Creature Feature: Seasons
In this week's Creature Feature we'll be looking at how your zoos will change as the months go by thanks to Planet Zoo 2's new dynamic seasons.
Hayo Zookeepers!
Is it that time already? We're back with another Creature Feature and this week we'll be looking at how your zoos will change as the months go by.
So, get your calendars ready and whip out those thermometers, let's talk seasons!
April showers
Years in Planet Zoo 2 are broken up into multiple seasons, which have a direct impact on how your zoos and Wildlife Reserves both look and function.
To keep things simple in this article, we'll be focusing on Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter in temperate locations, but exactly what these seasons are will vary depending on where your zoo or Wildlife Reserve is in the world. For example, a northern temperate zoo will see different changes over the seasons compared to a zoo in the desert.
Unlike the random nature of weather in the original Planet Zoo, weather in Planet Zoo 2 will reflect the current season. This means the likelihood of different types of weather occurring will be influenced by the time of year, with snow likely in Winter and rain uncommon in the Summer.
On top of making our weather systems more authentic and reflective of real biomes, this also makes them more predictable for you!
All the leaves are brown
Aside from the changing weather, perhaps the most noticeable visual effect of the seasons can be seen in the foliage.
As the months pass by, foliage will bloom, trees will bear fruit and leaves will change colour or fall from the trees.
We've also extended the length of years in Planet Zoo 2. In the original Planet Zoo a year would last 18 minutes of real-time, but for Planet Zoo 2 this has been been extended to a whopping 60 minutes.
Not only will this give you more time to experience the various seasons, it also means you get more time to get to know your animals and tackle the challenges of management.
Feeling hot, hot, hot
Of course, seasons won't only result in visual changes and different weather.
Depending on the biome of your zoo or Wildlife Reserve, the temperature will also change to reflect the passage of time.
For example, Winters will be colder, which may require some additional planning on your part to keep some of your animals at a comfortable temperature through building heaters or providing shelter. All those heaters will also need a well maintained power network to keep them running, so you better make sure your zoo infrastructure is ready! There's another side to that coin though, so you'll also need to prepare your zoos for the shift back to warmer weather and the highs of Summer.
As a Zookeeper, it'll be down to you to make sure your habitats, aviaries and aquariums are suitable for your animals all year round, whether the sun is shining or snow is falling.
Breaking the ice
With all this hullaballoo about seasons, we'd be remiss to not reflect how they impact the lives of animals, particularly their breeding cycles.
In Planet Zoo 2, some animals now have seasonal fertility, meaning they are only capable of breeding during specific times of the year.
In practice, this greatly shakes up breeding programs to reflect more of the challenges that real zoos and conservation efforts face. In Planet Zoo 2 the welfare of your animals directly influences their fertility and ability to conceive young, so if your animals aren't feeling at their best during the critical breeding season, you'll need to wait for the next year before restarting your conservation efforts.
On the other hand, some animals will be able to breed continuously throughout the year. While this means less pressure in particular seasons, it also means you'll have to manage a continuous stream of young animals or consider contraception to keep your populations under control.
Seasons of change
Dynamic seasons have brought another layer of authenticity to our simulation of zoo management in Planet Zoo 2.
Not only do seasons make the passage of time clearer, they also introduce new mechanics, challenges and opportunities for you to discover as you run your zoos and Wildlife Reserves through the years.
Speaking of Wildlife Reserves, we'll be back soon with more details about how this new frontier for animal conservation will work in Planet Zoo 2.
Planet Zoo 2 is available to pre-order now on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Join the conversation and keep in touch by following our social channels, subscribing to our mailing list (for an exclusive in-game reward) and watching closely for updates on the website.
