Planet Zoo 2 Finally Adds Aquariums and Flying Animals With October 2026 Launch Confirmed

Planet Zoo 2 is coming to PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on October 13, 2026, with Frontier Developments expanding its zoo-management series into the air, underwater and beyond the boundaries of a traditional animal park.

The Cambridge-based developer has confirmed fully aquatic species, free-flying birds and conservation projects built around restoring wildlife reserves. It marks the first full sequel to Planet Zoo, which originally launched for PC in November 2019.

Why Planet Zoo 2 is more than a visual upgrade

The most significant change is the addition of animals that could not be represented through the original game’s standard habitat system. Players will be able to construct aquariums for marine life and covered aviaries where birds can fly freely.

Frontier describes the sequel as a generational step forward for animal behavior and animation. Fur, feathers and scales have been upgraded, while animals are designed to interact with their surroundings in more natural ways.

The changes are intended to affect management as well as appearance. Each new habitat type introduces different welfare, construction and maintenance requirements that players must account for when designing a zoo.

How the new aquariums will work

Blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles and schools of fish are among the confirmed aquatic species. Both freshwater and saltwater environments will be available.

These aquariums are not fixed tanks that players simply place on a map. Their location, layout and internal scenery can be customized, allowing underwater exhibits to become a major part of a zoo’s design.

Maintenance will require working filtration systems and staff access through airlocks. Employees can wear scuba equipment to enter the water, adding another operational task alongside feeding, cleaning and monitoring animal welfare.

Flying birds reshape habitat construction

Aviaries introduce support poles that generate a covered canopy over the habitat. Players can then arrange vegetation, scenery and other features inside the enclosure.

The toco toucan and secretary bird are two of the flying species confirmed so far. Suitable aviaries can include walk-through routes, placing guests inside the enclosure instead of limiting them to viewing the birds from outside.

Frontier showed a closer look at these systems in a gameplay trailer released during the PC Gaming Show in June. The sequel joins a growing list of upcoming console releases highlighted during the PlayStation State of Play June 2026 showcase.

Conservation moves outside the zoo

Planet Zoo 2 will allow players to take part in conservation projects across different regions. The objective is to repair habitats, rebuild functioning ecosystems and release suitable animals into wildlife reserves.

This creates a longer-term purpose for breeding and rehabilitation programs. Success will not depend only on attracting guests or increasing revenue, because players must prepare animals for release while maintaining balanced reserve environments.

The familiar management pressures remain. Staff morale, employee training, animal welfare, guest satisfaction and finances must still be balanced as the zoo grows.

Standard and Deluxe Edition differences

The Standard Edition carries a suggested price of $49.99 in the US, £39.99 in the UK and €49.99 in Europe. Regional store prices may vary.

The Deluxe Edition costs $64.99, £54.99 or €64.99. It includes the base game, six additional animal species and exclusive decorative animal signs. Frontier has not yet identified all six Deluxe Edition species.

Customers who pre-order are due to receive a Toucan Eat shop and sign, three unique animal donation bins and a tiger photo stand-in wall at launch. Players should check the conditions listed by their chosen platform before purchasing.

What Frontier still needs to reveal

The complete animal roster, PC system requirements and full details of the available game modes have not yet been announced. More information is expected before the October release.

The simultaneous PC and console launch is a notable change from the first game. Planet Zoo debuted on PC in 2019, while its Console Edition did not reach PS5 and Xbox Series X/S until March 2024.

The game’s emphasis on designed animal environments reflects wider interest in immersive attractions. In the physical entertainment sector, the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in Frisco is similarly using themed environments to create smaller-scale experiences for families.

Planet Zoo 2’s final scope will depend on its unannounced roster and modes, but aquariums, aviaries and wildlife reserves already represent a substantial expansion of the original management formula.

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