Planet Zoo 2 is out today, October 13, 2026, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Developed by Frontier Developments, the zoo management sequel makes its console debut alongside PC, meaning no one gets left waiting this time around. The headline additions are fully aquatic species, flyable birds, Wildlife Reserves, and a reworked construction toolset that makes the original's building system feel noticeably dated by comparison. Here is everything you need to know before you start building.
When does Planet Zoo 2 unlock in your region?
Frontier confirmed a global simultaneous digital release at 2 p.m. UTC on October 13, 2026. Physical editions for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S follow on October 20.
| Time Zone | Launch Time |
|---|---|
| PDT | 7 a.m. – Oct. 13 |
| CDT | 9 a.m. – Oct. 13 |
| EDT | 10 a.m. – Oct. 13 |
| BRT | 11 a.m. – Oct. 13 |
| BST | 3 p.m. – Oct. 13 |
| CEST | 4 p.m. – Oct. 13 |
| CST (China) | 10 p.m. – Oct. 13 |
| SGT | 10 p.m. – Oct. 13 |
| KST | 11 p.m. – Oct. 13 |
| JST | 11 p.m. – Oct. 13 |
| AEDT | 1 a.m. – Oct. 14 |
Which edition should you buy?
Two editions are available at launch. The Standard Edition costs $49.99 and includes the full game. The Deluxe Edition runs $64.99 and adds six species: the golden eagle, golden lion tamarin, great hammerhead shark, axolotl, blue and gold fusilier, and longfin batfish, plus exclusive animal signage.
Pre-orders of either edition include a Bonus Content Pack containing a Toucan Eat shop, three animal donation bins, and a Tiger Photo Stand-In Wall.
Planet Zoo 2 Exact Release Date & Start Times
What platforms is Planet Zoo 2 on?
The game launches simultaneously on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The original Planet Zoo was PC-only when it released in 2019, so the day-one console availability is a genuine shift for the series. Xbox players also get Xbox Play Anywhere support, meaning one purchase covers both console and PC. There are no announced versions for PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch 2.
What's actually new in Planet Zoo 2?
Aquatic species and aviaries
Fully aquatic animals arrive for the first time in the series. You can build freshwater or saltwater aquariums to house species like black-tipped reef sharks and hawksbill turtles. Flying birds such as the toco toucan and secretary bird are also new, with customizable aviaries built from barriers, support poles, and mesh covers.
Wildlife Reserves
Wildlife Reserves push conservation beyond the zoo fence. Players restore natural habitats and can release animals once conservation projects are completed. This is the biggest structural addition to the game's loop, turning habitat management into something with a tangible endpoint rather than an ongoing maintenance task.
Planet Zoo 2 Exact Release Date & Start Times
Building tools
Frontier added object scaling, flexi-color customization, new foliage and terrain brushes, and a revised pathing system. Ready-to-place blueprints sit alongside piece-by-piece construction. Four new scenery themes ship with the game, alongside five returning from the original.
Game modes
Three modes are available at launch:
- Career Mode runs through the Fauna and Ecosystems Network (FEN), a structured progression system with guided objectives.
- Franchise Mode lets players trade animals with others online.
- Sandbox Mode removes all restrictions for unlimited building.
What are the PC requirements for Planet Zoo 2?
The minimum spec requires Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), 16 GB of RAM, and 40 GB of storage with an SSD recommended. The recommended spec bumps the GPU significantly and requires an SSD rather than just recommending one. Frontier has noted it cannot guarantee ongoing Windows 10 compatibility given Microsoft's end of support.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Intel i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | RTX 2060 6GB / RX 5600 XT 6GB / Arc A750 8GB | RTX 3070 8GB / RX 6700 XT 12GB / Arc A770 16GB |
| Storage | 40 GB (SSD recommended) | 40 GB (SSD required) |
For fans of simulation games looking for a management title with genuine depth, the spec requirements are reasonable enough that most mid-range machines from the last four years should handle the minimum settings without issue.
Ready to build?
Planet Zoo 2 is available right now digitally. Physical copies for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S arrive October 20. For tips on making the most of every system the game offers, check out the full Planet Zoo 2 strategy guides collection as more content goes live.
