# Codenames vs Ark Nova

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Ark Nova at none against Codenames's 1. Codenames's advantage is price ($4.99 vs $10.99). On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Codenames costs $4.99 and Ark Nova $10.99 up front. Codenames sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Ark Nova asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Codenames against 4.8 for Ark Nova. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.2K and 1.3K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 66% of Codenames's written reviews are positive against 73% of Ark Nova's.

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, Ark Nova every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codenames | Ark Nova |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $10.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames-word-board-game/id1055650930/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ark-nova/id6449233549/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.2K | **1.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 66.0% of reviews | **73.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#15** | #40 |
| Size | 221 MB | 682 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) | [Dire Wolf Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/815343758) |

## What reviewers say

### Codenames

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames-word-board-game/id1055650930)

**Currently charting:** #15 Top Paid · Board, #21 Top Paid · Puzzle, #169 Top Paid · Games (US App Store)

Engage in a strategic word game of deduction and teamwork. Give one-word clues to help your team guess associated words before the opposing team. Enjoy a blend of casual fun and deep thinking with turn-based multiplayer matches.

**Highlights:** Turn-based multiplayer, One-word clue system, Teamwork and deduction, Multiple game modes, Spymaster and Operative roles, Logic and creativity challenges

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Krycí jména: Duet | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and intuitive gameplay
- 🎨 Excellent visual design
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🕹️ Engaging single-player modes
- 🤝 Enjoyable multiplayer experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Long wait times for other players
- 🌐 Connectivity issues and server problems
- 🌍 Cultural differences and language barriers
- 🔒 Restrictive clue-giving rules
- 🤖 Jury system allowing questionable words

**Reported bugs**

- Initial launch with only Czech language support
- Occasional app crashes and server disconnections

**Requested features**

- Add Codenames Duet mode
- Implement AI/bot players for faster games
- Allow custom word packs and themes
- Add a 'speed mode' for faster gameplay
- Improve the jury system to maintain game integrity


### Ark Nova

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ark-nova/id6449233549)

**Currently charting:** #40 Top Paid · Board, #107 Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)

Design and manage a modern zoo to support global conservation efforts. Build enclosures, house animals, and utilize unique cards for special abilities. Compete to create the most successful zoological establishment.

**Highlights:** Plan and design a modern zoo, Build enclosures and accommodate animals, Support global conservation projects, Utilize 255 unique cards (animals, specialists, projects), Upgrade action cards for gameplay, Increase zoo appeal and scientific reputation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great implementation overall
- 👍 Lots of fun
- 👍 Good animations
- 👍 Choice of modes
- 👍 Clean, modern and enjoyable design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Tile placement/rotation issues on iPad
- 🐛 Building placement UI issues
- 👎 Difficult to read board state on mobile
- 👎 Lack of simultaneous view for key game info
- 👎 Cumbersome to create games with friends

**Reported bugs**

- iPad Flash exit issue
- Rewards screen being blocked by other UI elements

**Requested features**

- Option to enable larger UI buttons for modal panels
- Full screen mode
- Option to reverse zoom direction
- Improved card readability/zoom


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codenames free?

Codenames costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Ark Nova free?

Ark Nova costs $10.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Codenames or Ark Nova?

Ark Nova is rated higher. Codenames averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Ark Nova averages 4.8 from 1.3K ratings.

### Do Codenames or Ark Nova have ads?

Neither Codenames nor Ark Nova shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Codenames or Ark Nova?

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, and Ark Nova every 3 weeks. Most recently, Codenames was updated on November 13, 2026 and Ark Nova on November 12, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Codenames or Ark Nova?

Codenames currently peaks at #15 in the App Store charts, and Ark Nova at #40. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*