Frontier Developments has officially announced Planet Zoo 2, the sequel to one of the most popular zoo management simulation games in recent years. The game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on October 13.
The original Planet Zoo built a strong fanbase because of its deep building systems, realistic animal behavior, and relaxing gameplay. With the sequel, Frontier seems to be focusing on bigger features that players have been requesting for years.
The biggest new addition is fully aquatic and fully flying animals.
For the first time in the series, players will be able to create large aquariums with aquatic species like reef sharks, turtles, and schools of fish. The game will also allow players to build proper aviaries for flying birds such as toucans and secretary birds.
This is a huge deal for longtime fans because aquatic animals and flying species were some of the most requested features from the community after the first game launched.
Frontier says the sequel also brings a major upgrade to animal realism and animations. Animals will now show more natural movement, emotions, and social behaviors. Herding, grazing, flying, swimming, and interactions with habitats are all being improved.
That realism matters a lot in simulation games like Planet Zoo because players often spend hundreds of hours simply designing habitats and observing animals instead of rushing through objectives.
Another major feature is the introduction of Wildlife Reserves. Instead of only building zoos, players can now create large conservation-focused ecosystems where animals can eventually be released into the wild.
This pushes the game closer toward wildlife conservation simulation rather than just park management. Frontier appears to be leaning heavily into the educational and environmental aspects of the franchise.
Creative players also seem to be getting more tools this time. The game includes new scenery themes, updated terrain tools, foliage brushes, flexible pathing systems, scaling tools, and the return of detailed piece-by-piece construction mechanics.
That construction freedom is one of the reasons the first game became so popular on YouTube and Twitch. Many players treat Planet Zoo almost like a creative sandbox game where they build incredibly detailed parks, hotels, waterfalls, and habitats.
The game will include multiple modes, including:
- Career Mode
- Franchise Mode
- Sandbox Mode
Franchise mode will once again allow players to trade animals with other players online.
The Frontier Workshop community-sharing system is also returning with cross-platform support. Players can download zoos, blueprints, and creations made by others.
For gamers who care about replayability, that community support is important because it keeps simulation games alive for years after launch.
Frontier has also opened pre-orders for the game.
The Standard Edition includes:
- Base game
- Bonus Content Pack
- Toucan Eat shop and signage
- Three donation bins
- Tiger photo stand-in wall
The Deluxe Edition adds:
- Six extra animal species
- Golden Eagle
- Golden Lion Tamarin
- Great Hammerhead Shark
- Axolotl
- Blue and Gold Fusilier
- Longfin Batfish
- Exclusive animal signs
The Standard Edition is priced at $49.99, while the Deluxe Edition costs $64.99.
