In Ark Nova you plan and build a modern, scientifically managed zoo. You build enclosures according to the animals’ way of life and support conservation projects to ensure the preservation of animal species. Gathering diverse animals increases the attractiveness of your zoo, advancing you on the Appeal track and generating higher revenues. Likewise, careful stewardship of the animals allows you to support conservation projects, such as breeding programs, that lead to your advancement on the Conservation track and corresponding bonuses. These two tracks progress in opposite directions – if your counters meet, the game ends. Whoever achieves the best combination of appeal and conservation has built the most successful zoo and wins the game. Association work in different zoo associations allows you to partner with zoos and universities around the world. Together, with specialists and sponsors, they will help you manage the various tasks needed to achieve your goals.
 
MArine Worlds expansion adds a new type of animals to your zoos: sea animals. To accommodate them, you will have to build aquariums, a new kind of special enclosure.
A new university allows you guaranteed access to 1 animal icon of your choice (while supplies last).
For all Action cards there are now 4 alternate versions with small bonuses. Replace 2 of your Action cards with alternate versions at the start of a game to give yourself a familiar, but different game.
Also, this expansion comes with new Zoo cards, Final Scoring cards and Bonus tiles to mix with those from the base game.
And lastly it contains individual counters for the 3 tracks and, for each color, a set of 7 animals to use for supporting conservation projects instead of the regular player tokens.