Planet Zoo 2 PC System Requirements & Denuvo Explained
Planet Zoo 2 PC specs: RTX 2060 minimum, RTX 3070 recommended, 40 GB SSD — plus what the Denuvo DRM and Windows 10 warnings on the Steam page mean.
Image: Frontier Developments
Planet Zoo 2’s PC requirements are moderate for a 2026 release: an RTX 2060 clears minimum, an RTX 3070 hits recommended, and you need 40 GB of storage — but there are three details on the Steam page worth understanding before you buy: the Denuvo DRM line, the Windows 10 warning, and the SSD requirement.
Official system requirements
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 11 |
| CPU | Intel i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Intel i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | RTX 2060 (6 GB) / RX 5600 XT (6 GB) / Arc A750 (8 GB) | RTX 3070 (8 GB) / RX 6700 XT (12 GB) / Arc A770 (16 GB) |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 40 GB (SSD recommended) | 40 GB (SSD required) |
A few reads on these numbers:
- 16 GB RAM at both tiers — 8 GB machines are out, consistent with a simulation that tracks thousands of guests and the new Animal Brain behavior system.
- Management sims are CPU-hungry late-game. The GPU asks are modest, but big zoos in the original Planet Zoo were famously CPU-bound. The i7-10700K/Ryzen 7 5800X recommendation is the number to take seriously if you build 10,000-guest megazoos.
- Intel Arc cards are explicitly supported at both tiers.
The engine under the hood is Frontier’s updated Cobra engine, with a new global illumination lighting system, improved fur shaders and realistic water simulation.
The Denuvo situation
The Steam page states it plainly: “Incorporates 3rd-party DRM: Denuvo Anti-tamper.”
That’s worth knowing for two reasons. First, some players avoid Denuvo titles on principle or over performance concerns, and “no-buy” threads already exist on the game’s forums. Second, if you’re hoping Frontier removes it after launch: the studio has historically never removed Denuvo from its past games, so buy on the assumption it stays.
The page also lists “In-game purchases” — no post-launch DLC roadmap has been announced, but given Planet Zoo 1’s extensive DLC history, paid animal and scenery packs are the reasonable expectation.
The Windows 10 warning
Frontier’s own additional note on the minimum spec: “Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 meaning we cannot guarantee ongoing compatibility.”
Windows 10 will run the game at launch per the minimum spec — but Windows 11 is the recommended OS, and the warning signals where patches and support will focus. If you’re on the fence about upgrading your OS, this is another nudge.
Storage: the SSD fine print
40 GB either way, but note the wording shift: SSD recommended at minimum, SSD required at recommended. Plan for the game living on solid state, especially with aquarium and aviary assets streaming in dense zoos.
What’s not published yet
- Console performance targets (resolution/framerate on PS5 and Series X|S) — not announced
- Preload timing and unlock hours — not announced
- Steam Deck status — nothing published
Planet Zoo 2 launches October 13, 2026 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. For pricing and edition differences, see our release date & editions guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can my PC run Planet Zoo 2?
Minimum specs are an Intel i7-8700K or Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB RAM and an RTX 2060 / RX 5600 XT / Arc A750, with 40 GB of storage. Recommended is an i7-10700K or Ryzen 7 5800X with an RTX 3070, RX 6700 XT or Arc A770 on Windows 11 with an SSD.
Does Planet Zoo 2 have Denuvo?
Yes. The Steam page states the game incorporates third-party Denuvo Anti-tamper DRM.
Does Planet Zoo 2 work on Windows 10?
Windows 10 meets the minimum requirement, but Frontier warns that since Microsoft has ended Windows 10 support, ongoing compatibility can't be guaranteed. Windows 11 is recommended.
Do I need an SSD for Planet Zoo 2?
An SSD is 'recommended' at minimum spec and 'required' at recommended spec, with 40 GB of free space either way.
