Aquariums, aviaries and global species conservation projects: What’s new in Planet Zoo 2

Planet Zoo 2 finally takes the series to its second evolutionary stage. The first instalment was already a massive hit – and this sequel introduces new animal species and building options. Here’s an overview of the new features.

On October 13th (7am PT / 3pm BST / 4pm CEST), much to the delight of many animal lovers, the sequel to Planet Zoo will be released. This ambitious sequel, Planet Zoo 2, significantly expands the possibilities within the zoo-building simulation and transforms the management game – which previously focused primarily on visitor satisfaction – into a comprehensive simulation centred on the conservation of endangered species.

Since 2019 – that is, with the release of Planet Zoo 1 – the British development studio Frontier Developments has enabled you to create the zoo of your dreams. In doing so, you must constantly keep an eye on the wellbeing of your animals, the satisfaction of your visitors and the financial development of your zoo. With an 87 per cent positive rating on Steam, Planet Zoo combines great creative freedom with a complex animal simulation and the almost meditative pleasure of watching your enclosures come to life.

With Planet Zoo 2, the studio now aims to significantly expand on the tried-and-tested formula. For the first time, you can set up freshwater and saltwater aquariums and house aquatic creatures such as the Javanese cow-nose ray, the three-spot prussian fish, clownfish, golden mackerel and Caribbean manatees.

In Planet Zoo 2, you can also build spacious aviaries for your zoo’s feathered inhabitants and even allow your visitors to enter some of them. There, they’ll encounter, for example, the long-tailed parakeet or the critically endangered Javan green magpie.

Not just keeping animals in cages and gawping at them, but actively protecting them

However, the new features go far beyond building detailed habitats for your charges. In future, it will no longer be just about attracting as many visitors as possible: You’ll be actively contributing to the protection of wildlife by taking part in global species conservation projects and restoring large wildlife reserves where you can release animals from your zoo into the wild.

Frontier also promises significant improvements to the animals’ animations and behaviours. You’ll need to keep an eye on their moods, ensure they have enough water and food, and make sure their habitats offer plenty of opportunities for enrichment.

What’s more, in Planet Zoo 2 you can try your hand at being a wildlife photographer. “A zoo to go, please!” – the game is also officially classified as Steam Deck Verified, meaning it should run more or less smoothly on the Steam Deck or similar PC handhelds.