It’s been almost seven years since Planet Zoo, the successor to the iconic Y2K era Zoo Tycoon games, came out in 2019. Now, a sequel is coming soon, bringing with it even more detailed animals and environments than ever before, with fully customizable zoos for players to build from the ground up.
Here’s everything we know about Planet Zoo 2, including what’s new in the zoo, what’s included in deluxe editions, and which new species are coming in the sequel.
What is Planet Zoo 2?
Like the first Planet Zoo, this sequel is a zoo simulation game that allows players to build, run, and manage their very own zoo. From acquiring animals to building them the perfect habitat, Planet Zoo was well known for the attention to detail brought to every species and their unique needs.
Since Planet Zoo is a spiritual successor to Zoo Tycoon, the focus of the game has always been on running a successful zoo, which means attracting visitors and earning profit. The difference in this new generation of zoo management is the focus on conservation and giving animals the environments they deserve to thrive in.
What’s new in Planet Zoo 2?
For anyone that’s played the first Planet Zoo, it seems that the game nails every aspect of a zoo simulator anyone that grew up on Zoo Tycoon could ever want. Planet Zoo 2 is upping the ante in that respect by giving each species included in the game even more accurate behaviors and detail to make them come to life better than ever.
Gareth Hughes, Game Director at Frontier Developments, broke down the upgrades coming to animal behavior in the sequel. He wrote in a blog post, “Planet Zoo 2 features a living UI system with animals behaving differently depending on their current mood.”
“For example, our Tiger being lethargic if they’re unhappy with their environment, visually telling the player that they need to make a change. Throughout Planet Zoo 2’s development we’ve worked to ensure that all of our animals feel genuinely alive and have authentic behaviours and interactions.”
More species and conservation missions
Two major expansions are coming to Planet Zoo 2 too, as aquatic and flying animals will be included in the base game. For the first time, players can build habitats for species like Toco Toucans, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Hawksbill Turtles, and Secretarybirds. According to Hughes, “This is an area the team have been working on since day one, and a huge technical achievement, as both our birds and fish have full 3D navigation.”
With the introduction of a new cast of animals, Planet Zoo 2 is also putting a larger focus on conservation. Planet Zoo has always included plenty of education alongside entertainment in regards to endangered species and protecting wildlife, and now that idea is expanding even further in the sequel. While running their zoo, players can also take on conservation projects to eventually release their animals back into protected wildlife reservations.
Planet Zoo 2 release date and platforms
Planet Zoo 2 releases on October 13, 2026. Like the first game, it will be available on most current gen platforms – PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC.
There will be a physical disc version of the game available, but not on day one. A week later, on October 20, 2026, players can get their hands on discs for the PS5 and Xbox X/S.
Planet Zoo 2 preorder and deluxe editions
Planet Zoo 2 does have a deluxe edition and some preorder bonuses, but the benefits for players depend on how badly they want certain select species included in their zoo.
For preordering the base edition – priced at $49.99 USD – players will get a bonus content pack, including a tiger-themed photo wall for guests, a toucan-themed shop, and three animal shaped donation bins.
The deluxe edition – priced at $64.99 USD – includes the bonus content pack, as well as more intriguing extras, as six unique species are exclusive to this version. Those six are golden eagles, golden lion tamarins, blue and gold fusiliers, hammerhead sharks, longfin batfish, and axolotls – a species players have long requested. These animals come with exclusive signage for their exhibits.
