# Gaia Project vs Ark Nova

The clearest difference is rating: Ark Nova at 4.8 against Gaia Project's 4.0. Ark Nova also leads on ratings volume (1.2K vs 39) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). Gaia Project's advantage is price ($9.99 vs $10.99). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Gaia Project costs $9.99 and Ark Nova $10.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Ark Nova holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ark Nova has 1.2K ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Gaia Project's written reviews are positive against 72% of Ark Nova's.

Gaia Project ships an update monthly, Ark Nova every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gaia Project | Ark Nova |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$9.99** | $10.99 |
| Rating | [4.0 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaia-project/id1572302140/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ark-nova/id6449233549/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 39 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 59.1% of reviews | **72.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #92 | **#26** |
| Size | 371 MB | 682 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [DIGIDICED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1044671795) | [Dire Wolf Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/815343758) |

## What reviewers say

### Gaia Project

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaia-project/id1572302140)

**Currently charting:** #92 Top Paid · Board (US App Store)

Embark on a strategic journey to colonize the galaxy by mastering terraforming. Each of the 14 unique factions has distinct environmental needs, driving the need to adapt planets for survival. This is the official digital adaptation of the acclaimed board game.

**Highlights:** 14 unique factions, Peaceful galactic colonization, Terraforming mechanics, Adaptable environmental needs, Official digital board game adaptation

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ark Nova

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

**Currently charting:** #26 Top Paid · Board, #87 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 Gaia Project free?

Gaia Project costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ark Nova free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Gaia Project or Ark Nova?

Ark Nova is rated higher. Gaia Project averages 4.0 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while Ark Nova averages 4.8 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do Gaia Project or Ark Nova have ads?

Neither Gaia Project nor Ark Nova shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Gaia Project or Ark Nova?

Gaia Project ships an update monthly, and Ark Nova every 2 weeks. Most recently, Gaia Project was updated on September 23, 2026 and Ark Nova on September 24, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Gaia Project or Ark Nova?

Gaia Project currently peaks at #92 in the App Store charts, and Ark Nova at #26. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

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