Planet Zoo 1 vs Planet Zoo 2: what carries over

Coming from Planet Zoo 1? Most of your management instincts will transfer — Frontier sequels (see Planet Coaster 2) evolve systems rather than replace them. Here is what to expect, based on official announcements and series history.

#What likely carries over (PZ1 fundamentals)

• Welfare-first design: animal welfare drove guest happiness, donations, and conservation rating in PZ1. Budget for enrichment and space before aesthetics.
• Staff as infrastructure: keepers, vets, mechanics, educators — understaffing silently killed PZ1 zoos.
• Research and vet progression: PZ1 gated better care behind research. Watch for an equivalent loop.
• Guest facilities matter: food, drink, toilets, and information stands were mandatory, not optional.

#What changes (officially confirmed)

#What to unlearn

• Do not skip the tutorials. PZ1 veterans who jumped straight into sandbox hit walls in Planet Coaster 2's changed systems; expect the same here, especially around water and flight construction.
• PZ1 habitat blueprints will not transfer. New species categories mean new habitat requirements — treat your PZ1 blueprints as nostalgia, not assets.

#Sources

• Planet Zoo 2 — official Steam store page
• Planet Zoo — official Steam store page

As of 2026-10-04. Series-history inferences are labelled; everything else links to official sources.