All games · Ark Nova

Which Ark Nova expansion after the base game?

Build a zoo, play cards in the right order. Feuerland / Capstone.

1-4 players (base) Zoo / card tableau About 90-150 min

The game

Already own Ark Nova? There is only one big expansion so far, plus small map packs. Here is the order that makes sense.

1-4 players, solo included. Marine Worlds and both Zoo Map Packs need the base game.

Marine Worlds is the real expansion. New marine animals, aquariums, a new university and asymmetric action cards. The Zoo Map Packs are only new zoo boards.
Map Pack 2 plays well with Marine Worlds. Its boards were designed with aquariums in mind, but neither pack needs the other.

Which boxes do you already own?

Put on the table what you already have, and how many of you play.

You usually play with

Release timeline

Base 2021, Zoo Map Pack 1 2022, Marine Worlds 2023, Zoo Map Pack 2 2024.

Ark Nova release timeline.
  1. 2021 - Ark Nova
  2. 2022 - Map Pack 1
  3. 2023 - Marine Worlds
  4. 2024 - Map Pack 2

The graph

How the Ark Nova boxes connect, plus the mechanics. An arrow starts at the expansion and points to the box it needs.

Depending on what you want

You wantGet
A real content expansionMarine Worlds
Fresh layouts, cheapZoo Map Pack 1, then 2
EverythingMarine Worlds, then both map packs

Tick your boxes at the top and the answer follows.

At the table

BoxWhat it brings
Ark Nova1-4 players. Build a zoo, manage 5 actions.
Marine WorldsMarine animals, aquariums, new action cards.
Zoo Map Pack 1One double-sided zoo board (zoos 9 and 10).
Zoo Map Pack 2Five double-sided zoo boards, aquarium-friendly.

Compatibility

BoxNeedsPlayersWhere to buy
Ark Novastandalone base1-4
Marine Worldsneeds base1-4
Zoo Map Pack 1needs base1-4
Zoo Map Pack 2needs base1-4

Promo cards and upgraded pieces are outside the picker.

FAQ

Which Ark Nova expansion first?

Marine Worlds. It is the only one that changes how the game plays. The map packs are variety, not new rules depth.

Do the Zoo Map Packs need Marine Worlds?

No. Both work with the base game alone. Pack 2 boards shine with aquariums.

Can I play Ark Nova solo?

Yes, the base game includes a solo mode.

Who publishes Ark Nova in English?

Capstone Games (Feuerland in German). Designer: Mathias Wigge.

Further reading

Quelle boîte covers the buying order and what each box needs. For the rest: