Planet Zoo 2 (from Frontier Developments) is out today digitally on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Physical console copies follow on October 20. It’s the long-awaited sequel to the 2019 hit, and the first time the series launches day-one on consoles as well as PC.
Key New Features
- Fully aquatic species and aquariums — Custom freshwater/saltwater tanks with underwater viewing, tunnels, and proper water-column behavior. Examples include Blacktip Reef Sharks, Hawksbill Turtles, and various fish.
- Flying birds and aviaries — Customizable aviaries with mesh canopies so birds can actually fly. Confirmed species include Toco Toucan, Secretarybird, Golden Eagle, and others.
- Wildlife Reserves — Expand beyond the zoo by releasing animals into large, customizable natural ecosystems for conservation projects.
- Improved animal visuals, behaviors, and detail (fur, feathers, scales, animations).
- Better building tools, new scenery themes, and quality-of-life improvements over the original.
The roster is large (over 100 species confirmed across land, air, and water). Modes include Career, Franchise, and Sandbox.
Price & Editions
- Standard Edition: ~$49.99
- Deluxe Edition: ~$64.99 — adds six extra species (Golden Eagle, Golden Lion Tamarin, Great Hammerhead Shark, Axolotl, Blue and Gold Fusilier, Longfin Batfish) plus exclusive animal signs.
- Pre-orders of either include a Bonus Content Pack (Toucan Eat shop, donation bins, tiger photo stand-in, etc.).
Twitch Drops are also available around launch for cosmetic items (avatar clothing themed around animals like toucans, tigers, and hawksbills).
Early Reviews
Scores so far are strongly positive:
- Metro: 8/10
- Checkpoint Gaming: 9/10
- DualShockers: 9/10
- TMI 9/10
- Insider Gaming: 10/10 (calling it a new high bar for the genre)
Praise focuses on the detail of the animals, the new aquariums/aviaries, the conservation/reserves layer, and the depth of the management systems.
Common notes are that it can feel overwhelming at first (like the original) and that some enclosure setup remains fiddly.
Metacritic aggregate is still building as of this morning.
Overall, it’s shaping up as a substantial upgrade that finally delivers the aquatic and flying animals fans have wanted for years, while expanding the conservation side of the experience.
If you liked the original Planet Zoo, this is the natural next step.
