Sanctuary
Sanctuary at your next game night?
Add Sanctuary to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Mathias Wigge
- Publisher Feuerland Spiele , Capstone Games , Cranio Creations , Game Harbor , Gémklub
- Illustration Dennis Lohausen , Christof Tisch , Felix Wermke
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In Sanctuary, you design a modern, scientifically managed zoo using 135 unique tiles representing animals, buildings, and projects. Players combine these on a hexagon grid to achieve conservation goals and attract visitors. Gameplay is driven by four action cards whose power depends on their position. Based on Ark Nova, Sanctuary simplifies and modifies many mechanisms for a fresh experience.
Who Is This Game For?
Sanctuary targets experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy strategic environmental themes. With about 100 minutes playtime and a solo mode, it requires patience and some prior gaming experience, making it less suitable for families with younger children.
How It Works
You manage your turns via an Action Queue of four cards, with their position determining action strength. Through Hand Management and Open Drafting, you select zoo tiles from forest, rock, and water habitats to place on a hex grid. Set Collection and Tableau Building mechanics help create synergies among your animals, buildings, and projects to build a successful zoo.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Mathias Wigge, Sanctuary is a standalone game based on Ark Nova that elegantly simplifies its complex mechanics. Its unique blend of Action Queue and Hand Management combined with an ecological theme sets it apart. While not yet awarded, it belongs to the Ark Nova family and features Tableau Building gameplay.
Awards
2026
2026
Pro
- Modern zoo theme with focus on conservation
- Included solo mode for single players
- Innovative use of Action Queue and Hand Management
- Based on Ark Nova but more accessible
Contra
- Relatively long playtime around 100 minutes
- Requires some experience to master mechanics
- Not suitable for younger children (12+ recommended)
Setting & atmosphere
The game is set in a modern, scientifically managed zoo focused on animal conservation. It blends themes of animals, environment, and territory building within an ecological context.
Tips for beginners
Focus on understanding how the action cards and their sequence influence your gameplay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Sanctuary includes a solo mode for single-player gameplay.
How long does a game really take?
A game takes about 100 minutes, making it a longer session suitable for an evening.
What prior experience do I need?
It is aimed at experienced players aged 12 and up who are comfortable with strategic games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Sanctuary is based on Ark Nova but simplifies many mechanics, offering a more accessible yet strategic experience.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and age recommendation, it is better suited for experienced players than for young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Action Queue and Hand Management on a hex grid with set collection makes Sanctuary unique.
Fazit
Sanctuary is recommended for players seeking an environmental strategy game with moderate complexity. Fans of Ark Nova will appreciate its more accessible but still strategic gameplay.
Sanctuary at your next game night?
Add Sanctuary to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Sanctuary to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
