# Ark Nova vs Gem Merchant

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Ark Nova at 72% against Gem Merchant's 25%. Ark Nova also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (1.2K vs 1). Gem Merchant's advantage is price (Free vs $10.99). On update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Gem Merchant is free to download; Ark Nova costs $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 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ark Nova has 1.2K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Ark Nova's written reviews are positive against 25% of Gem Merchant's.

Ark Nova ships an update every 2 weeks, Gem Merchant fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ark Nova | Gem Merchant |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $10.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ark-nova/id6449233549/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-merchant/id6748193480/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **72.4% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#27** | — |
| Size | 682 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dire Wolf Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/815343758) | [梦成 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1821210608) |

## What reviewers say

### Ark Nova

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

**Currently charting:** #27 Top Paid · Board, #85 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


### Gem Merchant

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-merchant/id6748193480)

A digital adaptation of a classic two-player card game focused on strategic gem collection and prestige. Manage resources, acquire development cards, and attract nobles to earn points and win.

**Highlights:** Classic board game digitalization, Strategic gem collection, Two-player battle mode (online/local), Diverse strategic options, Exquisite visual design, Easy to learn, deep strategy

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ark Nova free?

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

### Is Gem Merchant free?

Gem Merchant is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Ark Nova or Gem Merchant?

Ark Nova is rated higher. Ark Nova averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Gem Merchant averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Ark Nova or Gem Merchant have ads?

Neither Ark Nova nor Gem Merchant shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ark Nova or Gem Merchant?

Ark Nova ships an update every 2 weeks, and Gem Merchant fortnightly. Most recently, Ark Nova was updated on September 27, 2026 and Gem Merchant on September 21, 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.*