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Planet Zoo 2 is developed and published by Frontier Developments, a British studio known for its construction and management simulations. Led by game director Gareth Hughes, the studio has positioned the sequel as its most advanced zoo simulation to date, built around customisable Wildlife Reserves, creative freedom, a deeper conservation focus, and a long list of community-requested features.
Frontier has emphasised a generational leap in animal animation and behaviour as the project's central goal, supported by the improved animal brain described under Animals and Welfare. An updated version of the studio's in-house engine drives the higher-fidelity look, adding a new global illumination lighting system, reworked fur and feather shaders, and more realistic water.
Building the animals
In a July 2026 behind-the-scenes feature, Frontier detailed how it builds Planet Zoo 2's animals. Its artists work from real-world reference rather than concept art, sculpting each species as a high-detail 3D model before optimising it into a game-ready mesh, while newer materials add effects such as sub-surface scattering to skin and translucent features. Frontier rebuilt many creatures on this updated technology, drawing on years of experience from the original game and on community feedback gathered through forums, videos, wishlists, and surveys. The feature also opened a Feature Focus video series whose first episode looks at animal behaviour and welfare.
Announcement and release
Frontier first teased the sequel in November 2025, at the original Planet Zoo's six-year anniversary, before the full reveal in May 2026 set the release date and opened pre-orders across all platforms. Further gameplay was shown at industry showcases the following month. Planet Zoo 2 is set to launch on October 13, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S simultaneously.
Editions
Planet Zoo 2 is a premium, buy-to-play title offered in standard and deluxe editions. The deluxe edition adds six extra animal species and exclusive decorative items, while pre-orders include a bonus content pack of themed shops, signage, and props.