Frontier has spent years establishing itself as one of the leading names in simulation games, with Planet Zoo bringing the familiar zoo-management formula to a new level of detail back in 2019. Now, Planet Zoo 2 builds on that foundation by introducing fully customisable aquariums, aviaries and wildlife reserves, giving players more ways to create their dream zoo. The result is an ambitious sequel that expands on many of the original’s best ideas, although not every change feels like a step forward. With a greater emphasis on conservation and plenty of opportunities to get lost in the creative side of things, there is a lot to enjoy here, but some of the management systems and technical shortcomings prevent the experience from reaching its full potential.
Rather than simply tasking players with saving struggling zoos, the campaign now revolves around improving animal welfare, educating visitors and supporting conservation efforts. Through the Fauna and Ecosystems Network, players travel between different locations, completing objectives that gradually introduce the various systems at their disposal. It is a sensible approach to teaching newcomers the ropes, particularly given how much there is to learn, although the sheer number of interconnected mechanics means that the tutorials do not always answer every question. Progression can also feel a little disjointed when earning a particular medal requires completing objectives elsewhere first. Still, the campaign provides a useful introduction to the game’s expanded features, including the more involved requirements of aquatic habitats and aviaries.
The biggest addition is arguably the ability to build aquariums and aviaries from the ground up. Until now, Planet Zoo’s focus on land-based habitats left some obvious opportunities unexplored, and the sequel finally addresses that omission. Aquariums allow players to create underwater environments for fish, sharks, turtles and other aquatic species, with freshwater and saltwater requirements adding another layer to the construction process. Meanwhile, aviaries provide spaces for birds to fly around rather than simply occupying conventional enclosures. Both additions make a zoo feel considerably more varied, and designing these environments can be just as rewarding as constructing traditional habitats. However, the extra infrastructure also brings more things to monitor, and some of the requirements, such as water filtration and temperature management, are not always explained as clearly as they could be.
Beyond the new habitat types, Planet Zoo 2 remains a management simulation at heart. Animals need suitable surroundings, appropriate food, enrichment and enough space to remain healthy, while visitors expect clean paths, convenient amenities and educational attractions. Staff members handle the daily work, but players must still ensure that the right facilities are available and that employees can reach the areas where they are needed. Research and financial management add further layers to this balancing act, creating a satisfying cycle of investment, expansion and improvement. The trouble is that the game can become rather demanding when every aspect of the zoo requires attention. Even seemingly minor details can turn into another management task, and those who simply want to build a beautiful zoo and watch the animals may find themselves spending more time navigating menus than enjoying their creations.
Fortunately, the construction tools remain one of the strongest reasons to play. Paths, buildings, terrain and vegetation can be adjusted to create anything from practical animal enclosures to elaborate attractions that give a zoo its own identity. Frontier has made several welcome quality-of-life improvements, including more approachable path-building tools, reusable blueprints and a vegetation brush that makes it easier to populate larger areas. Ready-made designs also provide a useful starting point for players who would rather not construct every wall, roof and decorative element themselves. Nevertheless, building something particularly ambitious still demands considerable patience, and the abundance of options can be intimidating for anyone who lacks the time or inclination to micromanage every detail. The PS5 version has the additional consideration of translating a complex interface to a controller. Selecting precise objects, adjusting construction pieces and moving between numerous management panels is inherently less straightforward than using a mouse, but radial menus and shortcuts definitely help,
Thankfully, the animals themselves provide a compelling reason to keep playing. Their detailed models, expressive faces, textured fur and feathers, and improved animations make observing them one of the game’s greatest pleasures. The new aquatic species are particularly welcome, while the flying birds bring a different kind of movement and activity to the habitats. Even familiar animals can be entertaining to watch when their individual behaviors come together in a well-designed environment. There are, however, occasional inconsistencies in their animations and interactions, with some movements appearing awkward or animals failing to respond convincingly to objects in their surroundings. The available roster is also broad without feeling entirely balanced across every continent. Nevertheless, the visual presentation does an excellent job of selling the idea of a living ecosystem, and the freedom to customise habitats makes it easy to spend far longer than intended simply observing the inhabitants.
The new wildlife reserves offer another welcome change of pace. Instead of concentrating exclusively on attracting visitors and expanding facilities, players can breed animals, participate in conservation projects and eventually release suitable specimens into the wild. Exploring these reserves in a vehicle and photographing animals in their natural surroundings adds a more hands-on element to the experience. More importantly, it gives the management side of Planet Zoo 2 a broader purpose: the animals are not merely attractions but also part of a conservation effort. This feature is arguably the sequel’s most meaningful addition, although its potential is somewhat limited by the availability of reserves and the species that can be released into them. The underlying progression also means that conservation remains another system to manage rather than a completely separate adventure. Even so, it provides a worthwhile incentive to keep improving the zoo beyond simply increasing profits or attracting more guests.
Outside the campaign, Sandbox mode offers the freedom to experiment without the pressure of meeting a predefined set of objectives, while Franchise mode introduces online trading and the opportunity to develop a network of zoos. These options give the game plenty of longevity, particularly for players who enjoy gradually refining their creations or sharing designs with the community. Frontier Workshop content is another useful addition, making player-created blueprints and structures available across platforms. Certain sandbox systems have been simplified, removing some of the research and staff-development progression that helped make running a zoo feel rewarding in the first game. These are disappointing omissions in a sequel that should ideally build on its predecessor’s established strengths rather than strip away useful options.
Audio is less of a defining feature than the visual presentation or the construction systems. The soundscape and music serve the relatively relaxed atmosphere of zoo management, complementing the experience without being the main attraction. The real spectacle comes from watching the animals move through their environments, and the game is at its best when the visual detail makes a carefully designed habitat feel alive. Technical reliability is a more significant concern, and certain staff behaviors and animal interactions need polish. For a simulation built around making small adjustments and gradually developing a large, interconnected park, unreliable systems can undermine the very sense of control that makes the genre appealing.
Ultimately, Planet Zoo 2 is a sequel with plenty of good ideas and a strong foundation, but it does not quite deliver the consistently polished experience its ambitions deserve. Aquariums and aviaries finally broaden the possibilities of zoo construction, while wildlife reserves give conservation a more prominent role and the improved building tools make creative projects more approachable. The animals remain the stars of the show, and the combination of detailed habitats, management systems and creative freedom can be wonderfully absorbing. Players who enjoy simulation games and are willing to invest time in mastering their systems will find a great deal to appreciate, and those hoping for a relaxed building experience may discover that running a zoo is more work than pleasure.
Score: 8.2/10