Top Board Games If You Like: Ark Nova
If you love Ark Nova, you're in for a treat. Ark Nova has captivated many gamers with its blend of strategic card drafting, tile placement, and engaging conservation theme. But what if you could expand your collection with games that bring the same thrill while offering new experiences?
In this article, we'll explore some top games that share mechanics, themes, or strategic depth similar to Ark Nova, from lighter conservation-themed games to deeply strategic, complex board games.
Disclaimer: Games are not sorted in any particular order. This is not a review article - the article includes a brief overview of each game. The article contains affiliate links - when you buy through links on our site, we may earn commission at no cost to you.
Board Games for Those Who Loved Ark Nova's Themes and Mechanics
Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is at the top of this list as they have some distinct gameplay similarities - from card drafting, to tile placement many players, so many players compare these two games by even saying "Terraforming Mars is Ark Nova set in space," and vice versa "Ark Nova is Terraforming Mars, just with animals."
However, they have some similarities, they also have their unique differences. So, if you liked Ark Nova, you could be like Terraforming Mars, and the other way around!
👉 Read our Terraforming Mars review.
Cascadia
Cascadia is a relaxing tile-placement game in which players create beautiful natural habitats for various wildlife species. It offers a simpler take on Ark Nova's conservation theme.
Cascadia's straightforward mechanics and beautiful artwork make it a wonderful option for players who enjoy Ark Nova's natural focus but want a more casual experience.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Wingspan
Wingspan, the award-winning engine-building game, lets players develop bird habitats, with each card representing a different bird species. Much like Ark Nova, it focuses on nature and conservation and involves strategic card drafting and tableau building.
If you love the environmental elements of Ark Nova, Wingspan's charming theme and accessible gameplay will draw you in.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Planet
In Planet, players build their own world, placing tiles on a three-dimensional planet core and populating it with different species. The game shares thematic similarities with Ark Nova, emphasizing the creation of a thriving ecosystem.
It's a fun, visually appealing game that combines tile placement with creative world-building. It's a good choice for Ark Nova fans seeking a thematic yet lighter experience.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Medium Complexity Board Games for Ark Nova Fans
Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition
This is a card-driven version of Terraforming Mars, focusing on the same elements of engine building and planetary development but in a more compact format.
It shares a similar complexity and theme with Ark Nova, offering strategic card play, resource management, and a satisfying sense of progression. If you loved the intricate decision-making of Ark Nova, Ares Expedition is a must-try.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Suburbia
Suburbia is a tile-placement game where players build their own city, managing resources and striving to achieve a thriving metropolis. It shares many of the planning and placement elements found in Ark Nova but within an urban development context. The strategic tile choices and economic growth elements make Suburbia an excellent fit for fans of Ark Nova's strategic depth.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Bios: Megafauna
In Bios: Megafauna, players evolve species to adapt to ever-changing climates and habitats, creating an entire ecosystem. The game's complexity and focus on the survival and adaptation of different species resemble Ark Nova's conservation aspect.
It's a challenging and deeply strategic game that satisfies those seeking an ecosystem-building experience.
Mariposas
Mariposas follows the migration of monarch butterflies, blending tactical movement and resource collection. It's natural theme and strategic gameplay make it an engaging choice for players who love Ark Nova's conservation efforts.
Mariposas is not only beautifully designed but also provides a unique take on migration and seasonal change, connecting players to the delicate balance of nature.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Board Games That Capture Ark Nova's Deep Strategy and Complexity
Gaia Project
Gaia Project is a spiritual successor to Terra Mystica, allowing players to terraform planets and expand their galactic empire. Its complexity, engine-building elements, and strategic decision-making resemble Ark Nova's gameplay, offering a rich experience for players who thrive on resource management and optimizing their moves.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Agricola
Agricola challenges players to manage a farm, grow crops, and raise animals while feeding their families. Its deep strategic options, emphasis on resource management, and need for careful planning make it comparable to Ark Nova.
Fans of Ark Nova will appreciate the rewarding challenge of creating a thriving farm while balancing multiple priorities.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Oceans
In Oceans, players evolve marine species, adapting them to different aquatic environments. This card-driven game involves building and managing habitats like Ark Nova, with an added focus on changing traits.
The strategic depth of Oceans and its captivating underwater theme make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy Ark Nova's ecosystem-building mechanics.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Dominant Species
Dominant Species is a game of ecosystem competition in which players aim to dominate different terrains through adaptation and species evolution. Its deep strategic decisions and thematic focus on survival and environment resonate with the core elements of Ark Nova.
The challenge of managing species amidst ever-changing conditions makes it a thrilling, complex experience.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Board Games with a Unique Spin That Might Appeal to Ark Nova Lovers
On Mars
On Mars takes players to the red planet, where they establish and develop a Martian colony. The game features multiple paths to victory, combining resource management, infrastructure building, and strategy. If you enjoyed Ark Nova's complex decision-making, On Mars will provide a similarly immersive and detailed gameplay experience, albeit in a different setting.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Great Western Trail
Great Western Trail involves herding cattle across the American West, navigating obstacles, and managing resources to maximize profits. Its strategic planning, resource management, and engine-building mechanics are reminiscent of Ark Nova.
The game's blend of tactical movement and economic strategy will appeal to players who love a layered, challenging experience.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Rococo
Rococo offers a unique theme—managing a dressmaking business during the Rococo era. Despite the different settings, the game retains Ark Nova's focus on strategic planning, resource management, and careful decision-making. Fans who enjoy managing complex systems and optimizing their turns will find Rococo an unexpectedly fitting choice.
Everdell
Everdell is a woodland-themed worker placement game that combines tableau building and resource management. Its charming art and strategic depth make it an ideal choice for Ark Nova fans.
Its focus on creating a thriving community in a natural setting offers a familiar yet unique twist that will capture the hearts of those who love Ark Nova's theme.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Clans of Caledonia
Clans of Caledonia invites players to develop their Scottish clan by producing goods, trading, and expanding their territory. The game's economic strategy, resource management, and production mechanics resemble Ark Nova's gameplay style. Its deep strategic options and historical setting will provide an equally rewarding challenge.
Different Game from Ark Nova, But You Might Still Love It
Viticulture
Viticulture is a game about making wine—planting vines, harvesting grapes, and managing workers. It provides a similar experience to Ark Nova in terms of careful resource planning and strategic decision-making. Although the setting is different, Viticulture's depth of strategy and management will appeal to fans of Ark Nova.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Parks
Parks is a beautifully illustrated game focusing on visiting national parks and collecting resources. It's lighter than Ark Nova but shares a similar appreciation for nature and conservation. With simple mechanics and a relaxing pace, Parks is an excellent choice for players who love Ark Nova's theme but want a more casual gameplay experience.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Conclusion
Ark Nova's unique blend of conservation themes, strategic depth, and beautiful design captivated players. Whether you're looking for games with a similar theme, strategic engine builders, or something entirely different yet equally engaging, the options above offer a variety of gameplay experiences that are sure to appeal. From relaxing, nature-focused games to deeply strategic simulations, there's something here for every fan of Ark Nova.
If you're ready to expand your board game collection, be sure to try out one of these fantastic titles. And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for more board game recommendations, tips, and content updates. Visit our website at joyful-games.com for more articles and board game insights!
FAQ Section:
What makes Ark Nova unique compared to other board games?
Ark Nova stands out for its blend of strategic card drafting, tile placement, and a strong conservation theme, making it both engaging and educational.
Are there similar board games to Ark Nova for beginners?
Yes, games like Cascadia and Planet are great for beginners who enjoy the nature and conservation themes of Ark Nova but prefer a simpler gameplay experience.
Which games offer a similar level of strategic depth as Ark Nova?
Games like Gaia Project, On Mars, and Dominant Species provide a similar level of strategic complexity, focusing on resource management and long-term planning.
Do I need to have experience with board games to enjoy Ark Nova?
Ark Nova is more suitable for players with some experience, but if you’re new to board games, starting with lighter titles like Wingspan or Suburbia can help you get accustomed to similar mechanics.
Where can I find these games?
You can purchase these games at most local board game stores or online retailers. For more recommendations, visit joyful-games.com.