Planet Zoo: Arctic Pack

Planet Zoo: Arctic Pack is a downloadable content (DLC) expansion developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released in December 2019, for the PC version of Planet Zoo, this pack marked the game's first major DLC, introducing new animals, scenarios, and building materials centered around Arctic themes. It was later bundled with the Conservation Pack in a console edition released on December 3, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S, allowing console players to experience the expanded content.

The Arctic Pack adds four new animal species to the game: the polar bear, reindeer, Arctic wolf, and Dall sheep. Each species comes with unique habitat and social needs, challenging players to design suitable environments that mimic the harsh conditions of the Arctic. In addition to the new animals, the pack introduces over 200 Arctic-themed scenery pieces, including ice sculptures, snow-covered trees, and Scandinavian-style buildings, enabling players to create immersive winter wonderlands. Two new scenarios are also included: "Definite Arctic-Cool," set in Norway, and "Global Warning," set in Mexico, each presenting distinct challenges related to climate and animal welfare.

The Arctic Pack was well-received by the Planet Zoo community and critics alike, praised for its attention to detail and the depth it added to the game's simulation. Players appreciated the realistic animal behaviors and the creative possibilities offered by the new building materials. The DLC was promoted through trailers and developer diaries, highlighting the new features and the challenges they introduced. Its success set a precedent for future expansions, establishing a pattern of releasing themed packs that enrich the game's content and appeal to a broad audience.