For years now Planet Zoo fans have been after the chance to build a great aquarium. Well in your face Sea Life, Frontier has finally listened.
- Horse walks into a bar – barman says, ‘Why the long face?’
- When is Planet Zoo 2 coming out?
- What platforms is Planet Zoo 2 coming to?
- Oh Cod! Aquariums finally arrive
- Aviaries and flying animals
- Improved Animal Behaviour
- Conservation plays a bigger role
- Cohabitation is returning
- Which animals have been confirmed?
- Planet Zoo 2 Editions
The developer has officially unveiled Planet Zoo 2, with the sequel set to launch on October 13, 2026, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. While the original game eventually made its way to consoles, this time, everyone gets to join the wholesome fun of dung shovelling from day one. Well, unless you’re on Nintendo, in which case nothing has been confirmed around any kind of Switch 2 release at this point, at least.
And yes, the fish people got their wish.
Aquariums are the big headline addition, but they’re not the only new toy in the box. Planet Zoo 2 is also introducing aviaries, flying animals, and a wider range of aquatic species, giving zoo builders far more freedom than they had in the original game.
Horse walks into a bar – barman says, ‘Why the long face?’
The sequel definitely sounds more focused on expanding the series than just a bog-standard reboot. The first Planet Zoo built a dedicated audience by offering a level of detail that bordered on obsession, from animal welfare and breeding programs to guest education and conservation work. Planet Zoo 2 seems to be taking that foundation and adding entire new categories of animals and habitats on top to play around with.
One area Frontier is particularly keen to highlight is animal behaviour. Creatures are said to react more naturally to their surroundings, with clearer visual cues when they’re thriving, or more importantly, when they’re not. Rather than digging through menus to discover why a habitat isn’t working, players should be able to spot problems through the animals themselves.
When is Planet Zoo 2 coming out?
Planet Zoo 2 is scheduled to launch on October 13, 2026.
Unlike the original game, which spent several years as a PC exclusive before arriving on consoles, Planet Zoo 2 is launching simultaneously across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox.
At the time of writing, Frontier has not announced a Nintendo Switch 2 version.
What platforms is Planet Zoo 2 coming to?
Frontier has confirmed the following platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
There has been no announcement regarding Game Pass availability, and the game has not been confirmed for any subscription services.
Oh Cod! Aquariums finally arrive
The biggest addition in Planet Zoo 2 is the ability to create dedicated aquarium exhibits.
Players will be able to build both freshwater and saltwater environments and care for fully aquatic species. It’s a feature fans have requested for years and one that significantly expands the types of zoos players can create. Welcome to Finding Nemo World.
The original Planet Zoo occasionally felt like it was missing an entire wing of the modern zoo experience. Planet Zoo 2 appears determined to fix that.
Aviaries and flying animals
Flying animals are another major addition.
Frontier has shown off aviaries and confirmed species such as the Toco Toucan, allowing players to build larger enclosed habitats that guests can walk through.
Combined with aquatic exhibits, the new systems should make zoos feel far more varied than before, moving beyond traditional land-based enclosures.
Improved Animal Behaviour
Frontier says animal behaviour has been expanded throughout the sequel. Animals will display more obvious reactions to their surroundings and welfare conditions, making it easier to identify problems without constantly checking management screens.
The studio has also talked about more realistic animations and interactions, helping animals feel more alive as they move around their habitats.
Conservation plays a bigger role
Conservation and education were already important parts of Planet Zoo, but Planet Zoo 2 appears to be placing even greater emphasis on them.
Creating habitats that accurately reflect an animal’s natural environment will influence welfare, guest satisfaction, zoo ratings, and income. Staff management and training will also play a larger role as zoos expand.
For players who enjoy the simulation side more than the decoration side, that’s likely good news.
Cohabitation is returning
Frontier has confirmed that cohabitation mechanics will return.
The system allows compatible species to share habitats, though the developer says it will be more significant in Planet Zoo 2 than it was previously. Exactly how that works remains unclear, but it is one of several systems Frontier has said it will discuss in greater detail closer to launch.
Which animals have been confirmed?
Frontier hasn’t revealed the full roster yet, but several species have already appeared in promotional material.
Confirmed or spotted so far include:
- Toco Toucan
- Tiger
- Chimpanzee
Many more species are expected to be revealed in the months leading up to release, particularly aquatic and flying animals that could not be properly represented in the original game.
Planet Zoo 2 Editions
Frontier has confirmed multiple editions of the game.
Standard Edition
- Base game
- Launches October 13, 2026
Deluxe Edition
- Base game
- Three exclusive animals:
- Pallas’s Cat
- Coquerel’s Sifaka
- Secretary Bird
Ultimate Edition
- Base game
- Deluxe Edition content
- Three future DLC packs
- Additional bonus content