- The Second Ark Nova Digital Championship Test Event is Now Live! - 17 September 2026
The second Test Event for the Ark Nova Digital Championship is now live! We’ve collected a lot of valuable data and feedback from the first Test Event, and we will be implementing various changes into this one for a smoother experience. If you’re unfamiliar with the Ark Nova Digital Championship and the previous Test Event, be sure to check out our original announcement here!Test Event #2 - SummaryTest Event #2 opened up today at 9am PT, and it will run in two stages. Stage 1 will be the qualifying period, and it will last for roughly two and a half days. The Top 16 scoring players from this period will then advance to Stage 2 into a semi-finals round, and the winners from each of those games will advance to the Finals.TimingTest Event #2 Appears In-Game: Tue, Sep 15 (10am PT)Stage 1 Starts: Thu, Sep 17 (9am PT)Stage 1 Queue Closes: Sat, Sep 19 (5pm PT)Stage 1 Results Finalized, Winners…
- The Ark Nova Championship Test Event #2 Begins on Thursday! - 12 September 2026
The second Test Event for the Ark Nova Digital Championship will soon be underway! We’ve collected a lot of valuable data and feedback from the first Test Event, and we will be implementing various changes to the next one for a smoother experience. If you’re unfamiliar with the Ark Nova Digital Championship and the previous Test Event, be sure to check out our original announcement here!Test Event #2 - SummaryTest Event #2 will begin on Thursday, September 17th at 9am PT, and it will run in two stages. Stage 1 will be the qualifying period, and it will last for roughly two and a half days. The Top 16 scoring players from this period will then advance to Stage 2 into a semi-finals round, and the winners from each of those games will advance to the Finals.TimingTest Event #2 Appears In-Game: Tue, Sep 15 (10am PT)Stage 1 Starts: Thu, Sep 17 (9am PT)Stage 1 Queue Closes: Sat, Sep 19 (5pm PT…
- Announcing the Ark Nova Digital Championship Series! - 27 August 2026
We're excited to unveil the first-ever Ark Nova Digital Championship Series, a multi-stage competition that will give players the opportunity to compete against the best players in the game and ultimately qualify for the Ark Nova World Championship next year in Berlin!Test Event - Live Today!Before the official qualifiers begin, we are hosting an open Test Event using the same structure as the Championship Qualifiers. Thursday, 8/27: 10am PST - 11pm PSTFriday, 8/28: 10am PST - 1pm PST (Open to the Top 16 from Day 1, actual closing time may vary)This event will give everyone a chance to experience the format and help us prepare for the season ahead. This will also be your opportunity to provide feedback on map selection, game settings, and other event details before the official qualifiers begin. You can report your feedback here on Steam, or join the Dire Wolf Discord where we currently…
- Ark Nova Digital 1.1.1 Patch Notes - 27 August 2026
Today’s Ark Nova Digital patch introduces the Event Tab in preparation for testing upcoming Tournament functionality, as well as improvements and bug fixes across the app.Join the Ark Nova Digital Championship Test Event!Click on the new Events tab in the Online modes to join the Ark Nova Digital Championship Test Event! The event runs today, August 27th, with the top 16 scoring players moving onto Day 2, which will be live tomorrow. For more information about the digital championship and the test event, be sure to check out our website!Bug FixesCards in hand are no longer hidden by the Upgrades area when taking Association actionsPerceptions stinger no longer reveals which card(s) were chosen.Okapi Stable now indicates the card it played in the action log.Fixed some Japanese localization errors.Fixed the Italian localization for Polar Bear Exhibit.Fixed a few areas where localization k…
- Steam Board Game Fest! - 26 January 2026
Get ready to roll some digital dice, because the Steam Board Game Fest has begun, and Dire Wolf games are available at a discount from now until February 2nd! With online play, solo modes, AI opponents, unique challenge scenarios, achievements to chase, and much more, digital board games are a great way to experience your favorite tabletop classics in new ways outside of game night. Don't miss this chance to add more titles to your virtual shelves!Save 30% on Dune: Imperium Digital!Power over spice is power over all – stake your claim on Arrakis in the award-winning board game of strategy and intrigue in the iconic universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune! You'll also find the Rise of Ix expansion on sale for 20% off! Expand the imperium with mighty Dreadnoughts, powerful Ixian technology, and more. Save an Additional 10% with the Dune: Imperium Digital Bundle! Featuring Dune: Imperium, Rise of…
- Ark Nova Digital 1.0.3 Patch Notes - 7 July 2025
Today’s Ark Nova Digital patch introduces various improvements and bug fixes.Bug FixesRevised expand/collapse behavior for windows during various selections.Window and modal sizes, positions, and layering should now appear correctly across the UI.Various localization issues should now be fixed.Archaeologist should now properly trigger for placement bonuses on the alternate Research Institute map.The Research Mission heroic challenge should no longer cause a loss of $10 when saving and rejoining.Naturalist Zoo should now clearly reflect its current status.Viewing an opponent’s zoo with the Red Tape malus should no longer affect the donation cost display in your own zoo.Card hints in the tutorial should now be clearer and more helpful.Transition visuals to the landing screen should now display correctly.Zoom speed on tablets should now be quicker.Close-ups should now be viewable even whil…
- Ark Nova Digital 1.0.2 Patch Notes - 25 June 2025
Today’s update focuses on a series of minor bug fixes for in-game text and preventing a locked state. Bug FixesFixed a non-English localization issue in the prompt for Release projectsFixed a localization issue in the prompt for the special enclosure project bonusFixed issues in the tutorial where the player could close a window in which they were making a selection and be unable to proceedKnown IssuesA French description for Polar Bear Exhibit is incorrect.An Italian description for Reptile Month is incorrect.Localization issue in non-English languages with the button that returns the viewer to their own zoo (when they are viewing an opponent’s zoo)The HUD does not display 2+ Multiplier tokens on actions.An opponent viewing the zoo of a player with the Red Tape malus will see the cost of a donation as though they themselves were affected by itArchitectural Zoo and Naturalist Zoo do not…
- Ark Nova Digital 1.0 Patch Notes - 19 June 2025
It’s a big day for Ark Nova Digital, as the Early Access period officially comes to an end with Patch 1.0! Today’s patch addresses a handful of issues, and brings Ark Nova Digital to mobile devices!New Features and ImprovementsArk Nova Digital is now available on iOS and Android devices!Bug FixesAction log now shows Endgame scoring.Hotkeys used for rotating buildings now function as expected.Viewing an opponent’s zoo in the tutorial no longer softlocks the user.Heavy Equipment Operator scoring modifier no longer has missing text. Known IssuesStatistics for upgrading action cards are not updated in the Player Stats.In Solo games, Players can’t Flock animals from the display.An Italian description for Reptile Month is incorrect.The HUD does not display 2+ Multiplier tokens on actions. We appreciate your continued support and feedback throughout the Ark Nova Digital Early Access period! If…
- Ark Nova Digital Patch 0.10 - 6 June 2025
Today’s 0.10 patch introduces many improvements and community-requested features, in preparation for leaving Early Access soon.Major Updates!Challenge yourself against the Malus!Want an extra challenge? Enable the Malus feature to introduce an additional obstacle to overcome.With Malus active, you'll choose one of two drawbacks during setup from a pool of 11 possibilities.You can even apply Malus selectively, allowing some players to take on the challenge while others play without it—perfect for balancing different skill levels.Dire Wolf Game RoomArk Nova is now a part of the free Game Room app, making it easier than ever to find games and connect with friends. Check out the Dire Wolf Game Room on Steam!UX ImprovementsAdded top-level size indicators for modified standard enclosures.Added tooltips for Constriction and Venom tokens.Added a Break triggered stinger.Improved visualization fo…
- Ark Nova Digital Patch 0.9.10 - 30 April 2025
Today’s patch addresses a handful of gameplay fixes for issues identified by the player community. Bug Fixes The Sponsor Magnet ability should now trigger immediately when the animal with it is played. Adding a Multiplier token to an action that is being taken should no longer cause it to trigger immediately. You should no longer be able to use Breeding Program/Global Breeding Program to support conservation projects that did not start the game in the Association area. The number of rocks required to support the second level of Geological has been fixed. Known Issues When you play to the middle slot of Predator Breeding Program, the Deferred ability says you are gaining 1 Rep. You actually gain 2 as the card indicates. When you sell a card at the end of your turn with Commercial Harbor, and have a Venom token, it is applied twice. As always, if you run into trouble or need any help, ple…
- Ark Nova Digital Patch 0.9.6 - 11 April 2025
Today’s patch addresses a handful of small fixes for issues identified by the player community. Bug Fixes The effects of Diversity Researcher and Research Institute should now work at the same time when playing animals. Covering a placement bonus and then undoing should no longer result in being unable to gain that bonus. Individual windows should no longer get “stuck” on opponents when switching between views. Added a hover state to clarify that the Score track can be collapsed by selecting the header. Fixed localization issues in the Action Log. Venom tokens should now only be in effect if they were on your action(s) at the start of your turn (relevant for the Contagion Challenge). Known Issues Players are awarded a conservation bonus when rocks and water are covered in the Diversity Research challenge (rather than at end of game). As always, if you run into trouble or need any help,…
- Ark Nova Digital Patch 0.9.5 - 4 April 2025
Today’s patch addresses a handful of small fixes for issues identified by the player community. Bug Fixes Biodiverse Zoo will now correctly check the player before you in turn order instead of after. Special Exhibits which give you a building at the start of the game should now consistently trigger. Migration Recording will now only work while in play, not in your hand. The Undo button now has the correct tooltip. Open windows are now consistently preserved upon resuming a game. Fixed multiple localization issues with the Special Exhibits. Fixed a localization issue with warning pop-ups. Fixed the positioning of the Special Exhibit Leaderboard. Known Issues When you have both Diversity Researcher and have connected the Research Institute on the map of the same name, you can't use both effects on the same animal. Players are awarded a conservation bonus when rocks and water are covered i…
- Ark Nova Digital Patch 0.9.4 - 18 March 2025
Today’s patch addresses a handful of small fixes for issues identified by the player community. Bug Fixes Standard enclosures are no longer component limited. Using Undo at certain times will no longer remove Quarantine Lab’s protection. Fixed localization issue with Boost: Association effect. Resized chat window to avoid overlapping buttons on the game results screen. Clarified the flow for declining an optional effect during the Break. Hotkeys will no longer be triggered while typing in chat. Tweaked AI evaluation of special enclosures. Updated the text for the game setting which reduces animations for opponent actions. Fixed visual issue with Biodiverse Zoo. Fixed card hinting issue with Digging. Fixed localization issue with the Heavy Equipment Operator rules mod. Fixed issue where Waza Small Animal Program wasn’t interacting correctly with Flocking. Fixed issue where Expert on Euro…
- Ark Nova Digital Patch 0.9.3 - 10 March 2025
Today’s patch addresses a handful of small fixes for issues identified by the player community. Bug Fixes Removed the white box which would sometimes appear on the Player History. Players will no longer be prompted to use the Commercial Harbor map ability when they first connect to it or after they complete an action (they can still activate it manually). The headers for each area now provide visual feedback to indicate that they can be selected to collapse that area The Research Institute is now visible on the map during map selection. Known Issues The “Disable Opponent Animations” toggle is misleading. The toggle turns off opponent action presentation, not animations. The “Heavy Equipment Operator” scoring mod displays as a text string in the rewards screen. Pressing “.” in chat incorrectly removes you from a game lobby. As always, if you run into trouble or need any help, please drop…
- Ark Nova Digital Patch 0.9.2 - 6 March 2025
Today’s patch introduces Polish-language support, and addresses a number of minor bugs and improvements. Witaj w grze! New Support for Polish localization has been added. Bug Fixes Fixed various cases where card icons could appear overlapping or obscured. Increased the resolution of artworks on thumbnail card displays. The lobby will now default to the game browser when you have no active games. Fixed an issue where the game could crash when playing on the Commercial Harbor map. Veterinarian will now grant the correct amount of money when played. Challenge info will no longer appear when spectating opponent zoos (since the special rules apply to the player only). The highlight indicating when you are on the last turn of the game should no longer overlap UI elements. Added missing localization for Association Reputation animation Known Issues The Appeal/Conservation track cannot be colla…
- Ark Nova Digital 0.9 Patch Notes - 3 March 2025
Greetings, fellow zookeepers! We have a number of new features, bug fixes, and free bonus content to announce with this patch. New Features Promo Cards Two new promo cards—Promotion Team and Capybara—have been added to the game! Animal Avatars By popular request, a dozen animal avatars have been added to the game. From the regal lion to the playful dusky leaf monkey, there’s an animal for every mood. Alternative Map Pack Spice up your games with eight new variant maps, each offering a fresh take on familiar zoo theme. UI Scale Based on community feedback, UI scale options have been added to settings, allowing you to adjust HUD element sizes to your preference. AI Improvements Over a dozen AI improvements have been made, and the AI is now more strategic than ever! Make sure to try out the Unfair, Expert, and Legendary settings if you want an even greater challenge. Additional Features Ad…
- Ark Nova 0.8.4 Patch Notes - 29 January 2025
Greeting, fellow zookeepers! We’re feeding the animals, cleaning up the spaces, and spraying those pesky bugs to ensure the smoothest gameplay! Bug Fixes Gameplay Special enclosures should now enforce water and rock requirements when trying to move animals into them. Federal Grants should now correctly grant the Conservation Bonus if the user meets the reputation requirement. Easy AI should now properly reflect its intended difficulty. UI Fixed an issue in the Tight Schedule challenge where players couldn't use X-tokens to take a different action if their Association action was on 5 and they had no workers. Fixed an issue where restarting a Challenge wouldn't properly load Challenge conditions. Your avatar and color selections will now appear in the game for Challenges. Miscellaneous improvements to the tutorial. Localization Miscellaneous localization corrections. Thank you for your co…
- Ark Nova .8.3 Patch Notes - 19 December 2024
Here’s one present you get to unwrap early! We’ve got our final patch of the year jingling your way, complete with bug fixes and more. Huzzah! Bug Fixes Competitive map mode (where players are given the same random advanced map) is now called “Mirrored”. The Breeding Program and Global Breeding Program Sponsor cards can now be used together to support a base conservation project. Each player gets a final turn when the endgame is triggered during a break. Aquarium should now correctly give 4 appeal when played. When releasing an animal, players are able to choose which enclosure to empty when multiple are valid. When moving animals into a Reptile House, the correct number of enclosures are now emptied. Players should now gain income abilities of cards which were played during that break. The Explorer Challenge now recognizes icons from sources other than animal cards for the purposes of…
- Ark Nova .8.2 Hotfix - 10 December 2024
We’ve got another hotfix today to help smooth out your gaming experience! Unleash the wild! Fixes Gameplay: Enclosures should now always move as expected when using a Gamepad. Gameplay: Sponsorship cards should no longer track values as money. Gameplay: When the map is completely covered, the Architectural Zoo final scoring card should now grant a 1 Conservation bonus at end of the game. Gameplay: When a player uses the Pouch ability given by map and then undoes the action, the player should now get the cards they pouched back (specific to undoing the Conservation Project). Gameplay: Players can no longer perform the same Association action twice in the same action. Client: The space next to the commercial Harbor should now be able to be selected. Gameplay: Sponsor Ability should now trigger Primates income correctly. Gameplay: Geologist should now give Appeal correctly for Rock icons.…
- Ark Nova .8.1 Hotfix - 7 December 2024
Thank you everyone for a great first day of Early Access for Ark Nova Digital! The team has been hard at work, and we have a quick hotfix for you to fix a few key issues! Fixes Gameplay: If you use the Hunter ability and wind up with all non-animal cards, those should now be discarded. Gameplay: Expert in small animals should now count Petting Zoo Animals for its 3 money discount. Client: Players should now be able to decline Optional actions when resolving them. Client: Players should now be able to select Player in Chat, Add Friend, or Block. Client: Using Undo after resuming a match should no longer result in blank window Client: Tooltip related to the Digging ability should now be localized. Steam Deck: Tapping a text entry field should now bring up the keyboard and a Please Enter Text prompt. Steam Deck: You should now be able to close the Create Account button with the B button. S…
