SEED GAME#2 BGG all-time

Ark Nova(2021)

★ 8.5 BGG1–4 players90 minWeight 3.80
ContractsEnd Game BonusesEvents

Games like Ark Nova

Looking for games like Ark Nova? It rewards players who think several moves deep through tight, interlocking systems — built on asymmetric powers that make your side play unlike any other and the chase to complete the right combinations. This page rounds up 12 of the closest alternatives, scored on mechanical overlap with the original (45%), complexity match (35%), and player-count fit (20%), then weighted by BoardGameGeek community ratings so every pick is one players genuinely rate. The strongest matches come first; the further down you go, the more a game trades exact overlap for a fresh take on the same core appeal.

How ISO scores this list:Mechanic overlap 45%·Complexity proximity 35%·Player-count fit 20%·BGG quality multiplier applied

12 recommendations · scored by ISO

Lock 'n Load Tactical: Heroes of the Motherland(2015)

★ 8.52 players playersWeight 3.5
ISO Match
98/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

Lock 'n Load Tactical: Heroes of North Africa(2017)

★ 8.52 players players120 minWeight 3.7
ISO Match
98/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

Cave Evil: Warcults(2016)

★ 8.22–12 players playersWeight 3.9
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hand Management

Hand ManagementHexagon GridOpen Drafting

Battle Above the Clouds(2010)

★ 8.21–2 players playersWeight 3.7
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

Sweet Lands(2025)

★ 8.21–4 players players100 minWeight 4.2
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon GridSolo / Solitaire GameTile Placement

Barbarossa: Army Group Center, 1941(1998)

★ 8.11–4 players playersWeight 4.0
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

Malifaux Rules Manual(2011)

★ 8.12 players players90 minWeight 3.8
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hand Management

Hand ManagementVariable Player Powers

Next War: Korea(2012)

★ 8.11–2 players playersWeight 4.3
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

Next War: Taiwan(2014)

★ 8.01–2 players playersWeight 4.3
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

The Battle of Monmouth(2008)

★ 7.92 players players240 minWeight 3.9
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

Kolin: Frederick's First Defeat – June 18, 1757(1994)

★ 7.91–2 players playersWeight 4.0
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

This Terrible Sound(2000)

★ 7.92–4 players playersWeight 3.8
ISO Match
97/100

Shares Hexagon Grid

Hexagon Grid

As an Amazon Associate, ISO earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability vary; ISO never displays prices. Affiliate links are marked rel="sponsored" per FTC guidelines.

IS

Get picks tuned to your shelf

This list is built from community data. Sign in to ISO and log what you own — your personal feed factors in your complexity preferences, play history, and the games already on your shelf.

Get personalized recommendations →

Free · no credit card · 2-minute setup

More recommendation lists