Starting your first zoo | Planet Zoo Console Edition Beginner Guide

[@theartfulrogers]

This game feels like I need a degree in business management and 20 year experience running a zoo… I love it!

[@ethangreenfield8098]

You content creators make this game look so effortless and easy and when I play I feel so bad 😂

[@JojoSewa740]

You’re not bad, this game is extremely complicated

[@Jocky9]

Im brand new to zoo planet playing on ps5, ive watched countless videos before coming across this one and may i say well done plastic swans this video has helped me so much im actually enjoying the game now instead of everything feeling like its all and endless task. Which in reality it is but much more enjoyable now so thank you. Plus you have gained a new subscriber. Keep up the guide videos we all really appreciate them.

[@PlasticSwans]

Thank you and I'm glad it was helpful!

[@brandocalrissian88]

Thanks, for the VERY helpful quick Start Guide!

[@PlasticSwans]

You're so welcome :) Thanks so much for the super thanks!

[@carolina.rentes]

I loooveyour voice and the way you explain things. I'm binge watching your videos and it's both informative and relaxing. Thank you for that.

[@PlasticSwans]

You're welcome!

[@sggaming4720]

Thanks this is a life saver, I just got it yesterday and I’ve been having a huge hard time with this, it’s gonna be fun

[@PlasticSwans]

Good luck!

[@sggaming4720]

@@PlasticSwans I’m on sandbox and I’m just getting a feel for the game so if I mess up no big deal. While I was playing I noticed one of my animals is inbreeding so I packed it up and traded it before it can do anything. How would you recommend keeping that from happening? Because for me I did this with the lions, as soon as the old male lion died I got a new one and the old lion 2 cubs traded one and traded one of its mates so there’s only one offspring with the old lions genetics. But that’s just me

[@cathalmire]

this is alot more complex than i thought , i had zoo tycoon and because of the limited animals i wanted to get this. As i installed and went to put enclosers down did not realize you have to build everything from scratch wow so much detail will get the hang of it i hope lol

[@PlasticSwans]

Biggest problems I had starting out was understanding how to make the barriers and the pathing. Everything else sort of just clicked

[@jazzsonic]

watched so many videos. and this is one of the best!

[@PlasticSwans]

I try and speak from the place I was when I first started, so hope it was helpful! It's really difficult to explain everything all at once, so hoping I didn't miss anything important. Was trying to convey the basics to get up and running

[@jazzsonic]

@@PlasticSwans it really helped me not to get lost. This is a good start 👍

[@elemr4458]

you explain very well the best i have seen

[@PlasticSwans]

Thanks, hope it's been helpful!

[@AstroMaax]

This helped me a lot, awesome guide, THANK YOU.

[@MathewBrown-x4j]

Great tutorial, thank you very much, keep it up!!!

[@Prometheus8164]

Ok something that has been driving me crazy, do you have a video on hotkeys for the keyboard. I’m using one with the console edition and at 12:30 in the video you adjusted the length of the null barrier without physically going into the menu to change it, how do you do that.

[@PlasticSwans]

Yes! Apologies, I didn't want to spend ages talking about the hot keys in a beginner tutorial and waste time since some will be using keyboard, and some will be using controllers. The - and = keys make the barrier larger and smaller

[@Prometheus8164]

@@PlasticSwans perfect that’s good to know. I’m completely new to planet zoo and this type of game in general so I’m running through the career mode before jumping into franchise. I don’t play on PC at all and I gave the controller about an hour before I gave up and bought a keyboard! Sooo much easier to learn on

[@MagicMonkey96]

If you plan on making a large franchise zoo i highly recommend planning out your work zones and gates. It’ll save you a lot of trouble later

[@PlasticSwans]

Great tip! I keep the the staff buildings behind habitats, and place the gates leading directly to the buildings, guest paths at the front

[@MagicMonkey96]

@@PlasticSwans is there any way to increase the odds of certain animals appearing in the market? I’m really struggling to obtain African dogs and pronghorns

[@PlasticSwans]

Unfortunately no@@MagicMonkey96 You're reliant on other players in Franchise Mode wanting to breed those animals in franchise mode, or in challenge, it's just the 4 that are presented. There's 'peaks and troughs' in player numbers, so sometimes it's just a big wait for DLC animals. I remember having struggles with a load of them!

[@MagicMonkey96]

@@PlasticSwans luckily once you’ve got your first zoo done you can run your own breeding programs right? Just have a pair on standby for species you might want

[@snoredizzle3242]

Amazing as always

[@Cahootian]

I’ve been playing for 2 years, why am I watching this lmao

[@emmajackson9620]

Thanks a million for this ❤

[@yulemuller7167]

This question may sound dumb but are animals getting older whilst being in the Trade center?

[@PlasticSwans]

Nope, animals are 'stuck in a time warp' whilst in the trade center and won't age

[@BOTG_Adventures]

I am sure it could be user error as I am quite new to the game, but my blood pressure can't take much more. Hoping somebody can tell me what I am doing wrong or what I am missing. PS5 + Controller. I am constantly fighting with the camera, why is verticality square button!! Main issue... I try and place an object or building down... click... the dam building follows the camera, so when i move it to see the building better it goes underground, So i try and use the zoom buttons.. now its in my face.. i get myself back over ground... now building is floating in space... I know i will put the grid on, that might solve it.. now after 10 mins of fighting the camera... i spend 5 mins up and down... guessing where the floor is.. a nice big yellow square yes that looks right... click.... spends 5 mins trying to get the camera to floor level so i can look... building is 1ft off the floor. so click... move.... i pull back to see better... building comes with me. controller on floor, doors in house slammed. . . . breath ... let motion sickness pass as well. try again... 15 mins in the tutorial trying to get the dam staff building to connect.... So turned here to the forum, its become so frustrating, not sure what I am doing wrong. Any help? If the camera and controls are the same in Planet Coaster 2 on ps5 I will have to cancel my preorder Any help or advice very much appreciated, I bought the delux edition because the game looks awesome.

[@PlasticSwans]

Hey I get it, I'm no good with a controller. Majority of my PZ console videos, I've made them using keyboard and mouse because I've tried doing controller only and it just doesn't work for me! Totally with you on the motion sickness! No idea of your set-up but if you are able to use a table I'd 100% recommend connecting a keyboard and mouse and trying that way. The crazy angles and camera swivels is massively reducing when controlling it with a mouse for me

[@BOTG_Adventures]

@@PlasticSwans thanks ill try keyboard n mouse

[@matildaelaine2632]

I need help with the game. I played it for several hours today, built a normal sized zoo, open the zoo and suddenly, even only with like 200 guests, my game is not playable anymore because of the lags. Only when I have guests in my zoo, it‘s extremely laggy. I play on xbox series x, does anyone know how to fix this?😢

[@PlasticSwans]

I haven't made it that far yet in terms of zoo size, but when I do, I'll see what's going on and if there's any fixes. Worth bearing in mind so soon after release there might be performance issues that will get resolved through hot fixes

[@MouseGuapo11]

Thank you sensei

[@markusstanford9248]

Is there any way to refresh the trade market without waiting the timer out even in sandbox mode. I cant seem to find any button like there is for the pc sandbox

[@PlasticSwans]

I'm not sure on this one! I couldn't see anything myself. I've 'refreshed' the animals (after purchasing one) by switching over to the animal management tab, then going back to the market

[@sharkbait2555]

Huh, i alway use the black tailed prarie dog for my starter animal, i think ill try using the aardvark next time

[@PlasticSwans]

The aardvarks are great, only 2 of them and don't cost a lot to look after. Biggest issue is they're a shy species and can get overwhelmed by the guests when you don't have many habitats to space guests out. I merely chose them because they were first in the zoopedia menu!

[@HwL01]

When i place staff buildings near entrance i get complaint that says guest feel they affect the look n are unhappy

[@PlasticSwans]

All staff buildings have an 'area of negative influence' around them. If you go into the heat maps (I show in the video where they are), and click on the negative influence tab, it'll show as big red circles where the facilities are overlapping with guests walking through it. You'll need to move the staff facilities back a little from the guest path so they're not walking through the red circle.

[@refaeladir]

hi Plastic Swans - Is there an option in the game to create/build a zoo (from the ground up) with no money limit? thanks

[@PlasticSwans]

There is! You can do this in Sandbox Mode, start up a sandbox zoo and it'll automatically have money turned off. You can also turn off a bunch of other options, like animal welfare, power and water etc.

[@refaeladir]

​@@PlasticSwans I thank you for the feedback and the video. In your opinion - where is it more convenient to play the game on the PC or console PS5?

[@thermaltyrant2070]

@@refaeladirNever got a response, sadly.

[@McKingski]

How do you get the mouse arrow?

[@mexicanhound5149]

random question have you had a glitch that makes all paths have maximum width? i cant fix it even with turning off my console and i dont want to make staff paths max width everywhere

[@PlasticSwans]

I've read this is a known bug and Frontier are busy fixing that, expect a hot fix for it soon!

[@ChadGregory-u3p]

Make sure you have your setting set to meters and not feet in the main setting. For some reason if you set it to feet instead of meters it will make it where you can't adjust the width and it will always be max. Hope this helps

[@michaellovett1041]

Today started new zoo copied this lady exactly, couldn't quite get the roofs on staff facilities right. Consontrated on the Aardvarks and mine have just mated. When would be a good time to hire more staff to speed up research?

[@yulemuller7167]

Can u move the zoo entrance? And if you can, how do you do it?

[@PlasticSwans]

Would be a bit tricky, you'd have to select it all and make it into a blueprint, then place the blueprint where you want it. The paths unfortunately won't blueprint, so you'd have to put them all back in. This would also only work for sandbox mode, unless you're very rich because the guest spawners cost a lot to place.

[@yulemuller7167]

@@PlasticSwans thank you so much!

[@IwanTimmermans]

I’m looking forward to your blueprints 😃

[@Jdowgg92]

How do you get the building to be completely in line with each other

[@Jdowgg92]

When I’m trying to place then there ever so slight out of a line even when on the grid, unless I manually move it but it’s never perfectly aligned

[@PlasticSwans]

They automatically place for me in line, as they're all part of the same building group. Are you setting them up in the same group or as separate groups?

[@michaellovett1041]

Please help, I have installed the aquatic dlc and although I have got the pieces available and I have fully researched the aquatic section I never get penguins in the animals market.

[@PlasticSwans]

The market can be unpredictable with some of the DLC animals. Are you finding any of the other aquatic dlc animals in the market? If so, then it's a case of scarcity. If none of the DLC animals are showing up then I'd log it as an issue with the Frontier Issue Tracker.

[@michaellovett1041]

@@PlasticSwans Thanks for that, I have had the Bats show up on the market I believe they are in the Aquatic dlc I downloaded. Am I correct?

[@AngelHernandez-hd2ic]

When I make a second habitat it doesn’t let me put an animal in there any tips?

[@PlasticSwans]

have you checked for gaps? So maybe there's a small gap in the barrier? If not, I'd suggest deleting one section of the barrier and putting it back in, in case the game was having a moment. Also check the paths, and make sure they're connected up properly. Same deal though, if it is maybe take some out and then reconnect. They're the only reasons I've had issues with adding animals to a habitat previously.

[@MathewBrown-x4j]

Make sure you put a gate on the enclosure, I always have to go back after finding an animal I want and put one because I forget

[@dominikkrajcik6824]

I cant find temperature info in zoopedia, it was on PC tho.

[@PlasticSwans]

You're right, temperature range isn't on the zoopedia! I suspect that may be an oversight so hopefully it'll be added in an update

[@Swanprincesss]

Im so excited to finally get this game😭

[@Swanprincesss]

It reminds me so much of Jurassic World evolution

[@butternutswag]

Your video was helpful. But I don’t think my game works well. I can’t get my hires to research. Can’t get my animals in the habitat. Maybe I’m doing something wrong. Not sure.

[@PlasticSwans]

Have you set up the right staff buildings? If you've purchased animals then you have a trade center, but if the vet/mechanic aren't researching, do you have the research buildings they need for that? Also worth checking that the staff buildings have power - they're non-functional if there's no power to the buildings

[@butternutswag]

@@PlasticSwans yes, yes and yes. Im a first time player on console, so I’m learning that the mechanics are a bit different than the game play I see on steam. But I’ve had to scrap my franchise and I’m building on sandbox just so I can learn to build right now. I feel it is best for me at the moment. I’m not ready for franchise. I keep messing it up. I still can’t get my hires to do what I need to do on sandbox. Animals keep dying because the vets won’t visit. I have 2 vets. The pathing to the habitats and exhibits. Extra vet building that power runs to. I’m not actually sure. I will just have to keep figuring it out ☺️ just the right amount of frustrating to keep me busy.

[@michaellovett1041]

Yes you are the best explaining. I would like to start a new zoo because I have been building a zoo for a couple of weeks now Is there anyway I can start new zoo still keeping my experience and research? Thanks Michael.

[@PlasticSwans]

Research carries across in Franchise Mode when you open new franchises, but sandbox and challenge modes you have to start again unfortunately!

[@michaellovett1041]

​@@PlasticSwans thanks for your help, I did start a new zoo a bit yesterday, starting with the knowledge a now know and not making the same mistakes .

[@jamiemcmaster2985]

Can't u some me how do you get the winds and doors apper when building the staff block

[@Slowrath]

Staff buildings without a shell already have windows and doors.

[@PopcornPlaya8589]

Great video! Might be hard to answer in text but how big do you make the work zone? Like 3 or enclosures? Iv had it a few day and not been setting them up, my workers running all over the place!

[@PlasticSwans]

Typically 5 to 6 enclosures for mine, depending how many animals are in there. A big enclosure I'd have less habitats per work zone, smaller enclosures with less than 5 animals in, you can get away with more

[@PopcornPlaya8589]

Have you got or do you plan on doing a video about like what to do with the baby's? From some of your other vids I think you keep the good ones in trade centre and just let's the original ones get old?? Are Animals in trade centre just frozen in time?

[@PopcornPlaya8589]

@PlasticSwans and why the hell is my glass not lining up with the null barriers?!?! This game going to be a love hate relationship I can tell 🤣🤣

[@the_shadow_98.]

I need help it won’t let me assign work zones to workers😢😢😢

[@Slowrath]

It goes the other way around, you assign workers to zones. Select a worker and scroll down to the work zone (it should say no work zone since they're not yet assigned). Select that and change it to the work zone you want that worker to tend to.

[@LizziGames-cr8zj]

this was realy usfull for me also you can go in sandbox mode to just enjoy the game without weriying about money!

[@Sean-ws5ve]

Any idea when they will lower the prices??? I can’t wait for the game but I don’t have 60€ to spend for a single game

[@Scitch-et4vk]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@PlasticSwans]

I would estimate a year at least

[@Sean-ws5ve]

@@PlasticSwans no way what? I was waiting for this game since release and now I have to wait a year!?!?!? Man I’m dying inside….

[@MathewBrown-x4j]

@@Sean-ws5veWell it’s a brand new game on console, they aren’t just gonna lower it a week after release, just save some money and put it to the side, well worth the $60

[@tigerseatpeople]

Where can you find the one way glass?

[@tigerseatpeople]

Found it! Your video really helped out a lot! Thank you!

[@PlasticSwans]

Glad you found it! It's so useful!

[@swifteditz4199]

Hey guys. How do u add donation boxes. Thanks for the help❤

[@PlasticSwans]

Donation boxes are under the facilities tab

[@jsummar]

OMG! I've been playing this game WRONG all these years. I have been struggling to get that 1-way glass researched, which takes a long time with a one-star mechanic. Ugh. Thanks for the "tips."

[@5hrimp_Nachos]

You’re clearly playing on PC though so why does the title say console?

[@BOTG_Adventures]

ps5 has keyboard and mouse support.

[@jakobdoody3382]

Why is time still advancing even when paused???

[@Fierynightcore123]

It wont let me hire staff

[@techtitanuk5609]

Is it good or is it simple

[@PlasticSwans]

Can't it be both?

[@thermaltyrant2070]

@@PlasticSwansNot really simple, is it? 😅

[@Springboi101]

I’m more used to Jurassic world evolution and I was stumped when I started the game

[@PlasticSwans]

Yeah JWE is a very different engine! Keep on it, once you figure out how the building system works in the Planet games it's so much fun!

[@Mrbeee43]

There is no move button

[@HNEditz-sp1tc]

Wait you can play it now

[@Buffalo_Sports_Fan]

I think it might be early access for creators

[@PlasticSwans]

Early access review - it's out today for general release though!

[@Eivaaaa012]

Wait can you have unlimited money in the sandbox game?

[@PlasticSwans]

You do yes! You can change the setting for money so that you are limited if so inclined, but a plus point for sandbox is no limit on cash

[@alexanderhutse4340]

Why making a video on console version of you play on pc ?!

[@PlasticSwans]

This is console, and it's worth helping out new players joining to the Planet Zoo community. I will be actively playing a lot more console for a while

[@GemuTyme]

Fun fact: The console versions support full mouse and keyboard input : D

[@LIL_STRONGEDITZ685]

IM PLAYING ON A 2000 COMPUTER

[@James-cg5xp]

Thank you. Just needs a More normal streamer voice…. From France.

[@PlasticSwans]

Yeah I understand some don't like my voice, but I'm kind of stuck with it 😂

[@amyford2971]

That’s a bit rude. I hope you have wonderful dulcet tones if you’re nitpicking about someone’s accent or dialect.

[@MM781_]

Why does EVERYONE making tutorials on this only use a mouse and keyboard. We need Xbox controller tutorials!

[@bren8168]

I know right! They may as well of not even bothered.

[@PlasticSwans]

Which is specifically why this is a tutorial in the gameplay, not the controls. If it was controller controls, I wouldn't have any insight. Re gameplay, I've 4500 hours worth of insight, which some find helpful

[@Changelax]

That's because console controls are rubbish, just plug in mouse and keyboard problem solved and also 10 times easier to play with mouse and keyboard

[@Scitch-et4vk]

This isn't the console version 😂

[@PlasticSwans]

It is, just with keyboard and mouse 🙂

[@IwanTimmermans]

You’re wrong 😂😂

[@GemuTyme]

The dev team FAQ lists mouse and keyboard as supported on Xbox Series and PS5 @@IwanTimmermans

[@doubledaregirl]

any chance you know the button combo on xbox controller to open the global market?@@PlasticSwans

[@ninjaninja2920]

It is 😂 console we can use keyboard and mouse. 😂😂😂