Ark Nova Expansions Guide: Marine Worlds, Zoo Map Packs & Sanctuary
Ark Nova has a compact expansion line. Marine Worlds is the main boxed gameplay expansion, while Zoo Map Pack 1 and Zoo Map Pack 2 add new zoo layouts and map-specific mechanisms. Sanctuary is a separate standalone game and should not be treated as an Ark Nova expansion.
Marine Worlds
Marine Worlds introduces sea animals and aquariums, a new special enclosure type. It also adds more Zoo cards, scoring cards and bonus tiles.
The expansion changes action-card variety too: the five original action-card types gain alternate versions, and players replace two normal action cards with alternates during setup.
New University
Marine Worlds adds a University that gives guaranteed access to an animal icon of your choice, creating another way to satisfy card requirements.
Zoo Map Pack 1
Zoo Map Pack 1 adds two double-sided zoo maps: Map #9 Geographical Zoo and Map #10 Rescue Station. Each side introduces a new layout and map-specific mechanism.
This product changes starting geography rather than adding a full expansion rules system.
Zoo Map Pack 2
Zoo Map Pack 2 adds five new zoo-map layouts with new keywords and Animal Abilities. It includes the 2024 World Series of Board Gaming Tournament Map and is explicitly compatible with Marine Worlds.
Is Sanctuary an Ark Nova expansion?
No. Feuerland lists Sanctuary as its own 1–5 player standalone game. It shares the zoo-building theme but uses a tile-based design and does not require Ark Nova.
Which Ark Nova expansion should you get first?
Marine Worlds is the clear first expansion because it adds new animals, enclosures, action-card variants and scoring content directly to the core game. The Zoo Map Pack is better as a smaller follow-up once you mainly want new layouts.
Detailed Ark Nova expansion guides
Related guides
Publisher sources
- Capstone Games: Marine Worlds
- Capstone Games: Zoo Map Pack 1
- Capstone Games: Zoo Map Pack 2
- Feuerland Spiele: Sanctuary
Product line checked September 2026.