Ark Nova

Strategy· Board Game· PvE· Resource Management

Released Jun 2025

Plan and build a modern, scientifically managed zoo to support conservation projects in an acclaimed strategy board game.

94% positive · 922 reviews

Not yet

Released, but still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Not yet

Released, but still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $22.99

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Evaluation

Ark Nova Digital officially graduated from Early Access to version 1.0 on June 19–20, 2025, simultaneously launching on iOS and Android. Since then, the developer has continued adding new features beyond bug fixes. Patch 1.1.1 on August 27, 2026 introduced a dedicated Events tab and new tournament infrastructure to support an in-game championship structure. On August 27, 2026, the developer announced the first-ever Ark Nova Digital Championship Series — a multi-stage competitive event featuring open monthly qualifiers from October 2026 through January 2027, exclusive avatar rewards for each event, and a Championship Finals in January 2027 where the winner earns a trip to the Ark Nova World Championship in Berlin in Summer 2027. This is an actively maintained, ongoing competitive structure that the developer is building and operating within the game. The developer has been consistently communicating and shipping updates since launch, with the most recent activity just days before today's assessment date (August 27, 2026). There is no indication that development or support is winding down.

Evidence

Developer announces the Ark Nova Digital Championship Series: four monthly open qualifiers from October 2026 through January 2027, with a Championship Finals in January 2027 and a prize trip to the Ark Nova World Championship in Berlin in Summer 2027.

news post · Aug 27, 2026 source development ongoing

high

Patch 1.1.1 ships a new Events tab in preparation for the tournament system, alongside multiple bug fixes. Confirms ongoing feature development post-1.0.

news post · Aug 27, 2026 source development ongoing

high

Media

Details

Developer

Dire Wolf

Publisher

Dire Wolf

Achievements

Platform

Windows, macOS

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP

Strategy Board Game PvE Resource Management Tabletop Tutorial Asynchronous Multiplayer

About this game

Design a modern zoo to help animals thrive as you support conservation projects around the world.

Since its release in 2021, tabletop board game Ark Nova from designer Mathias Wigge has received numerous awards around the world. Now a new digital adaptation brings the strategy and science of the beloved board game to players everywhere!

In Ark Nova, you will plan and design a modern, scientifically managed zoo. With the ultimate goal of owning the most successful zoological establishment, you will build enclosures, accommodate animals, and support conservation projects all over the world. Specialists and unique buildings will help you in achieving this goal.

At the heart of Ark Nova are 255 cards featuring animals, specialists, unique enclosures, and conservation projects, each with a particular ability. Use them to increase the appeal and scientific reputation of your zoo and to collect conservation points. Each player has a set of action cards, which you will use and upgrade to carry out your plans.

Each player has a set of five action cards to manage their gameplay, and the power of an action is determined by the slot the card currently occupies. The cards are:

BUILD: Allows you to build standard or special enclosures, kiosks, and pavilions.
ANIMALS: Allows you to accommodate animals in your zoo.
CARDS: Allows you to gain new zoo cards (animals, sponsors, and conservation project cards).
ASSOCIATION: Allows your association workers to carry out different tasks.
SPONSORS: Allows you to play a sponsor card in your zoo or to raise money.

With high replayability and rich components, Ark Nova provides a remarkable gaming experience that will bring the game to the table again and again.