Planet Zoo
Casual
Simulation
Strategy
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Workshop
Steam Cloud
HDR available
Family Sharing

Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them.

Developers: Frontier Developments
Publishers: Frontier Developments
Release Date: Nov 5, 2019
Price (USD): $44.99
Current Players: 2.3k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(91%)
graphics
creative freedom
realistic animals
sandbox mode
educational
management complexity
building options
tutorial
pathing mechanics
DLC model
performance issues
The general sentiment from the reviews is mostly positive due to the game's detailed graphics and creative freedom, appealing to fans of animal and simulation games. However, players critique the tutorial and pathing mechanics as frustrating, with these issues sometimes leading to a negative experience. There are mixed opinions about the complexity of the management systems, which some find engaging while others see as overwhelming. The DLC model also receives criticism for being costly but offers substantial content when added. Overall, Planet Zoo is celebrated by players who enjoy immersive, creative platforms despite some noted complexities and potential for improvement.

Positive Points

  • Players praise the game's detailed graphics and realistic animal animations, making it visually appealing.
  • The game offers extensive creative freedom in building and designing zoos, which many players find satisfying and engaging.
  • There is a strong educational component, as players learn about animals and their needs while playing.
  • The variety of game modes, including sandbox mode, allows players to tailor their experience according to their preferences.
  • The management aspects, such as caring for animals and managing zoos, provide a rewarding challenge for players who enjoy strategy games.
  • Negative Points

  • The game's tutorial is often criticized as lacking and unhelpful, leading to confusion, especially for new players.
  • Pathing and building mechanics are frequently reported as frustrating and unintuitive, detracting from the user experience.
  • The game can be resource-heavy, causing performance issues on lower-end systems.
  • Many players express frustration with the expensive and extensive DLC model, which some feel is necessary to fully enjoy the game.
  • Mixed Points

  • While some players enjoy the complex management and micromanagement aspects, others find it overwhelming and tedious.
  • The sheer volume of creative options in building can be both an advantage and a source of frustration, depending on the player's preferences.
  • Common Themes

  • A common comparison is made to Zoo Tycoon, with many players noting it as a modern, more complex version of the classic game.
  • Players appreciate the educational elements, though some wish there were more guidance on certain gameplay mechanics.
  • The graphics and animations are consistently highlighted, both positively for their quality and negatively for the system resources they require.
  • Updated 2/23/2026, 12:01:31 AM UTC