In Nova Era, players lead civilisations from tribal beginnings to scientific empires through history. Players develop technology, expand territories, and recruit historical figures while facing threats from rivals, disasters, and potential dark ages.

The goal is building the greatest civilisation by choosing technologies, territories, and personalities from the tableau. Players score through technology diversity and card objectives.

Players draft and spend dice for resources and bonuses, managing civil unrest and natural disasters. Unused dice advance disaster tracks. After three eras, the most prosperous civilisation wins!