Planet Zoo

Planet Zoo is a zoo management and construction simulation game developed and published by Frontier Developments, initially released in November 2019 for PC, with later versions made available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The console releases brought the detailed and expansive gameplay to a broader audience, adapting the controls and interface to suit gamepads while maintaining the depth that made the PC version popular. As a spiritual successor to Frontier’s earlier Zoo Tycoon reboot, Planet Zoo builds on the studio’s strong track record with simulation titles like Planet Coaster and Jurassic World Evolution, aiming to provide an immersive and highly detailed zoo experience across platforms.

In Planet Zoo, players create and manage their own wildlife parks, balancing animal welfare with visitor satisfaction and financial management. The game launched with over a hundred animal species, each modelled with detailed animations and complex behaviour systems that respond to habitat design, climate, social structures, and enrichment. Unlike traditional management games that focus primarily on finances, Planet Zoo places animal care at the forefront, requiring players to meet the specific needs of each species to ensure their wellbeing. Its rich environments allow players to sculpt landscapes that range from African savannahs to lush rainforests, crafting naturalistic habitats that support the animals' health and happiness.

The game draws inspiration from modern zoo management and wildlife conservation principles. Frontier worked closely with zoologists and conservation experts to authentically replicate animal behaviours, breeding patterns, and genetic diversity. This realism extends into gameplay mechanics such as gene inheritance and population health, encouraging thoughtful breeding strategies to preserve species vitality. Educational themes are woven throughout the game, reflecting the role of zoos in conservation efforts and public awareness, thus offering players an experience that combines entertainment with responsible wildlife stewardship.

Planet Zoo offers multiple gameplay modes, including Career, Franchise, Challenge, and Sandbox. Career mode provides structured scenarios with specific goals, while Franchise mode supports an online-connected zoo network where players can trade animals and resources. Challenge mode tests management skills under particular constraints, and Sandbox mode grants unlimited creative freedom without financial or welfare pressures. The building system is highly flexible, allowing detailed terrain shaping, custom enclosures, and intricate path networks, while the economic systems require careful staff management, budgeting, and visitor satisfaction strategies.

The soundtrack, composed by JJ Ipsen, complements the game’s atmosphere with a mix of serene orchestral pieces and nature-inspired motifs. Music dynamically adjusts to gameplay, shifting between calm and uplifting themes depending on the zoo’s activity level. Environmental sounds play a key role in immersion, with authentic animal calls, rustling foliage, and guest interactions creating a lively soundscape. This layered audio design enhances the feeling of being in a vibrant, living zoo, reinforcing the game’s emphasis on naturalism and detail.

Promotion for Planet Zoo included developer diaries, community events, livestreams, and an open beta that encouraged player feedback. Upon release and subsequent console launches, it was praised for its stunning visuals, deep simulation systems, and rich creativity tools. While some players noted a steep learning curve, the depth and authenticity were widely appreciated by fans of simulation games. Frontier has continued to support Planet Zoo with regular updates and downloadable content, solidifying its position as one of the most detailed and engaging zoo simulation games across both PC and console platforms.