player.
  • Place the wooden animal meeples and boat tokens within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ark Nova, players take turns performing actions to rescue animals, construct habitats, and earn income. The game is played over several rounds, with players strategically managing their resources and actions to maximize points. The objective is to build the most successful wildlife sanctuary and earn the highest score by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Engaging gameplay mechanics that require strategic thinking
  • Beautiful artwork and thematic elements
  • Cooperative gameplay that encourages teamwork
  • Replayability with different strategies to explore

Cons:

  • Learning curve for new players
  • Limited player interaction
  • Long runtime for some players

Personal Thoughts on Ark Nova

Ark Nova is a visually stunning game with a unique theme that stands out in the board game market. The build quality is excellent, with durable components that enhance the gameplay experience. While the game may not be suitable for all players due to its complexity and length, it offers a rewarding challenge for those who enjoy deep strategy games. The pricing may be on the higher end for some, but the value of the game justifies the cost. Overall, Ark Nova is worth your time if you appreciate environmental and economic themes in board games and are looking for a thought-provoking gaming experience. It is recommended for players aged 14 and above who enjoy immersive gameplay and are willing to invest time in mastering the mechanics. However, those who prefer fast-paced, competitive games may want to skip Ark Nova in favor of other options.

Check out my Ark Nova review for more.

Game Components of Ark Nova

  • Zoo boards: Each player has a personal zoo board for building enclosures and attractions.
  • Action cards: Five action cards numbered one to five, which dictate the power of the actions taken.
  • Zoo cards: 212 cards divided into Animal, Sponsor, and Conservation Projects.
  • Tokens: Break tokens, X tokens for action boosts, and various other tokens for game mechanics.
  • Maps: Double-sided zoo maps with different layouts and challenges.
  • Association board: For housing tokens and gameplay elements.
  • End game scoring cards: Given at the start of the game to set scoring goals.

    How To Setup Ark Nova

    Setting up Ark Nova involves each player receiving a zoo board, two end game scoring cards, and a set of action cards. Players also need to draw a starting hand of cards. The game includes a display board for available cards, an association board, and a break track. The setup is relatively straightforward, with the rulebook providing clear instructions on how to prepare the game for play.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Action Selection: Players choose one of five actions per turn: Card, Build, Animals, Sponsors, or Conservation. The action’s power is determined by its position on the action board.
  • Card: Draw new cards from the deck or display.
  • Build: Purchase and place buildings or enclosures on the zoo board.
  • Animals: Play animal cards into enclosures.
  • Sponsors: Gain benefits and money from sponsor cards.
  • Conservation: Increase conservation points through various projects.
  • Action Card Mechanism: After using an action, the card moves to the first slot, and other cards move up, increasing their power.
  • Break Phase: When the break token reaches the end of the break track, players discard down to their hand limit, gain income, and reset certain tokens.
  • Game End: The game ends when a player’s appeal and conservation tracks intersect. Players then score points based on their animal collections, sponsors, and conservation efforts.

    Player Experience

    Playing Ark Nova is a deeply strategic and tactical experience. Each turn requires careful planning and decision-making about which actions to take and when to take them. The game’s action card mechanism adds a layer of complexity and strategy, as players must balance immediate needs with long-term goals. Interaction with other players is significant, as players can influence each other’s turn through certain card effects and by competing for limited resources. The game’s theme of building a zoo is well-integrated, making the gameplay both thematic and engaging.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategic Depth: The action card mechanism and card draw system offer significant strategic options.
  • High Replayability: Multiple map types, a large deck of cards, and variable player powers ensure each game is unique.
  • Strong Theme Integration: The zoo-building theme is well-executed and immersive.
  • Fast Paced Turns: Despite the complexity, turns are generally quick, reducing downtime.

    Cons

  • Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its many mechanics and icons.
  • Luck of the Draw: Card draw luck can significantly impact gameplay, leading to frustration if key cards are not drawn.
  • Long Game Length: Games can be quite long, which may not appeal to all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Ark Nova

    Ark Nova is ideal for fans of tactical card games and those who enjoy deep strategic planning. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and length. However, for those who appreciate intricate gameplay mechanics and a strong theme, Ark Nova offers a highly rewarding experience. Designer Mathias Wigge’s first game is a testament to his skill, blending various proven mechanisms into a unique and engaging game.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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