Each player receives an ARK sheet, a pencil, and a secret objective card, with the main deck shuffled and placed at the center. Then take the remaining objective cards and deal four objectives that all players can score from. The game begins by flipping the first card, setting the stage for 40 rounds of strategic placement.

In ARKITECTS, players take turns flipping cards and strategically drawing animal pairs, fences, and hazards onto their ARK grid while ensuring balance and avoiding conflicts. Each decision shapes the Ark, challenging players to manage space and complete objectives before the final card is drawn.

Points are earned by creating adjacent animal pairs, completing objective cards, and filling rows and columns of the Ark. Unused spaces and misplaced hazards deduct points, making careful planning essential for victory.