Ark Nova

Digital zoo-building board game about animals and global conservation

Dire Wolf · Released Jun 20, 2025

Reviews: Very Positive; 94% of 911
Recent reviews: Very Positive; 96% of 28 in 30 days
Playing now: 144; right now
Steam Deck: Playable
Last update: 3 weeks ago; Aug 27, 2026

What is Ark Nova?

A digital adaptation of a strategy board game about managing a modern zoo. In each match, you use and upgrade action cards to build enclosures, add animals, hire specialists, raise funds, and support conservation projects in solo, pass-and-play, or online competition.

For you if...

+you enjoy complex board games with resource management
+you want challenging solo AI and online competition
+you like adapting strategies to changing card draws

Not for you if...

−you want a light game with a gentle learning curve
−you dislike planning around randomly drawn cards

What players say

94% of 911 reviews are positive · 96% of 28 in the last 30 days

Players praise the faithful rules, automatic bookkeeping, varied strategies, and challenging AI. Common complaints cite the steep learning curve, incomplete tutorial, crowded interface, and difficulty reading opponents’ zoos. Many also want the Marine Worlds expansion and additional maps.

Screenshots and trailer

Ark Nova system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 10 (64bit version only)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 2 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: Dire Wolf account required for online play

OS: Windows 10 or better (64bit version only)
Processor: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT (512 MB) or ATI Radeon HD 4850 (512 MB) or better
Graphics: Graphics card with DX11 or OpenGL 3.x capabilities
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 5 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: Dire Wolf account required for online play