It looks like Ark Nova has firmly cemented itself as the second-highest-rated game on BoardGameGeek. Since its release, the popular zoo-themed strategy game has seen the launch of its sequel/expansion, Sanctuary, and as of 2026, it has officially risen to the number 2 slot.
What makes Ark Nova so popular? Of course, the theme of conservation and the fantastic gameplay are huge draws. However, the true magic lies in its replayability, the vast variety of playstyles, and the exhilarating race to the finish. The lack of randomness in the action system creates a deeply rewarding experience.
In my previous blog, I discussed "Starting Hands" and how some of the most important decisions are made before the first turn. Today, let’s dive into the engine that drives the game: The Action Card System.
The Ingenious Action Card System
The action card system in Ark Nova (and refined further in Sanctuary) is brilliant. Cards move along a scale from 1 to 5; once you use a card, it returns to the bottom (strength 1), while others slide up. It’s a puzzle of timing, requiring you to align your actions at the right strength at the right time.
1. Build
Building is often your first move. Enclosures come in five sizes, and each animal has specific requirements.
The Mechanics: A strength 3 action allows you to build an enclosure up to size 3. Once you upgrade your Build card, you can construct special buildings like the Aviary or Reptile House, which save massive amounts of space.
The Cost: Each space costs 2 money, a "fine dance" of budget management.
Strategy: Don’t build too small or too late. My top tip? Build early. Even if you don’t have an animal ready, "speculate" by building a size 2 or 3 enclosure to stay ahead of the curve. Also, remember that Release Projects give you an enclosure back, saving you the cost of rebuilding!
2. Animals
Once your enclosures are ready, it's time to populate them.
The Points: Small animals offer lower appeal (3–6), while large animals (size 4 or 5) can net you between 6 and 16 points.
Upgrading: The Animal card is one of the most vital to upgrade. With a nearly 100% upgrade rate on BGA (Board Game Arena), it’s clear that the extra reputation and the ability to play two animals are essential.
Strategy: In the early game, don’t get bogged down trying to play two animals at once. It’s perfectly okay to use the card at strength 2 or 3 just to get your income rolling. By the late game, prioritize high-value animals—10 points is nothing to sniff at!
3. Cards
This is one of the hardest actions for new players to master.
The "Snapping" Trap: Many players focus solely on "Snapping" cards from the display at strength 5. While this denies opponents, it’s often better to draw from the deck at strength 3 or 4 to see more variety.
Strategy: Strength 4 is the "sweet spot" because it allows you to keep two cards without discarding. Only Snap if a card is perfect for your strategy; otherwise, filter the deck to find the hidden gems you actually need.
4. Sponsors
Sponsors provide the "supporting cast" for your zoo, offering money, unique powers, or endgame points.
The Break: This action is often used to trigger the "Break" (income phase). Timing this depends on how many cards you have and whether your opponent has used their workers yet.
Strategy: Prioritize sponsors early for recurring benefits, or late for endgame scoring (like the Meerkat Den). If you upgrade this card, you can play sponsors at one level higher than their strength, making it much easier to get powerful cards into play.
5. Association
This is how you earn those elusive green Conservation Points.
Early Game: Focus on Partner Zoos and Universities. These give you the "instant upgrades" needed to flip your Animal or Sponsor cards.
Efficiency: Many players aim for the "5-point" projects, but the "2-point" projects are often more efficient and easier to achieve.
Strategy: Try to support your first project by Round 2 or 3. Momentum is everything. My top tip: prioritize Universities over Partner Zoos unless a specific continent icon is vital for your current hand.
Final Thoughts
The five action cards are the bread and butter of Ark Nova. They dictate how you grow, how you score, and how you outmanoeuvre your rivals. Every game is a fresh puzzle, which is exactly why we are still talking about it in 2026.
