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Ark Nova — Addictive zoo management sim with conservation focus

Android Board Dire Wolf Digital
4.8 GP
4,793+
Download on Google Play

Description

I’ve been playing Ark Nova for a couple months now. It’s basically a zoo management game where you build up your own modern, scientifically-run zoo. The goal is to have the most successful zoological establishment by building animal enclosures, accommodating different species, and supporting conservation projects around the world. There’s 255 cards in the game featuring animals, specialists, unique buildings, and conservation projects – each with their own special abilities. You use these cards and upgrade your action cards to carry out your plans and increase your zoo’s appeal and scientific reputation. Honestly, it’s got a lot of strategic depth without being too complicated.

Editor Opinion

So here's my take on Ark Nova. I've tried out a bunch of zoo/animal management sims and this one's definitely one of the better ones. The strategic elements are really solid - you've gotta plan out your enclosures, staff your zoo with the right specialists, and carefully choose which conservation projects to support. But it never feels overwhelming, it all comes together pretty naturally. The production values are great too, the graphics look awesome and it runs smoothly even on my older phone. My only real complaints are that the upgrade/progression system can get a bit grindy at higher levels, and the ads can be annoying if you don't pay. But overall, it's a really solid game that zoo fans will enjoy.

Manya Lyalya
Author Manya Lyalya Editor, Grand Screen

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Tons of strategic depth without being too complex
  • Great graphics and performance, even on older devices
  • Free to play, don't need to spend money to have fun
  • Conservation focus is a nice unique twist
  • Intuitive gameplay that's easy to get into

Cons

  • Upgrades and progression can get grindy at higher levels
  • Ads can be annoying if you don't pay to remove them
  • May not have enough long-term replayability for some

Specifications

Updated 17.09.2025
Category Board
Age Rating Everyone
Developer Dire Wolf Digital
Android Android 10++
Package Name com.direwolfdigital.arknova

Ratings

96
Google Play
4.8/5
709 reviews
Generally Favorable
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User Reviews

Karl Mckie Oct 9, 2025

Direwolf give us another fantastic adaption. Some very minor niggly bugs 🐛 that I'm sure they will resolve in time. Worth the price for sure.

Jackson Trayner Oct 9, 2025

love the physical game and love the app, not 100% the same but still amazing

Eddie Jones Oct 9, 2025

Love the board game, glad it was made digital.

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