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Planet Zoo 2 launched on 13 October 2026 for Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Standard Edition costs £39.99/$49.99/€49.99 at the suggested retail price, while the Deluxe Edition costs £54.99/$64.99/€64.99. Deluxe includes the base game and the Deluxe Upgrade Pack: six animal species and exclusive animal signs. Store discounts and final prices vary by region and date.
This guide explains which version to buy, what each add-on contains, how the platforms differ, and whether your PC meets the published requirements.
Planet Zoo 2 at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Release date | 13 October 2026 |
| Platforms | Windows PC (Steam), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S |
| Standard suggested retail price | £39.99/$49.99/€49.99 |
| Deluxe suggested retail price | £54.99/$64.99/€64.99 |
| Deluxe contents | Base game, six animal species and exclusive animal signs through the Deluxe Upgrade Pack |
| Separate Deluxe Upgrade Pack | $17.99 on the listed storefronts |
| Separate Bonus Content Pack | $2.99 on Steam, PlayStation Store and Xbox Store |
| Steam soundtrack | You, Me & Sanctuary, The Music of Planet Zoo 2, listed at $9.99 |
| Nintendo Switch | Not listed in the official storefronts; treat Switch support as unavailable unless Frontier announces it |
The prices above are suggested retail or the listed storefront prices, not a promise of what every retailer will charge. Sales, taxes, currency conversion and regional pricing can change the amount at checkout.
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Which platforms support Planet Zoo 2?
Windows PC through Steam
The Steam edition runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11 and includes single-player play, Steam Cloud, achievements, trading cards, 17 supported languages and Denuvo Anti-tamper. Steam publishes separate minimum and recommended specifications; those requirements are detailed below.
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Steam lists Windows 10/11 as supported, but also notes that Microsoft has ended Windows 10 support and that ongoing compatibility is not guaranteed. Windows 11 is therefore the safer choice for a new installation, especially if you are buying a PC specifically for the game.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation listing is for PS5 and identifies the game as PS5 Pro Enhanced. It is listed as a one-player title with optional online play. PS Portal cloud streaming is available with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, subject to the account, network and regional requirements of that service.
The store listing does not provide a PC-style CPU, memory or storage table for PS5. Before purchasing digitally, check the free space shown on your console and the current download size in the PlayStation Store.
Xbox Series X|S
The Xbox listing covers Xbox Series X|S and advertises Xbox Play Anywhere, cloud-play support, 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, ray tracing and console keyboard-and-mouse support. Cloud play requires a Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate subscription, and the game purchase is still required. The exact cloud experience depends on your subscription, region and connection.
The Xbox store does not publish the same component-by-component requirements as Steam. Use the Series X|S listing rather than assuming that an older Xbox One version exists.
Is there a Nintendo Switch version?
No Nintendo Switch version is listed in the official storefronts. Do not buy the game expecting Switch compatibility. Treat Switch support as unavailable unless Frontier makes a separate announcement.
Rank #2
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Standard Edition versus Deluxe Edition
Both editions contain the base game and the same core modes. Deluxe is an expansion of the base purchase, not a different campaign or a separate platform version.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Planet Zoo 2 base game | £39.99/$49.99/€49.99 | Players who want the core game and would rather decide on extra content later |
| Deluxe | Base game plus Deluxe Upgrade Pack with six animal species and exclusive animal signs | £54.99/$64.99/€64.99 | Players who already want the six additional species and signs |
What the Deluxe Upgrade Pack adds
Steam describes the pack as adding six animal species from across the globe and exclusive animal signs. The published material does not name the six species, so do not rely on an unofficial animal list when deciding which edition to buy.
The Upgrade Pack is also sold separately for $17.99 on the listed storefronts. In the United States, buying the Standard Edition at its $49.99 suggested price and then purchasing the $17.99 upgrade would total $67.98 before any discount or tax. That is $3 more than the $64.99 Deluxe suggested price. No equivalent upgrade prices in pounds or euros are listed, so a direct GBP or EUR calculation would be misleading.
When Standard is the sensible choice
- You primarily want the base Career, Franchise and Sandbox experience.
- You are unsure whether the six additional species matter to your zoo designs.
- You expect to buy during a sale and want to compare the discounted upgrade price later.
- You are buying for someone who has not played the series and would rather start with the base game.
When Deluxe is worth choosing immediately
- You know you want all six Deluxe species from the beginning.
- Exclusive animal signs are important to your habitat and visitor-facing builds.
- The Deluxe price difference at your regional store is lower than buying the upgrade separately.
- You want to avoid managing a later upgrade purchase.
Deluxe does not include every future add-on. The Bonus Content Pack and soundtrack are separate products.
Planet Zoo 2 DLC and extras
| Add-on | What it contains | Listed price and storefronts | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Upgrade Pack | Six animal species from across the globe and exclusive animal signs | $17.99 separately on the listed storefronts; included with Deluxe | The published description does not name the species or state that other DLC is included |
| Bonus Content Pack | Separate bonus content; the store listings do not itemize its contents | $2.99 on Steam, PlayStation Store and Xbox Store | Do not assume it adds animals, a new mode or the Deluxe species |
| You, Me & Sanctuary, The Music of Planet Zoo 2 | Soundtrack | $9.99 on Steam | It is audio content, not animals or building pieces |
Because the Bonus Content Pack description does not specify its individual items, check the product page before purchasing if a particular cosmetic, animal or blueprint is your reason for buying it. The only clearly documented animal addition is the six-species Deluxe Upgrade Pack.
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What is new in Planet Zoo 2?
Frontier describes a roster of over 130 animals. The sequel’s major additions are systems that change how habitats are designed and how conservation works, rather than merely adding more scenery.
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Fully aquatic animals and custom aquariums
Planet Zoo 2 adds fully aquatic animals and customizable freshwater or saltwater aquariums. That gives you a new habitat type to plan alongside land enclosures. Aquarium design is not limited to a decorative tank: the feature is described as a system for housing fully aquatic animals in either freshwater or saltwater environments.
Flying birds and customizable aviaries
Fully flying birds are housed in customizable aviaries. Aviary construction therefore becomes a distinct building challenge from an open-top land habitat, with the enclosure designed around animals that use three-dimensional flight space.
Wildlife Reserves
Wildlife Reserves let you complete conservation projects and release animals into living ecosystems. This is separate from simply displaying animals for zoo visitors: the stated activity is completing a project and releasing animals into an ecosystem.
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Career, Franchise and Sandbox modes return. Franchise supports trading animals with other players. Frontier Workshop lets players share and download blueprints and creations across platforms, so a build made on one supported platform can be part of the wider Workshop exchange.
Platform feature comparison
| Feature | Steam on Windows | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core listing | Single-player | One player; optional online play | Xbox Series X|S listing; Xbox Play Anywhere |
| Cloud feature | Steam Cloud | PS Portal cloud streaming with Premium subscription | Cloud play with Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate; game purchase required |
| Image features | Depends on PC hardware and settings; DirectX 12 required | PS5 Pro Enhanced | 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 and ray tracing listed |
| Input support | PC controls; exact peripherals depend on your setup | Not stated in the store information | Console keyboard and mouse support listed |
| Language support | 17 languages listed by Steam | Not stated in the store information | Not stated in the store information |
| Copy protection or account feature | Denuvo Anti-tamper; achievements and trading cards | Not stated in the store information | Not stated in the store information |
The stores do not establish identical graphics settings or performance targets between consoles and PC. A 4K, HDR10 or ray-tracing label describes platform capability, not a promise that every scene uses every feature at a particular frame rate.
Can your PC run Planet Zoo 2?
Steam lists the following requirements. The minimum specification is a floor for launch compatibility; the recommended specification is the more appropriate target for a smoother experience at higher settings. Both configurations require DirectX 12 and 40 GB of storage.
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| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10/11 | Windows 11 |
| Processor | Intel i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Intel i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics processor | NVIDIA RTX 2060 (6 GB), AMD RX 5600XT (6 GB) or Intel Arc A750 (8 GB) | NVIDIA RTX 3070 (8 GB), AMD RX 6700XT (12 GB) or Intel Arc A770 (16 GB) |
| API | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| Storage | 40 GB; SSD recommended | 40 GB; SSD required |
Steam also warns that Microsoft has ended Windows 10 support and that continued compatibility is not guaranteed. A computer can meet the listed processor and graphics thresholds yet still have problems caused by an outdated driver, insufficient free space or a slow drive.
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- Open Settings > System > About and confirm your Windows edition and processor model.
- Open Task Manager > Performance to check installed memory and identify your graphics processor.
- Compare the exact processor and GPU models with the minimum or recommended rows above. A similar-sounding model is not automatically equivalent.
- Open Settings > System > Storage and reserve at least 40 GB for the installation, with additional headroom for updates and saves.
- Prefer an SSD, and use Windows 11 if you are choosing an operating system for this game.
- Install current graphics drivers and Windows updates before troubleshooting launch or display problems.
If your PC is below minimum
There is no published guarantee for hardware below the minimum specification. Lowering settings may help some systems, but it cannot turn an unsupported processor, graphics card or operating system into a supported configuration. A console edition may be the more predictable option if your PC falls short.
If your PC meets minimum but performance is poor
- Confirm that the game is installed on an SSD rather than a nearly full mechanical drive.
- Close background applications that consume memory or GPU resources.
- Update the graphics driver and restart the computer.
- Check whether the game is using the dedicated GPU on a laptop rather than integrated graphics.
- Reduce resolution and graphics settings gradually, changing one group at a time so you can identify the setting that matters.
These are practical diagnostics, not a promise of a particular frame rate. The official requirements do not state a target frame rate or resolution for either specification tier.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose the right platform
Choose Steam when you want PC flexibility
Steam is the strongest fit if you already have a Windows gaming PC near the recommended specification, want Steam Cloud and achievements, or prefer PC building and control options. It also lists 17 languages and trading cards. Remember that Denuvo Anti-tamper is part of the Steam listing.
Choose PS5 when you want a console-first setup
PS5 is the straightforward choice for a living-room installation without checking PC components. The listing includes PS5 Pro enhancement and optional online play. If you use PS Portal, the listing identifies cloud streaming with a Premium subscription; that service requirement is separate from buying the game.
Choose Xbox when you use the Xbox ecosystem
Xbox Series X|S is attractive if 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, ray tracing, console keyboard-and-mouse support or Xbox Play Anywhere matters to you. Cloud play is available through the listed Game Pass tiers, but the store explicitly says that a game purchase is required.
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Think about where your friends and creations are
Franchise animal trading is designed for interaction with other players, while Frontier Workshop sharing works across supported platforms. The stores do not state that save files or purchases transfer between every platform, so do not assume cross-save or cross-buy beyond the Xbox Play Anywhere label.
Buying and installation checklist
- Pick the platform. Confirm that you are buying the Windows, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version for the hardware you own.
- Pick the edition. Select Standard for the base game, or Deluxe if you want its six species and exclusive signs immediately.
- Check the current price. Compare the checkout total with the suggested prices because regional discounts, taxes and currency conversion change the final amount.
- Review add-ons separately. The Bonus Content Pack and Steam soundtrack are not included in Standard or Deluxe, and the Deluxe Upgrade Pack is separate unless you buy Deluxe.
- Confirm storage. On PC, reserve 40 GB and use an SSD; on console, follow the free-space figure shown by the current store listing.
- Install updates. Allow the platform to download the latest game update before starting a new zoo.
- Test the features you care about. If aquariums, aviaries, Wildlife Reserves, Workshop sharing or Franchise trading is your reason for buying, verify that your account and online services are available in your region.
Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them
Assuming Deluxe contains every DLC item
Deluxe includes the Deluxe Upgrade Pack only. It does not include the separately listed Bonus Content Pack or soundtrack. Read the contents line at checkout instead of treating “Deluxe” as a season pass.
Comparing a sale price with a suggested retail price
Frontier’s £39.99/$49.99/€49.99 and £54.99/$64.99/€64.99 figures are suggested retail prices. A discounted Standard or Deluxe copy may make the value calculation different, and storefront prices can change by country and date.
Expecting the six Deluxe species to be named in every listing
The documented description says six species from across the globe and exclusive animal signs, but does not provide the species names. If a specific animal is essential, wait for a storefront description or Frontier announcement that identifies it.
Assuming cloud play means the game is included in a subscription
Xbox cloud play requires a listed Game Pass tier and a game purchase. PS Portal cloud streaming requires Premium. Those service requirements do not replace buying the game, and availability can vary by region.
Buying for Switch because another platform is unavailable
No Switch version appears in the official storefronts. Purchase only for the three listed platform families unless Frontier announces another release.
Expecting console and PC specifications to be interchangeable
Console stores publish feature labels rather than equivalent CPU and GPU requirements. Use the Steam table only for the Windows version and the console store listing for console-specific features.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBottom-line buying advice
For most new players, Standard is the low-risk entry because it delivers the complete base game and leaves optional content for later. Choose Deluxe at purchase when the six additional species and exclusive animal signs are part of your plan; at the US suggested prices, it is cheaper than buying Standard and the $17.99 upgrade separately. Choose Steam only if your PC meets the published requirements, choose PS5 for a simple console setup, and choose Xbox Series X|S if its Play Anywhere, cloud and display features fit your existing ecosystem.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
