I find it fun to speculate and try to figure out Frontier's logic on their Planet franchise roadmaps. I came up with a pretty expansive idea that I personally think Frontier should keep their eyes open in order to get PlanCo2 to a hype level gameplay. I focused on analyzing previous games (Roller Coaster Tycoon, Planet Coaster, & Planet Zoo), in order to see similarities. I then addressed the realistic and business-specific needs as well as what feels fair in development and cost for players. Here's my ideas for the full duration. What themes and ideas do you have for free updates and DLCs in the future?
2025: Launch and the Year of Recovery
Frontier clearly listened and knows there's some catchup to get the community hyped for this game, so reflecting on the Roadmap, I've stumbled upon an idea that feels fair for getting the game "developed" for launch by summer as well as some DLCs to complete the year before the real gameplan begins:
The following year-by-year development has a pretty easy structure. Theme packs maintain higher piece counts but more selective on rides. Ride Packs are overhauled to reflect the similar format to the Animal Packs of Planet Zoo: a guaranteed Roller Coaster, a guaranteed E-ticket attraction (Coaster, Track, or Flume), some sort of addition to waterparks, and flat rides that fill the roster total to 7-8 Attractions total. The free updates also follow the same pattern of some needed/requested feature, a new shop, a new entertainer, and a new scenario (4/year equals one level). For 2026, all four packs will reflect theme park history and world history, hence the glimpse into the past.
You made it to the end! I know it's a TLDR. This is just a fun idea pack to spark conversation and ideation as the game progresses. I definitely hope Frontier uses this thread as an opportunity to further optimize the game instead of ending it unfinished with hurt feelings as the past two Planet Games have felt by the community. So far, obviously not, but as of (03/28/25) if Frontier looked at this, they would have a pretty open and yet constructive blueprint to work off of to tailor this game into something the community reveres for years to come.
- Edits in Red -- (03/28/25) Since Frontier Unlocked announced Sci Fi Theme.
2025: Launch and the Year of Recovery
Frontier clearly listened and knows there's some catchup to get the community hyped for this game, so reflecting on the Roadmap, I've stumbled upon an idea that feels fair for getting the game "developed" for launch by summer as well as some DLCs to complete the year before the real gameplan begins:
- Update 4: alongside restaurants and other updates, I am guessing we've got another PC1 theme landing with this.
Trying to stay on target with the aquatic emphasis, I feel like the most likely theme would be Pirate or Fairytale from the base game of PC1, so I chose Fairytale (for reasons with Update 5): - Update 5: little is known at this time, but I feel like to get us on target and make the existing DLCs more fully fleshed out,
a reimagined theme called the Nautical theme (Pirates, Wharf, & Vintage boardwalk) could be added into the Vintage Funfair pack. - Update 6: nothing is known at this time, but following update 5, I wanted to add a theme to the Thrill-Seekers pack in order to make it worth the price
(alternatively, more rides could work as well). Looking at the style of rides chosen, I felt the much desired Steampunk theme would fit best. - Changes to equalize: Nautical moves to Update 6, but Frontier will likely not link themes to existing packs (kindof knew that). Steampunk and Fairytale will be merged to a later DLC.
- Fall 2025 DLC: Introducing the Haunt DLC: featuring spooky themes, advanced animatronics (Dark Universe at Epic Universe), dead trees, and advances in spooky dark ride technology. The star screamer attraction would be the return of the Robo Arm dark ride (Harry Potter & Monsters Unleashed), followed by frightening face-first freefall towers (Falcon's Fury & Icarus), and 3 other flats of differing sensations (i.e. Vekoma Madhouse). The shop introduced would be the Pipshot Elixirs, an adult beverage focus, and a mascot for Pipshot: Lil Pip the Spirit (a will-o-wisp/fairy like ghost inspired by the pipshot drop). The Free Update incorporate layovers & maze additions, similar to haunt experiences at real theme parks, allowing employees to fill in as scare-actors, and guests interacting similarly to the Walkthru Interactive habitats from Planet Zoo. Swim-up Dining are also introduced alongside the new shop. A spooky-western ghost town themed addition in the campaign scenario is also added, continuing the story.
Winter 2025 DLC: As the temperature drops, so does theFrigid Festival DLCWinter Wonderland DLC: featuring the revamped return of the festive and Fairytale themes, featuring fanciful sweets, subzero feats, and other winter features. Rejoice over the star attractions featured in winter festivals worldwide, such as classic steel looping coasters, a cozy hot tubs and slide additions, and of course some holiday fun on various whimsical flat rides. The shop introduced would be the return of the Sugar Emporium, and the entertainer is also a return of Festive KingCo (as well as Queen Freeze). The Free Update incorporates expanded weather (i.e. aurora borealis, snow, lightning, windstorms, etc.) and it's effect on guests (cold and frostbite). And you guessed it, the campaign scenario expanding the previous one includes a winter festival on a new map (polar map), further continuing the story.
The following year-by-year development has a pretty easy structure. Theme packs maintain higher piece counts but more selective on rides. Ride Packs are overhauled to reflect the similar format to the Animal Packs of Planet Zoo: a guaranteed Roller Coaster, a guaranteed E-ticket attraction (Coaster, Track, or Flume), some sort of addition to waterparks, and flat rides that fill the roster total to 7-8 Attractions total. The free updates also follow the same pattern of some needed/requested feature, a new shop, a new entertainer, and a new scenario (4/year equals one level). For 2026, all four packs will reflect theme park history and world history, hence the glimpse into the past.
- Spring 2026: Exotic islands and lands of wonder await in the Magical Rides Pack: featuring exotic mysterious rides into the realms of the imagination. Ride on the roaring Vekoma Launched Flying Coaster (F.L.Y.), and wish upon a star as you soar on the suspended monorail & suspended dark rides in the pack. Also included is the long-awaited Flight Simulator (Soarin' & Flight of Passage), a balloon parachute tower, and an aerial carousel. As for the Free Update, immersive experiences and interactivity play a pivotal role. Interactive points (think Magic Wands in Potter, or the Adventure Games in Disney's Adventureland) make their magical mark, with the addition of interactive gear being sold at a new merchandise shop, Creation Station. Immersed even more in the lore is a new take on the magical princess, the regal Princess Amelie (including diversity in styling) & her masculine counterpart, Prince Conrad. These characters will even show guests how to interact with their newly purchased merchandise to further the lore of your park! As for the campaign, the Skies the Limit on this floating magical lost island. Alternatively, this could become a Theme Pack with the concept of Steampunk as the theme (aforementioned)
- Summer 2026: At the dawn of time, rises the Prehistoric DLC: featuring tribal and Jurassic themes, including a vast array of animatronics from 65 billion years ago to the Pleistocene era. Travel back in time aboard a new multi-dimensional style suspended coaster, or brave the terrain of the all-terrain offroad jeep track ride (Indy Jones Adventure). A new waterslide style (TBD) is introduced, as well as a few antiquity flat rides to enhance the journey into the past. In the Free Update, improvements to animatronics as well as access to variability in unique track and lift elements being brought to all coaster & track rides (cough cough, insert rotary loading platforms on river rapids). You can discover new apparel options at the new clothing store, Cloak & Dapper, and meet the cantankerous wooly beast character, Jerry O'trich (an old top hat fluffy mammoth or tiger). The campaign is also 65 million years in the making: discovering the exact reason the dinosaurs disappeared (volcanic eruption? asteroid impact? toxic fumes? something will make in impact).
- Autumn 2026: In a new take on the "adventure pack", the adventure continues in the World Discovery DLC: featuring world themes to Arabia, Asia, & the Amazon as well as adrenaline-pounding transportation-inspired rides: a launched wooden coaster, a submarine or amphibious vehicle ride/flume, & a few flats to complement the adventure of exploring exotic worlds. In the Free Update, updates to the biomes and maps (redrock desert, sandy desert, oceanic island, volcanic valley, etc.) are added, along with the Cradle of Civilization campaign scenario where you discover the return of Renee Feu in her adventures deep in the tombs of Arabia. Finally, refresh your palate at the exotic bbq and meat skewers at the new shop, Cardinal Spice Shack.
- Winter 2026: the Polar Exploration Rides DLC will round out the year with a variety of rides inspired by the frigid poles of the earth. From slick and slippery coasters, tracks, and water rides to whippy and extreme simulated flats, the extreme is definitely experienced in the subzero temperatures here. The Free Update will advance more guest & management needs, including the effect of already existing previous features like jettison, sunburn, & illness taking an effect in the safety and operations of the park. This can be most noticeably managed with the addition of Medical and Security centers & associated staff. The campaign scenario will definitely be tricky without mastering the medical rescue. There is room for this being a theme DLC with Steampunk returning alternatively as well.
- Spring 2027: Reflect back at classic favorites during the boom of theme parks in the Nostalgia Rides Pack. Inspired by fan-favorites, experience classic experiences that have gone to the wayside. These defunct rides make their return, including Scissor-lift Track Rides (Kongfrontation), the blast coaster (Volcano: the Blast Coaster), Virginia reels, Steeple chases, & Derby Racers could potentially round this pack out amid other highly requested nostalgic flat rides. For Free Update items, I have not decided for this one, as there will have been plenty of time for Frontier to need to make adjustments or changes, so this is the perfect pack to leave empty as a slot to fill in with whatever is necessary at the time. The only likely addition would be the shop & character: When Pigs Fry (fried chicken, corndogs, and other fried foods), with the loveable pork companion, Spork the Swinedler, a bandito determined to not be eaten. The scenario would be a rundown forgotten park with deteriorating rides.
- Summer 2027: More recent times are reflected in the Neon Eons DLC: inspired by iconic decades like Victorian England, the Roaring 20s, Rock'n'Roll, Space Age, & Grunge eras, this pack brings themed elements that have been lacking or will "fill in the blanks" in the time line. Attractions will reflect these eras in theme park history (another chance for Frontier to fill in the gaps). As for Free Update items, lighting improvements (neon lights), pool improvements, and optimization changes will be implemented (meaning all the chaos of previous packs, this will be a chance for Frontier to improve multiple items and updates and anything new to make gameplay easier and more entertaining to play) but also.... drum roll.... the return of Hotels (with fully fledged interiors instead of imaginary boxes). This would also reflect in the interiors of staff management buildings. Character & Shop introductions would be Mesmerelda the Mermaid & well, Hotel Desks. Finally, the scenario would focus on resort-management with multiple hotels in a Las Vegas meets Disney World Resorts style scenario: your challenge, make the Neon Strip a thriving thrill destination.
- Autumn 2027: Enter the turn of the century with the reimagined Backlot DLC. Enter behind-the-scenes with studio-inspired attractions and dedicated back of house theming and props. Celebrate the cinema with rides inspired by current anticipated rides (Ministry of Magic Track ride, Studio Tour Track elements, Simulators & Screen enhancements, & several other highly desired attractions). Included in the Free Update, back of house management and improved special track pieces (i.e. Wheel Lifts, Wheel Flume) will also join with the introduction of parades & entertainment enhancements. Full choreographed shows, spectacles, and interactive queue elements with guests will be brought in to fully immerse and entertain guests to experience the movies like never before. The shop introduced I have left open to Frontier to add, as this could be an opportunity to add something the community requests. The character is also an opportunity to bring back an old favorite, or go with something like Scarlet Starlet. Finally, the campaign is obviously a studio-themed one: Millenia Studio Park.
- Winter 2027: Get the virtual gift this holiday season with the Virtuoso DLC. Focusing on the innovative and interactive gamification trend in theme parks currently, explore deeply immersive realms inspired by video games and play (cough cough, Nintendo but not). From the return of the interactive dark rides (Mario Kart) enhanced as roller coaster experiences, to the gamified versions of various simulator and flume rides (Battle Galleons, Waterparks with these cool addons), all things "games" is the focus of this pack. On the hype train of the Free Update, would be the introduction of Arcades & Carnival Games, providing the games found across amusement and theme parks as well as the merch associated with that. The new shop is not the arcades & games, but the plushie-focused stall: Floof, Fins, & Fun, and the associated character is a gamified playful character friend of Gulpee known only as: Floof. The scenario will also add in more gamification in how it is played (think some of the iconic creations from PC1 where exploring and unlocking levels in the park are built into the design of the level). And that's right, another feature associated with this level is the Scenario Designer, where you can design scenarios as well as franchise & campaigns for linked parks (Think Walt Disney World as one connected resort, split as different campaigns). There is also a lingering "unfinished" essence to this which will be added in a later DLC... (see below)
- Spring 2028: After so many back-to-back improvements, I would assume this might be time to take a step back while still enhancing gameplay: this is the Utopia Rides Pack. Experience rides filling in the games but centered around conservative efforts in the industry (electric vehicles, for a light example). Free Update features bring a vast addition of foliage needs, as well as sustainability efforts into the gameplay (ways to cut costs, different research things, and & improved research to the game). Other needed improvements could also be blended in here. The free shop & character add to the dietary restrictions in the park, as well as Guitaro's love-interest: Blossom Ravenus (venus fly trap). The campaign would be a highly utopia-inspired green modern interior theme park in the desert.
- Summer 2028: It's time to travel into the vast paradox that is the Timewarp DLC: an addition packed with time-travel as the theme. This is also inspired by Da Vinci, so the theme could enhance Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. This could also be Steampunk in theme, alternatively. This would be a futuristic take on time-travel, expanding odd themes as well as any filler themes that haven't been added. Rides would include various launch and switch track styles, imaginative non-existent rides (though scientifically possible), as well as waterpark additions. As can clearly be seen, this is kindof a filler pack, so the Free Update would allow for this variation. However, the most exciting addition is revisiting the Winter 2027 update that felt unfinished: after practice and improvement, the update would introduce 2 huge game changers: Active Multiplayer mode (play with friends at the same time), and Resort Tours (utilizing transport rides and portal points, immediately jump from different park files into related files (i.e. campaigns), allowing for full Resort Development). The free shop and character this time around? Meet Agent Cookoo, a Da Vinci meets Doctor Who meets action spy, who frequents the bakery-shop Cookoo Cookies. You can assume right that the scenario is a time-travel secret agent heist adventure of chronological insanity.
- Autumn 2028: Introducing the Dystopia Rides Pack: a post-apocalyptic war-time inspired pack. Filled with more adventurous futuristic experiences and rides, this pack takes a dark look at the world in the future. From biohazards, zombies, and end-of-world scenarios, the Free Update adds various filters, decals, and odds and ends perfect for the end of world. More exciting, this pack introduces game-breaking additions like train-path crossings, disasters (tornadoes and tsunamis destroy your park), and Interlocked Experiences (connect multiple immersive rides to build a massive storytelling experience (i.e. Rise of the Resistance)). Amid all these groundbreaking additions, the free shop could be some sort of merchandise shop filling the roster of what is missing at this point; and the character is the vigilante militant villain, Marshall Mayhem. The scenario is a disaster waiting to happen.
- Winter 2028:
The long awaited hype for futuristic-specific theming is finally here in theGalaxy Rides DLC. Inspired by science fiction, galactic exploration, the future expanse, aliens, and everything into the final frontier, this pack could act as the final "sendoff" pack. Futuristic (potentially realistic) type coasters, slides, and rides would fill the roster. We're not talking Park Beyond (impossible), we're talking about challenging the community to be inspired by what can be built. I took HEAVY inspiration by the results from RCT3's odd not real rides.... many have appeared and are appearing now (RoboArm, Donkey Kong Coaster, etc.). The Free Update is a last chance for Frontier to optimize gameplay, so I'm leaving this part blank, because it is definitely a "fill in the blanks" area. The only addition I will call is either the return of Dex-R or a new alien-inspired character: Zhon Djo. The Scenario would round up all previous storytelling elements with a "solar system" style island type map scenario.
You made it to the end! I know it's a TLDR. This is just a fun idea pack to spark conversation and ideation as the game progresses. I definitely hope Frontier uses this thread as an opportunity to further optimize the game instead of ending it unfinished with hurt feelings as the past two Planet Games have felt by the community. So far, obviously not, but as of (03/28/25) if Frontier looked at this, they would have a pretty open and yet constructive blueprint to work off of to tailor this game into something the community reveres for years to come.
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