For my gaming journey ark nova has been perfect. Arrived at our groups gaming table just as i was getting into heavier euros, then arrived on BGA in alpha a month later.
Generally, good guide. The only part I would not agree with is the timing / priority of upgrading cards actions. I see a lot of high ranked players (and it complies a bit with my own playstyle after over 100 games under my belt): Asociation ranked on 2nd place. The main provision of this upgrade is to spend money for an additional conservation point - money that most of the time is needed for other stuff. Doubling the action with for example take a uni and a partner zoo or 2 reps is also not that strong as you burn through your workers - and if you are out of workers that card is useless. The only time it make sense to upgrade it earlier is if you go the route of partner zoos and try to get a third partner zoo. Otherwise, I think that a lot has changed regarding the value of association action cards upgrade (i.e. around 90% of the time I don't upgrade it if I go via the uni's route in the beginning)
The main benefit of upgraded association is actually not the coins you spend on upgrades but in fact that double action you can do. It gives you great momentum and saves you turns. There's several cards and map bonuses that you can use to move your association action back to 1st position or you can gain an X token instead of doing the action twice. The benefits are great. Also the first few bonus up to 7 coins cost are actually great value and they can help you achieve the early bonuses before others. It of course also depends on what bonuses are available that game. Sometimes you don't upgrade your association action at all, because there is no map bonus for four partner zoos or/and releasing the final worker.
A few thoughts: You didn't really comment as much as I think you could have on the conservation rewards on the board, and where conservation points are awarded from filling up partnerships and universities. Most of the maps with "broken" placement bonuses, like Research Institute, doesn't give conservation points for completing the track you get the bonus for. I find often people don't factor in that, yes, you do get a free university, but universities are also worth a bit less on that board. Observation tower isn't as bad as you say. Playing a sponsor for money as income is very strong, one of the strongest in the game. As well, the two appeal for flipping a pen can apply multiple times if you release into the wild and play another animal into the pen. I agree it's generally weaker than others, but it has real strengths in the right hands. Don't agree on Outdoor Areas being that strong. Larger pens is nice, but it's ultimately only 4 money saved on building enclosures for four animals, and ultimately you're not being cost efficient for covering your map, which makes it harder to get points off of the *many* good sponsors that award points for covering the map. The thing about competitive ark nova is its a race, and in competitive games usually barely possible to cover your entire map at all, so space efficiency just doesn't matter a whole lot. You mention that it's usually not worth it to get the seven tickets for covering the map, and in most situations I agree, but there are times to pursue it. Particularly with the Ice Cream board. If you do a cost/tickets analysis on this game, you'll realize the average cost/point ratio for animals is somewhere around 2.4. Pavilions are a ratio of 2. You don't get icons for Pavilions, of course, but pavilions are usually always worth building. If you get Engineer, or you're playing the expansion and get a modified build action that lets you place additional pavilions, along with sponsors that place buildings, map covering is very legitimate and high scoring. One thing not mentioned about approaching endgame, knowing how to identify when it's coming is super important for planning actions. If one person's markers have traveled half of the distance around the map to each other, the game is *not* 50% over. Points accelerate as the game goes, so don't think that someone with 1/3rd of the distance to go is multiple breaks out, it may be a few. This may be personal preference, but I never get the 5 income, I prefer the instant 12. One, you usually get it late in the game and you need at least two breaks for the 5 income to beat 12. Second, money now is always worth more in ark nova than money later. If you get the 12 and are able to buy more kiosks and pavilions, you'll end up making more over those breaks anyway. Second, the X tokens are usually better than the snap, particularly if it's your third conservation project or so. The Xs are extremely valuable, they can let you get a last second conservation in or possibly send multiple workers to get conservation points from partnerships and universities on top. Rhinos are better than elephants, if herbivores isn't in the game. If you get a rhino early, pivot into herbivores and use your rhino to get the herbivore base, or possible habitat/species diversity. That's 5 conservation points plus whatever other bonuses, whereas an elephant is max 4, and often you won't even get the 4 because you won't draw two good conservation projects. Rhino is more consistent. It's better. You should pretty much always keep conservation projects from your opening draft, as its always easier to get animals to do a project than it is to get a project that fits your animals. I feel all of the "gain 2 appeal when you play X" sponsor cards are stronger than many of the ones listed. Penguin Pool or Meerkat Den can generate 10+ appeal over a game, and the ability to cover up spaces quickly is valuable. Good guide, mostly correct, appreciate the content
You haven't mentioned the downside of rhinos: you have to take a valuable action to get the 5 points. If an elephant let's you score 2 points and you have other projects you want to fulfill anyways, they can be better. All situational as always. I would add that one of the biggest upsides of research lab board is, that you never take animals II. The flexibility is crazy and I would rate it close to silver lake, maybe on the same level. Some of the strongest animals to add would be the continent idols. They are the best to release and usually have the best cost to ticket ratio in the game
Yes, the main reason to go for animals upgrade is missed: it allows you to play animals from the display and most of the cards are animals. Author says that if you are short on cards you want to upgrade Cards while in fact the best way to get access to more cards is upgrading Animals
Controversial high ranking on Hollywood hills! You are a braver man than me. Better hope BGG isn't finding out about this, or they might call the feds😬
Nothing more satisfying than a heavy sponsor game with early Sponsor 2, lots of science synergies and nearly no animals 😄 At least playing with a lot of sponsors can fill up your board extremely fast and cheap
Pet peeve: you don't "sponsor" conservation projects -- you support them. Saying "sponsor" is confusing for new players who conclude (quite reasonably) that the sponsor action must have something to do with "sponsoring" a project.
I wish I had this guide months ago when I started playing Ark Nova. Interesting to see all the strategy/analysis videos popping up as the game becomes more popular.
I disagree on Park Restaurant. The early income can be incredible, and I like the corner building spots as they allow you to be flexible in the late game. Water and Rock adjacencies are rarely a problem on that map, and the Conservation bonus of an Avairy or Reptile House is essentially an extra action and 10 money.
I always upgrade Sponsors first or second; being able to break 5 and gain 10 money can be super helpful (especially if you can combine it with a x2 token). Also being able to play sponsor cards straight from the display shouldn't be underestimated - not only does it save an action (you don't have to play cards/snap it first, and THEN play sponsors), but it can mean getting them before someone else (i.e. you have 2 chances to be able to get it because both cards and sponsors action card have chances to be high enough strength, and not just cards alone). Edit: Also being able to play sponsors at +1 strength higher than the action strength is more efficient, just like your argument for upgrading build early, especially if you can play 2 sponsors at once.
13:13 why is there no rock icon or water icon to the Aviary for the birds then? I though eg Eagle needed to be a 5 standard enclosure next to water OR Aviary with no adjacency requirements
Very good video thank you very much! A quick question about the elephants: If I own the associated partner zoo, do I get a discount of 6 because the elephants have two symbols of it?
I've only played Ark Nova 3-4 times and have only played the starter/basic maps, but wouldn't it make more sense to draw your starting 8 cards, auction off maps, and then discard down to 4 cards?
About to play my first game async on BGA so just starting but wanted a clarification: you love a second worker early, but also suggested the early card flip from 2 conservation points. Do you always pick the card flip over the worker?
Never pick the worker from the conservation track, because it will block you off from your 4th action upgrade! (there are only 4 possible locations) The second worker should come from the conservation bonus on your zoo!
Think it as an improved kiosk. Every adjacent enclosure that is filled gives you extra 2 income. In the best scenario you can have 5 other buildings surrounding it, giving you a total of 10 extra income. You can also place two kiosks around it so those would give extra income as well. When you surround it with two kiosks and some pavilions, you will get insane income. It also gives you extra 5 points during the final scoring if you have filled your entire zoo. And while you can place it anywhere on the map, I'd suggest just building around it as normal unless you really need two map bonuses that are on two sides of the map. The income it gives is usually much more important that spreading your buildings. Sometimes it's good for those map bonuses I mentioned though.
You keep using the term "turn 1." Is this all of the actions leading up to the first break? i.e. you say that Archaeologist can give you triple university on "Turn 1."
That's incorrect. From the rules: "If an animal requires water and/or rock spaces next to its standard enclosure, the same requirement also applies to the respective special enclosure."
@@robinedwards6322 i become wiser everyday. Turns out we've been playing Ark Nova wrong with our boardgame group. Been playing a lot on BGA and will make sure to inform our group on the mistakes. Thank you for pointing it out.
Interesting tips but most of this game is tactical and situational. It's an exercise in doing the best you can with what you're given. Also, not sure how much I can take advice from someone who thinks draw is pronounced drawl!
For my gaming journey ark nova has been perfect. Arrived at our groups gaming table just as i was getting into heavier euros, then arrived on BGA in alpha a month later.
Generally, good guide. The only part I would not agree with is the timing / priority of upgrading cards actions. I see a lot of high ranked players (and it complies a bit with my own playstyle after over 100 games under my belt): Asociation ranked on 2nd place. The main provision of this upgrade is to spend money for an additional conservation point - money that most of the time is needed for other stuff. Doubling the action with for example take a uni and a partner zoo or 2 reps is also not that strong as you burn through your workers - and if you are out of workers that card is useless.
The only time it make sense to upgrade it earlier is if you go the route of partner zoos and try to get a third partner zoo. Otherwise, I think that a lot has changed regarding the value of association action cards upgrade (i.e. around 90% of the time I don't upgrade it if I go via the uni's route in the beginning)
The main benefit of upgraded association is actually not the coins you spend on upgrades but in fact that double action you can do. It gives you great momentum and saves you turns. There's several cards and map bonuses that you can use to move your association action back to 1st position or you can gain an X token instead of doing the action twice. The benefits are great. Also the first few bonus up to 7 coins cost are actually great value and they can help you achieve the early bonuses before others. It of course also depends on what bonuses are available that game. Sometimes you don't upgrade your association action at all, because there is no map bonus for four partner zoos or/and releasing the final worker.
A few thoughts:
You didn't really comment as much as I think you could have on the conservation rewards on the board, and where conservation points are awarded from filling up partnerships and universities.
Most of the maps with "broken" placement bonuses, like Research Institute, doesn't give conservation points for completing the track you get the bonus for. I find often people don't factor in that, yes, you do get a free university, but universities are also worth a bit less on that board.
Observation tower isn't as bad as you say. Playing a sponsor for money as income is very strong, one of the strongest in the game. As well, the two appeal for flipping a pen can apply multiple times if you release into the wild and play another animal into the pen. I agree it's generally weaker than others, but it has real strengths in the right hands.
Don't agree on Outdoor Areas being that strong. Larger pens is nice, but it's ultimately only 4 money saved on building enclosures for four animals, and ultimately you're not being cost efficient for covering your map, which makes it harder to get points off of the *many* good sponsors that award points for covering the map. The thing about competitive ark nova is its a race, and in competitive games usually barely possible to cover your entire map at all, so space efficiency just doesn't matter a whole lot.
You mention that it's usually not worth it to get the seven tickets for covering the map, and in most situations I agree, but there are times to pursue it. Particularly with the Ice Cream board. If you do a cost/tickets analysis on this game, you'll realize the average cost/point ratio for animals is somewhere around 2.4. Pavilions are a ratio of 2. You don't get icons for Pavilions, of course, but pavilions are usually always worth building. If you get Engineer, or you're playing the expansion and get a modified build action that lets you place additional pavilions, along with sponsors that place buildings, map covering is very legitimate and high scoring.
One thing not mentioned about approaching endgame, knowing how to identify when it's coming is super important for planning actions. If one person's markers have traveled half of the distance around the map to each other, the game is *not* 50% over. Points accelerate as the game goes, so don't think that someone with 1/3rd of the distance to go is multiple breaks out, it may be a few.
This may be personal preference, but I never get the 5 income, I prefer the instant 12. One, you usually get it late in the game and you need at least two breaks for the 5 income to beat 12. Second, money now is always worth more in ark nova than money later. If you get the 12 and are able to buy more kiosks and pavilions, you'll end up making more over those breaks anyway. Second, the X tokens are usually better than the snap, particularly if it's your third conservation project or so. The Xs are extremely valuable, they can let you get a last second conservation in or possibly send multiple workers to get conservation points from partnerships and universities on top.
Rhinos are better than elephants, if herbivores isn't in the game. If you get a rhino early, pivot into herbivores and use your rhino to get the herbivore base, or possible habitat/species diversity. That's 5 conservation points plus whatever other bonuses, whereas an elephant is max 4, and often you won't even get the 4 because you won't draw two good conservation projects. Rhino is more consistent. It's better.
You should pretty much always keep conservation projects from your opening draft, as its always easier to get animals to do a project than it is to get a project that fits your animals.
I feel all of the "gain 2 appeal when you play X" sponsor cards are stronger than many of the ones listed. Penguin Pool or Meerkat Den can generate 10+ appeal over a game, and the ability to cover up spaces quickly is valuable.
Good guide, mostly correct, appreciate the content
You haven't mentioned the downside of rhinos: you have to take a valuable action to get the 5 points. If an elephant let's you score 2 points and you have other projects you want to fulfill anyways, they can be better. All situational as always.
I would add that one of the biggest upsides of research lab board is, that you never take animals II. The flexibility is crazy and I would rate it close to silver lake, maybe on the same level.
Some of the strongest animals to add would be the continent idols. They are the best to release and usually have the best cost to ticket ratio in the game
I was surprised to see animals 4th! I really like the easy Rep gain post upgrade. Thank you for this video!
Yes, the main reason to go for animals upgrade is missed: it allows you to play animals from the display and most of the cards are animals. Author says that if you are short on cards you want to upgrade Cards while in fact the best way to get access to more cards is upgrading Animals
Controversial high ranking on Hollywood hills! You are a braver man than me. Better hope BGG isn't finding out about this, or they might call the feds😬
Hahaha I love the map, I’m sure I’ll be roasted for it though
Nothing more satisfying than a heavy sponsor game with early Sponsor 2, lots of science synergies and nearly no animals 😄
At least playing with a lot of sponsors can fill up your board extremely fast and cheap
Pet peeve: you don't "sponsor" conservation projects -- you support them. Saying "sponsor" is confusing for new players who conclude (quite reasonably) that the sponsor action must have something to do with "sponsoring" a project.
Oops yeah I mess that up all the time, something to work on 😅
twat peeve*
Awesome guide!!! 10/10 thanks for putting this together you’re a legend
This is great. Been getting into Ark Nova more and more.
BUT, where is the Dune Imperium content?!?! Your commentary is the best!
Dune imperium stream coming soon! :)
I wish I had this guide months ago when I started playing Ark Nova. Interesting to see all the strategy/analysis videos popping up as the game becomes more popular.
Yeah it’s great I’ve seen a lot of new channels popping up - I’m surprised the RUclips presence isn’t even bigger given how popular the game is
I disagree on Park Restaurant. The early income can be incredible, and I like the corner building spots as they allow you to be flexible in the late game. Water and Rock adjacencies are rarely a problem on that map, and the Conservation bonus of an Avairy or Reptile House is essentially an extra action and 10 money.
If you have a sponsor that loops around placement it can be decent, but it is overall just not that good
I always upgrade Sponsors first or second; being able to break 5 and gain 10 money can be super helpful (especially if you can combine it with a x2 token). Also being able to play sponsor cards straight from the display shouldn't be underestimated - not only does it save an action (you don't have to play cards/snap it first, and THEN play sponsors), but it can mean getting them before someone else (i.e. you have 2 chances to be able to get it because both cards and sponsors action card have chances to be high enough strength, and not just cards alone).
Edit: Also being able to play sponsors at +1 strength higher than the action strength is more efficient, just like your argument for upgrading build early, especially if you can play 2 sponsors at once.
13:13 why is there no rock icon or water icon to the Aviary for the birds then? I though eg Eagle needed to be a 5 standard enclosure next to water OR Aviary with no adjacency requirements
The requirements are always for the special buildings as well. Bit hidden, but rules as written
Very good video thank you very much! A quick question about the elephants: If I own the associated partner zoo, do I get a discount of 6 because the elephants have two symbols of it?
Yupp!
Much appreciated! Definitely earned a sub here! Thanks!
Great video man! Loved it
I've only played Ark Nova 3-4 times and have only played the starter/basic maps, but wouldn't it make more sense to draw your starting 8 cards, auction off maps, and then discard down to 4 cards?
I agree I find the setup order strange, I feel like there could be way more strategy in picking maps if they went with your ordering
Thank you for the guide!!
About to play my first game async on BGA so just starting but wanted a clarification: you love a second worker early, but also suggested the early card flip from 2 conservation points. Do you always pick the card flip over the worker?
Never pick the worker from the conservation track, because it will block you off from your 4th action upgrade! (there are only 4 possible locations) The second worker should come from the conservation bonus on your zoo!
Thanks!
Can anyone explain the skills of the "side entrance" card? Still don't get it though
Think it as an improved kiosk. Every adjacent enclosure that is filled gives you extra 2 income. In the best scenario you can have 5 other buildings surrounding it, giving you a total of 10 extra income. You can also place two kiosks around it so those would give extra income as well. When you surround it with two kiosks and some pavilions, you will get insane income. It also gives you extra 5 points during the final scoring if you have filled your entire zoo.
And while you can place it anywhere on the map, I'd suggest just building around it as normal unless you really need two map bonuses that are on two sides of the map. The income it gives is usually much more important that spreading your buildings. Sometimes it's good for those map bonuses I mentioned though.
Nice guide!
Hurray 🎉
You keep using the term "turn 1." Is this all of the actions leading up to the first break? i.e. you say that Archaeologist can give you triple university on "Turn 1."
My friend group banned Silver lake cause it’s too good
you speack a lot too fast for non english soeaking native :)
Special enclosures remove the adjacent necessity of water/rock ... that's kind of the whole point.
That's incorrect. From the rules: "If an animal requires water and/or rock spaces next to its standard enclosure, the same requirement also applies to the respective special enclosure."
@@robinedwards6322 i become wiser everyday. Turns out we've been playing Ark Nova wrong with our boardgame group. Been playing a lot on BGA and will make sure to inform our group on the mistakes. Thank you for pointing it out.
the map balance looks so atrocious ... that's what turns me off from this game
Interesting tips but most of this game is tactical and situational. It's an exercise in doing the best you can with what you're given. Also, not sure how much I can take advice from someone who thinks draw is pronounced drawl!
Forget Ark Nova. Too busy, too Euro-gamey (solitaire with friends)
I'm waiting for The Flood!