Ark Nova: Zoo Map Pack 2

Feuerland Spiele, Capstone Games, Cranio Creations · Board game · 2024
1–4 · best 2 Solo 90–150 min Weight 3.7/5
2.0 rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
2.0 rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for Ark Nova fans looking to vary their construction strategy with new layouts. The strong point is the versatility between competitive and asymmetric maps.

Highlights
  • Interesting new strategic abilities
  • Tournament layout ensures fairness
  • Increases base game replayability
  • Very easy to implement
Keep in mind
  • No deep new mechanics added
  • Requires the base game
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
If you've already mastered the art of building your zoo in Ark Nova but feel you need new architectural challenges, the Zoo Map Pack 2 is here to upgrade your planning. This expansion doesn't change the core rules of the game, but it tweaks the most critical element: your construction space. The pack introduces five new board designs that force you to rethink your enclosure layout and space management.

The highlight here is the versatility. For those who love pure competition and want to eliminate the advantage of a specific map, the pack offers the 'Tournament 1' design. It is printed on all four boards, ensuring that everyone competes on equal footing with the exact same layout. It's the perfect choice for tournaments or for groups who don't want 'map luck' affecting the outcome.

However, if the goal is to vary the experience, the back of these boards hides four completely different and personality-filled maps: Artificial Intelligence, Caves, Drawing Board, and Lagoon. Each of these maps brings unique abilities and new dynamics that can change how you prioritize conservation or visitor attraction. It's as if you're opening new wings in your zoo, each with its own technical advantages and limitations.

Essentially, it's an essential supplement for those who want to expand the tactical possibilities of the base game without adding excessive complexity to the rules. You still deal with hand management, set collection, and tile placement, but now with new ways to optimize your terrain. If you enjoy the puzzle of fitting every animal into the perfect spot, these new maps will provide hours of extra enjoyment.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Game: Ark Nova Theme: Ecology Theme: Science
Publisher Feuerland Spiele, Capstone Games, Cranio Creations, Game Harbor, Gémklub, Grok Games, Korea Boardgames, Maldito Games, MINDOK, MIPL, Portal Games, Regatul Jocurilor, Super Meeple, テンデイズゲームズ (TendaysGames), White Goblin Games
Designer Mathias Wigge
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game to use this pack?
Yes, this is a supplement. You need the original Ark Nova to play.
Does the game become more complex with these maps?
No. The basic rules remain the same; what changes is the placement strategy and the specific abilities of each map.
How many maps are included in total?
There are 5 designs: one tournament map (repeated on all 4 boards) and 4 unique maps on the reverse sides.
Is the tournament map truly the same for everyone?
Yes, the 'Tournament 1' design is identical on all boards to ensure fair competition.
Who is this pack intended for?
For players who already know the game and want new ways to optimize their space and test different abilities.
Does the language affect gameplay?
Very little. The text is minimal and easily memorizable, so the language barrier is almost non-existent.