Developer Frontier has long been the leaders of the simulation genre, specifically when it comes to games where you build your own parks. Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, Jurassic Park Evolution and more, they are the undisputed kings of the genre. Today the studio has announced the next iteration of the critically acclaimed Planet Zoo series with Planet Zoo 2.
Planet Zoo 2 looks to expand on the first game, which launched on PC in 2019 and came to consoles in 2024. With a larger focus on conservation and even more animals and exhibits, Planet Zoo 2 is already looking like it will take the genre, and zoo building to new heights.
A big part of the conservation aspect will be that players can now take their conservation skills outside of the Zoo. Players will be able to restore natural habitats beyond their zoo walls and then release their animals to Wildlife reserves. This is significant and helps raise more awareness for conservation as unfortunately many animal species become endangered. Hopefully this can add meaningful discussion around the importance of conservation.
Inside the walls of your zoo, players will now have access to aquatic species and exhibits for the first time. Black-tipped Reef Sharks, Hawksbill Turtles, and colourful shoals of fish are just a handful of the fresh and saltwater animals coming to Planet Zoo 2.
And unlike many games that feature aquatic animals, this wont just be about plopping down a tank and adding animals. The tanks themselves will be fully customizable allowing players to make their zoo even more their own.
It’s not just aquatic animals heading to the zoo either. Aviaries will also be coming to the zoo bringing many vibrant birds such as the Toco Toucan and majestic Secretary Bird. Much like tanks, the Aviaries will also be fully customizable and certain exhibits will also allow for guests to walk through them.
Release Date & Pre-Order Information
As a huge fan of games like this, I simply cannot wait to see what Frontier has cooked up. And to that end, we don’t have to wait too long. Planet Zoo 2 will release October 13th, 2026. Additionally the game will be releasing simultaneously on PC and consoles with the Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 versions coming at launch.
The game will have a retail price of £39.99/$49.99/€49.99 for the Standard Edition, and £54.99/$64.99/€64.99 for the Deluxe Edition. For physical fans like myself there is no word on if Planet Zoo 2 will receive a physical release. Console did receive one after launch, so perhaps there’s hope.
Pre-orders are open now and players who pre-order will receive the Bonus Content Pack at launch, which includes the Toucan Eat Shop and Signage, three Unique Animal Donation Bins, and the Tiger Photo Stand-In Wall.
The Planet Zoo 2: Deluxe Edition, which bundles the Planet Zoo 2 base game alongside the Planet Zoo 2: Deluxe Upgrade Pack. This introduces an additional six animal species from across the globe, as well as a selection of exclusive animal signs to decorate their park.
You can see the full announce trailer below. We will also see more news about Planet Zoo at the Wholesome Showcase on June 6th and the PC Gaming Show on June 7th.
