Planet Zoo 2 is officially coming later this year, and Frontier Developments is expanding the zoo management formula with new animal types, deeper building tools, improved simulations, and a stronger focus on conservation. The sequel launches on October 13, 2026, for PC, Xbox Series X and S, and PlayStation 5, with the standard edition priced at $49.99.
The original Planet Zoo launched in 2019 and became one of Frontier’s key management games, giving players detailed tools to design, build, and run animal parks. The sequel keeps that foundation but adds several features that fans have wanted for years.
The biggest addition is fully aquatic species. For the first time, players will be able to build aquariums and care for animals such as fish, sharks, turtles, and other water based species. This will add a new layer to zoo design because aquariums are not just visual attractions. Players will also need to manage filtration systems and diving teams to keep animals healthy and habitats running properly.
Birds are also getting a major upgrade. Planet Zoo 2 will let players build fully customizable aviaries with barriers, support poles, and dynamic mesh covers. These spaces will house new bird species that can fly freely around their habitats, making the zoo feel more alive and natural.
Wildlife reserves could become the sequel’s most important new feature
The most meaningful new system appears to be wildlife reserves. Players will be able to take part in global conservation projects and release animals directly into reserves. In return, they will earn research benefits that can support their zoo. These reserves can also be designed by players, with large spaces and plenty of room for customization.
This changes the tone of the game in an important way. Planet Zoo was already about animal welfare, habitat design, and education, but Planet Zoo 2 seems to push conservation closer to the center of the experience. Instead of only keeping animals inside a park, players will also be encouraged to support larger environmental projects.
| Feature | What Planet Zoo 2 adds |
|---|---|
| Aquatic species | Fish, sharks, turtles, and aquarium habitats |
| Aviaries | Custom bird habitats with free flying birds |
| Wildlife reserves | Conservation projects and animal releases |
| Building tools | Improved systems and blueprint support |
| Scenery themes | Four new themes added to the original five |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X and S, PS5 |
| Release date | October 13, 2026 |
Frontier is also improving the building system. A new blueprint system should make construction easier, especially for players who enjoy designing detailed habitats, guest areas, paths, and themed spaces. Zoo management systems are also being improved, though the studio has not shared every detail yet.
The animal simulation is another major focus. Frontier says species will have their own needs and behaviors, with returning favorites such as the African Lion and Western Chimpanzee joined by new animals. The studio is also promising more detail in fur, feathers, scales, breathing, and sound design.
PC players will need Windows 11, an Intel i7 8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB of RAM, an RTX 2060, RX 5600 XT, or Intel Arc A750, DirectX 12, and 40GB of SSD space.
Frontier plans to show more of Planet Zoo 2 soon, including appearances at Wholesome Direct on June 6 and the PC Gaming Show on June 7. For fans of management games, the sequel already looks like a bigger and more flexible version of the original, with aquariums and conservation reserves giving players new ways to build zoos that feel more alive.
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