Ark Nova · Board game rules
When do I gain +1 reputation for playing an animal action?
Quick answer
You gain +1 reputation when playing an Animal card with a reputation-increasing effect or when using the upgraded Animals action with strength ≥2.
Details
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Animal card effects: Some Animal cards explicitly grant +1 reputation when played. This is indicated on the card itself, typically in the lower-right corner or as part of its effect. For example, if an Animal card states "Increase reputation by 1," this effect is triggered immediately when the card is played, provided all conditions are met [p.11 — ANIMALS].
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Upgraded Animals action: If you have upgraded your Animals Action card to side II, performing the action with a strength (T) of at least 2 allows you to increase your zoo’s reputation by 1 at the beginning of the action. This bonus applies regardless of the Animal cards played during that action [p.13 — ANIMALS].
Watch out:
- Reputation gains from Animal cards are not automatic for all animals; only specific cards include this effect. Always check the card’s text and icons.
- The upgraded Animals action’s reputation bonus is separate from any effects on the Animal cards themselves. It is applied before resolving the rest of the action.
If no Animal card is played during the action (e.g., due to insufficient resources or conditions), the reputation gain from the upgraded action still occurs, but no Animal card effects are triggered.