Games like Ark Nova
Looking for games like Ark Nova? You want that long, multi-pronged engine build where conservation projects, animal cards, and association actions all compete for attention. Terraforming Mars is the natural first recommendation — similar length, similar hand-heavy card drafting, and the same satisfaction of watching scattered purchases resolve into a working economy by final scoring. Everdell keeps the tableau-building pleasure in a shorter, lighter frame for mixed groups, while Great Western Trail: Second Edition offers comparable density on a smaller footprint, with route-planning replacing habitat layout. All three lean on hand management, variable set-up, and end-game bonuses that reward early specialisation. If Ark Nova's two-track scoring clicks for you, those three tend to land in the same spot. Here are the highest-scoring matches our engine surfaces for Ark Nova players.
— BoardMatch team
- 1
Terraforming Marsshares contracts (+9 more mechanics) · weight 3.3
62match - 2
Everdellshares contracts (+8 more mechanics) · weight 2.8
62match - 3
Great Western Trail: Second Editionshares hand management (+5 more mechanics) · similar weight (3.7)
59match - 4
Great Western Trail: New Zealandshares hand management (+4 more mechanics) · similar weight (4.0)
58match - 5
Maracaiboshares contracts (+8 more mechanics) · similar weight (3.9)
57match - 6
Barrageshares contracts (+5 more mechanics) · similar weight (4.1)
56match - 7
Cascadiashares end game bonuses (+5 more mechanics) · weight 1.8
56match - 8
Great Western Trailshares hand management (+3 more mechanics) · similar weight (3.7)
55match - 9
Anachronyshares contracts (+7 more mechanics) · similar weight (4.0)
55match - 10
Brass: Birminghamshares end game bonuses (+5 more mechanics) · similar weight (3.9)
54match - 11
Star Wars: Rebellionshares contracts (+6 more mechanics) · similar weight (3.8)
54match - 12
The Castles of Burgundyshares end game bonuses (+6 more mechanics) · weight 3.0
54match