Planet Zoo 2 arrives on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Frontier Developments' sequel takes the zoo-building series beyond land animals for the first time, adding aquatic and flying species alongside a new conservation system. Frontier confirmed the date when it opened pre-orders in May.
Aquariums and aviaries
The biggest additions are habitats for animals that swim and fly. According to Frontier's announcement on Games Press, aquariums are not simply placeable tanks but fully customisable habitats, with saltwater and freshwater options. Keepers have to maintain them, including filtration and an airlock so staff can get inside. Species highlighted so far include Blacktip Reef Sharks and Hawksbill Turtles.
Aviaries use the same construction tools as land habitats but need a roof. Frontier's aviary deep-dive explains that roofs can be generated in one click from nearby barrier posts, then customised with different pillars, shapes and materials. Birds such as the Toco Toucan and Secretary Bird fly and perch in trees, so guests will often be looking up.
Wildlife Reserves
Planet Zoo 2 also introduces Wildlife Reserves: large, customisable areas around the world where players release animals as part of conservation projects. Per the official features page, each project has requirements to meet before animals can be released. Frontier's September development update describes reserves as a way to revitalise local species populations, remove pollutants and rebuild natural environments.
Key Information
- Release date: October 13, 2026
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
- Standard Edition: $49.99 / £39.99 / €49.99
- Deluxe Edition: $64.99 / £54.99 / €64.99, adding six extra species (including the Golden Eagle, Great Hammerhead Shark and Axolotl) and exclusive animal signs
- Pre-order bonus: A Bonus Content Pack with a Toucan Eat Shop and signage, three animal donation bins and a tiger photo wall
Prices and pre-order details are listed on the official pre-order page. Retail prices may vary by store and region.
What This Means
The original Planet Zoo was limited to land animals, so aquariums and aviaries fill the most obvious gap in the formula. Wildlife Reserves could matter just as much in the long run. They give conservation a gameplay goal beyond breeding numbers in a park, and if Frontier gets the balance right, they could change how players plan a zoo over time. Reviews and launch-week performance will show how well these systems work together, but the scope is clearly bigger than the first game's.
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