Planet Zoo 2 Research — How the Research System Works
Research Guide
Quick answer: Planet Zoo 2 carries over the research system from Planet Zoo 1 — vets research animal welfare improvements and mechanics research unlocks building options. Research costs money and takes time; "does research cost money" is one of the most-searched Planet Zoo questions, and the answer in PZ1 was yes.
How research works (Planet Zoo 1 reference)
- Vet research — assign a vet to research a species; unlocks enrichment items and welfare knowledge
- Mechanic research — unlocks new building pieces, barriers and facilities
- Cost — research consumes money and staff time; more researchers = faster but pricier
- Research is per-zoo progress in sandbox-like play, tied to career progression otherwise
What's new in Planet Zoo 2
- FEN (Fauna and Ecosystems Network) in Career mode — research now ties into the new career structure
- Wildlife Reserves add a research/restoration loop: study habitats, restore damaged environments, release animals
- Aquariums and aviaries almost certainly add their own research branches (filtration, mesh tech) — details in-game
Common questions
Does research cost money in Planet Zoo 2? Not confirmed for PZ2 specifically — in PZ1 it did (salary + time). Expect the same model.
What should I research first? PZ1 wisdom: research your first exhibit species early, then unlock building pieces you'll actually use.
Frontier hasn't published a shared research cost/tree list — the in-game Research screen is the source.
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