Planet Zoo 2 is out now on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and it launched on all three at once. That’s a first for the series, since the original started out on PC only. Frontier’s sequel costs $49.99, and the Deluxe Edition is $64.99.
Bigger habitats, and animals that swim and fly
The headline additions are fully aquatic and flying species, so your zoo isn’t stuck on land anymore. You still design zoos from the ground up in locations around the world, but now you can also release animals into large Wildlife Reserves outside the zoo walls. That gives the conservation side of the game a real payoff instead of just a stat.
Editions and where to buy
The Deluxe Edition adds six extra species, exclusive animal signs and some bonus content, and Steam also sells a Deluxe Upgrade Pack for $17.99 if you start with the standard game. Planet Zoo 2 isn’t on GOG, so on PC Steam is the main pick, with the Epic Games Store as another option. Console players can find it on the PlayStation Store and the Xbox Store.
Early Steam reviews lean positive but are more mixed than you’d expect for a Frontier sim on day one. If you’re a builder who lives in these games for months, it’s probably worth jumping in now. If you’re more casual, give it a patch or two.