# Ark Nova vs Hive® Game

The clearest difference is price: Hive® Game at Free against Ark Nova's $7.99. Ark Nova's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Hive® Game is free to download; Ark Nova costs $7.99 up front. Hive® Game sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Ark Nova asks for nothing beyond the download.

Ark Nova holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.2K and 280 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Ark Nova's written reviews are positive against 65% of Hive® Game's.

Ark Nova ships an update every 2 weeks, Hive® Game every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ark Nova | Hive® Game |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ark-nova/id6449233549/reviews)** | [4.5 (280 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hive-game/id6747834729/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 280 |
| Positive reviews | **72.4% of reviews** | 64.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#30** | — |
| Size | 682 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dire Wolf Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/815343758) | [GiantStep Kft.](https://appshunter.io/developer/557576540) |

## What reviewers say

### Ark Nova

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

**Currently charting:** #30 Top Paid · Board, #89 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


### Hive® Game

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hive-game/id6747834729)

Experience the award-winning strategy board game digitally. This app offers a faithful adaptation of the classic game, featuring challenging AI, all official expansions, and customizable visuals. Perfect for both new players and seasoned veterans.

**Highlights:** Official Hive® rules and design, Includes all three official expansions, Advanced RustyBlade™ AI, Adjustable difficulty for beginners, Video tutorial by game creator, Customizable visual settings, Local network play

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Elite Edition | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ark Nova free?

Ark Nova costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Hive® Game free?

Hive® Game is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Ark Nova or Hive® Game?

Ark Nova is rated higher. Ark Nova averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Hive® Game averages 4.5 from 280 ratings.

### Do Ark Nova or Hive® Game have ads?

Neither Ark Nova nor Hive® Game shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ark Nova or Hive® Game?

Ark Nova ships an update every 2 weeks, and Hive® Game every 11 days. Most recently, Ark Nova was updated on October 1, 2026 and Hive® Game on September 29, 2026.

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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.*