In this thread I will be sharing my semi-wishlist/semi-prediction list of DLC's and content to come. You may ask why the term semi? I preferred this approach to make a thread out of the blend of my personal wishes, with what I expect Frontier will be doing. Some of the things below are purely predictions, while others are what I would love to see in the game in the future.
To summarize, I do expect quarterly DLC's with free content/feature updates coinciding with those DLC's as we have seen with the Arctic DLC. Another expectation I have is, we will be getting a large feature update roughly every other DLC/update; meaning we will be getting a large feature update (like diving or netting) alongside the DLC with minimum six month intervals, followed by at least one regular feature update and DLC; containing free and paid assets like rocks and plants, mapwork (like the aurora borealis), new theme, building pieces, blueprints, animals and scenarios, as seen with the Arctic DLC and the feature update that came with it. By a large feature update I mean the same things I just mentioned for the regular feature updates (free and paid assets, scenarios, themes, etc.), plus one game changing feature like diving or netting. Why in this order? Because a new mechanic would take much more time and effort to implement, therefore requires more spacing in between, while regular feature updates and DLC's can be introduced every season (three months), compared to the minimum 6 month intervals for the larger feature updates containing game changing mechanics and content.
Note: South America DLC was announced as I was preparing this post, but I chose to keep it as is.
Q1 2020 Spring DLC & Update - South America - Precolonial Theme - Exhibit Overhaul
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: South America
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets and one animal.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Jaguar, Guanaco, Giant Anteater, Capybara | Green Anaconda (8x4), Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (8x4, free)
Game Changing Content: Exhibit Overhaul introducing two new exhibit sizes.
Comments: Since this is the first game changing feature introducing update and the first DLC with 3 month intervals after the first DLC that was released only a month after the game's release, I chose to include the easiest to implement game changer instead of the more complex mechanics. The free feature update introduces 2 new exhibit sizes (2x2 and 8x4) in addition to the one in the game (4x4), and the option to use 2 meter grid paths in addition to the 4 meter grids we already have. The existing exhibits animals are redistributed between the 2x2 and 4x4 exhibits, where smaller ones like invertebrates and poison dart frogs are assigned to 2x2 exhibits, with the rest to remain as 4x4. For now the new 8x4 XL exhibit is only for the Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (base roster - free content update) and the Green Anaconda (DLC). Future updates and DLC's can and will add more animals to this exhibit type. The 2x2 small exhibits can be stackable or placed irregularly on a column to suit the 4 meter ceiling height, with 2 variants based on where the actual glass exhibit is - to offer an irregular modern design and avoid identical spacing on the column/frame. If the latter is preferred, it would also eliminate the mandatory two meter height as there is no concern to stack exhibits on top of each other anymore; which would additionally create the freedom to make taller (arboreal) or shorter glass exhibits (than 2 meters) on the column. Combined with the irregular placement principle, this would result in some neat looking variety as well as function for different small species with different lifestyles.
Q2 2020 Summer DLC & Update - Australia - Outback Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Australia
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Red Kangaroo, Emu, Common Wombat, Tasmanian Devil | Frilled Lizard (4x4), Inland Taipan (4x4)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: Regular DLC and Feature Update. Notice how the animals chosen for this DLC are compatible with the existing mechanics. Left the rest of the Aussie roster for future DLC's for when swimming underwater and flying/netting is addressed. Introducing the kangaroo rig.
Q3 2020 Fall DLC & Update - North America - Frontier/Wild West Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: North America
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Bighorn Sheep, Moose, North American Cougar, Nine Banded Armadillo | Alligator Snapping Turtle (8x4), Texas Horned Lizard (2x2)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: Regular DLC and Feature Update. Two new exhibit animals for the new exhibit sizes introduced with the last game changing feature update.
Q4 2020 Winter DLC & Update - Antarctica - Research Station Theme - Diving
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Antarctica
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Southern Elephant Seal, Leopard Seal, Emperor Penguin, one of Gentoo/Chinstrap/Adélie Penguins
Game Changing Content: Diving and Swimming Underwater Mechanic
Comments: As this game changer is a more complex one, gave it roughly one year from the game's launch and nine months from the last game changing feature update, instead of the conservative six. This free feature update will introduce diving, swimming underwater and resting underwater animations for some of the existing animals like crocodiles (all three animations) and polar bears (diving and swimming underwater), as well as future animals and will pave way to even more game changing additions like fully aquatic animals and aquariums. Until now all of the animals chosen for the base game and DLC's were animals that did ok-ish with only surface swimming or moving on the bottom like in the case of the hippopotamus, but this game changer will now let every semi aquatic or aquatic animal to be properly added to the game, as well as completing the missing animations for the existing animals. In the case of the hippopotamus, this is a (cosmetic) surfacing and breathing animation, which is unique compared to the rest of the new diving animations - the exact opposite. Coinciding this free game changing update with the paid Antarctica DLC would have been the most appropriate; as all of the new animals in this DLC require proper diving and swimming underwater animations. Limited the number of new animals to four, as the free update itself is a very time consuming one being relatively close to launch and with a broad application - for quite a number of animals on the base game roster. Introducing seal and penguin rigs.
Q1 2021 Spring DLC & Update - Southeast Asia - Thai or Indonesia Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Southeast Asia
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Clouded Leopard, Sun Bear, Malayan Tapir, Binturong | Reticulated Python (8x4), King Cobra (4x4 or 8x4)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: More XL exhibit animals.
Q2 2021 Summer DLC & Update - Middle East and North Africa - Ancient Egypt or Berber/Arab/Persian Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Dromedary, Scimitar Oryx, Caracal, Fennec Fox | Egyptian Cobra (4x4), Kleinmann's Tortoise (4x4)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: Introducing small cat/fox rig. Had to leave the otherwise fitting sacred ibis for a future update due to gameplay limitations. Crossed out Persian since that would somewhat resemble the Indian themed construction pieces in terms of architectural style.
Q3 2021 Fall DLC & Update - Eurasia - Eastern Europe/Siberia Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Europe and Siberia (Eastern Palaearctic)
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Red Deer, Alpine Ibex, Eurasian Lynx, Baikal Seal | Common European Viper (Adder) (4x4), Fire Salamander (2x2)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: Chose an Eastern Europe/Russian architectural theme instead of a Western one, since Western architecture is already represented by Classic, New World and Arctic sets. One new exhibit animal for the recently added small exhibits. If I was to pick a Western European theme, it would be ancient Greek or Roman.
- End of Regionally Themed DLC's -
From here onwards, there will be no regionally themed DLC's, therefore no more regionally themed construction pieces, regionally themed rock and plant assets, scenarios or mapwork. The rest of the DLC's will be Animal Packs, either based on ecozone, region, conservation status or new category introducing husbandry types (like aquariums). Increased number of animals per pack to 8-10 since we no longer have other new assets. Introduction of new game changing feature updates to improve the base game continues.
Q4 2021 Winter DLC & Update - Netting and Aviaries
Type: Husbandry Type
Region: Global
Feature Update: New boundary types to close off top and sides of habitats. The major three categories are glass, mesh and netting. New free plant and rock assets for walk-in aviaries.
DLC Content: New animals, new scenarios, new 'arboreal/canopy' theme and building pieces, blueprints.
DLC Animals: Toco Toucan, Choco or Keel-billed Toucan, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Hyacinth Macaw, Military Macaw, Kakapo, Kea, Galah, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Bateleur, Egyptian Vulture, Laughing Kookaburra, Great Blue Heron, Shoebill, Scarlet Ibis, Mandarin Duck, Black Swan, Brown Pelican, Atlantic Puffin, any Capuchin, any Black-and-white Colobus, Brown-throated Sloth, Greater Bird-of-paradise
Free 'Base Game' Animals: Grey Parrot, Scarlet Macaw, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Cockatiel, Barn Owl, Mallard, Mute Swan, Snowy Egret, African Sacred Ibis, any Spoonbill, Thick-billed Murre, as well as various Passerines, Hummingbirds and Butterflies for Walk-in Aviaries.
Game Changing Content: Netting and Free Flight. Walk-through Aviaries.
Comments: Probably the biggest and most complex feature update to date. The free update enables players to build habitats using new boundary types for free flying birds/mammals and small arboreal animals like small monkeys that are otherwise near impossible to contain within open top habitats due to traction they can gain even from flat surfaces thanks to their speed, agility and low weight. The new barrier types will be mandatory for the new additions to the base roster in the free update, the paid DLC that comes with it, as well as some of the existing animals like lemurs. The player will still be able to build open top habitats for small non-flying small escape artists like lemurs, however the new insanely high barrier height requirements for these animals will make using netting more practical. These animals will also have new animations for jumping after running and then gaining traction on unclimbable barriers (shorter than say ten meters) to grab the edge and escape, instead of the regular jumping or climbing escape animations. The free update will also offer great improvement to the existing climbing animations/hitboxes and introduce swinging animations for some primates and perching animations for flyers. In a similar fashion to how only surface swimming/not being able to dive did ok-ish for the existing animals on the roster, the lack of netting/certain escape situations/improved arboreal locomotion did ok-ish with the existing animals on the roster as well; which is also why I think Frontier chose those animals for the initial launch. Even in the case of the Orangutan, an animal that is primarily arboreal, the lack of swinging and improved climbing animations and thus time spent above ground did ok-ish due to the fact that most zoos don't offer orangutans as much climbing space as they have in the wild, and thus the average person being used to seeing them on the ground for most of the time. Glass panels and meshes can be placed using the same construction tools we have in the game, but for netting a unique auto-fill feature can be used. The player can determine the vertical boundaries and the game can automatically connect the top if you will. In a similar fashion to terrestrial boundary grades, all boundary types won't be suitable for all species, as some will be able to "tear through" ones that have a lower boundary grade. The free feature update will also introduce the option to create walk-through aviaries for guests, just like the existing "guests can enter" habitat type. Some of these new animals will be compatible with guests entering their habitat, thus allow the player to create custom made walk-in aviaries for small birds and butterflies. Some of these animals might not be suitable to be kept together even if they are "guest safe", so the player will have to decide if they are going to build separate aviaries or sections within the same aviary for them (with multiple gates within gates) given they are not compatible. Or the player can simply choose to not make walk-through habitats for some species even if they are compatible, just like in the current build of the game. These aviaries can be built using all of the new barrier types, therefore allowing the player to create a unique and interesting environments for animals and guests alike. The glass barriers will let players create aviaries for tropical animals that require climate control, while the mesh and netting will not. The player can even combine existing/new terrestrial habitat animals and glass exhibits along with the new arboreal/free flying species to create complex indoor spaces similar to real life examples. Many of the small and medium-sized walk-in aviary birds such as parakeets, macaws, passerines, hummingbirds, as well as butterflies will be literal reskins of each other, not even like the current "reskins" in the game as the community calls them, therefore kept the number of animals high in this pack. Despite this, being a very content rich pack, the price can still be a little higher, compared to other packs.
Q1 2022 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Southern Africa
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Southern White Rhinoceros, Greater Kudu, Bontebok, Brown Hyena, Meerkat, Chacma Baboon, Southern Ground Hornbill, Brown Fur Seal, African Penguin | Eastern Green Mamba (4x4)
Comments: Introducing sea lion/fur seal rig.
Q2 2022 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Australasia
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Matschie's or Goodfellow's Tree-kangaroo, Koala, Quokka, any Wallaby, Numbat, Platypus, Southern Cassowary | Sand Goanna (8x4), Tuatara (4x4), Thorny Devil (2x2)
Comments: Introducing several new rigs.
Q3 2022 Fall DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Andes/Temperate South America (including Grasslands and Deserts)
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Maned Wolf, Spectacled Bear, Chacoan Peccary, Patagonian Mara, Southern Pudú, Greater Rhea, Andean Condor, Western Rockhopper Penguin | Red Tegu (8x4), Argentine Horned Frog (4x4 or 2x2)
Q4 2022 Winter DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Arctic
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Muskox, Arctic Fox, Wolverine, Pacific Walrus, Hooded Seal, Harp Seal, Bearded Seal, Snow Goose or Tundra Swan, Snowy Owl | Alaskan or Siberian Wood Frog (2x2)
Comments:
Q1 2023 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Indomalaya
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Bornean Bearded Pig, Asian Small-clawed Otter, Dhole, Proboscis Monkey, Siamang, any Slow or Slender Loris, Great Hornbill | Giant Asian Mantis (2x2), Giant Stick Insect (P. serratipes, 2x2)
Q2 2023 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Madagascar
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Fossa, Malagasy Civet, Ring-tailed Vontsira, Coquerel's Sifaka, Aye-aye, Tailless Tenrec | Radiated Tortoise (8x4), Parson's Chameleon (4x4), Panther Chameleon (2x2), Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (2x2)
Q4 2023 Fall DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: North America
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: American Black Bear, California Sea Lion, Red Wolf, American Alligator, Canada Goose, Greater Roadrunner, Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk | Cottonmouth (4x4), Desert Tortoise (4x4)
Comments: As much as I like sliders, cooters and other actively swimming freshwater turtles, I didn't add one to any of the DLC's, as they are way more active than other chelonians I chose for the DLC's. Having stationary exhibit animals in the game, these very active turtles would look odd constantly resting in water, even if they'll look fine basking.
Q3 2023 Winter DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: East Asia
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, Hog Badger, Raccoon Dog, Père David's Deer, Golden Takin, Japanese Serow, Red-crowned Crane, Golden Pheasant | Chinese Softshell Turtle (4x4), Oriental Fire-bellied Toad (2x2)
Q1 2024 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Tropical South/Central America
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Ocelot, Giant River Otter, Lowland Paca, South American Coati, Black Caiman, any Howler Monkey, Bald Uakari | Emerald Tree Boa (4x4), Eyelash Viper (2x2), Yellow or Red-footed Tortoise (8x4)
Q2 2024 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: African Leopard, Serval, Nile Crocodile, Hartebeest, Honey Badger, Banded Mongoose, Zorilla, Secretarybird, Martial Eagle | Black Mamba (4x4)
Q3 2024 Fall DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Western/Central Asia
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Hamadryas Baboon, Pallas's Cat, Marbled Polecat, Saiga Antelope, Mouflon, Chamois, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier | Veiled Chameleon (4x4 or 2x2)
Q4 2024 Winter DLC & Update - Nocturama
Type: Husbandry Type
Region: Global
Feature Update: Introducing nocturnal house barrier types and light detection with accompanying effects on animal behavior and requirements.
DLC Content: New animals, new scenarios, new 'nocturnal' theme and building pieces, blueprints.
DLC Animals: Aardwolf, Crested Porcupine, any Two-toed Sloth, White-tailed Mongoose, Banded Palm Civet, Common Ringtail Possum, Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Western Long-beaked Echidna, North Island Brown Kiwi, Burrowing Owl | Olive Python (4x4), Giant African Millipede (2x2)
Free 'Base Game' Animals: any Hedgehog, any Skunk, any Genet, any Mouse Lemur, Ring-tailed Cat, Northern Quoll, Tawny Frogmouth, Eastern Screech Owl, small Bats | Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules)
Game Changing Content: Nocturnal Houses and Related Animal & Guest Mechanics
Comments: Since I do not know how light in the engine is calculated, whether it is directional or volumetric, I will describe the following nocturnal house mechanics in broad strokes. The new special "lightproof" barriers as well as all opaque existing barriers and construction pieces can be used to create dark spaces for nocturnal houses. The new special barriers are added to the game since existing barriers are either opaque but open top (base game) or closed off but transparent/mesh (netting and aviaries update), and a fully closed space will be required for the area to be considered dark/nocturnal house compatible. Which is also why regular shelter blueprints will not count as dark space, however terraformed shelter can depending on how it is built. The new special barrier types could seal of automatically once vertical sections are placed, just like how soft netting functions. Most animals that are somewhat active during the nighttime will be compatible, but only strictly nocturnal animals will have gameplay altering effects. Starting from this feature update, strictly nocturnal animals (existing and new) will show little to no activity in daylight, which will in turn make guests unhappy. Furthermore, a small portion of those strictly nocturnal animals (mostly burrowers) will have increased stress levels if exposed to daylight. Other strictly nocturnal animals that do not get stressed, will simply seek shelter and sleep and won't require a nocturnal house for animal welfare, but will make guests unhappy. Animals that are compatible with nocturnal houses but are not strictly nocturnal will not have any adverse effects on guests or animals when exposed to daylight. Aviary and netting barriers can be used together with the new night house barriers to create creative spaces for nocturnal arboreal animals/flyers.
Q1 2025 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Southeast Asia
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Banteng, Sumatran Tiger, North Sulawesi Babirusa, Javan Ferret-badger, Northern Treeshrew, Spectral Tarsier, Rhinoceros Hornbill |
Q2 2025 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: East Africa
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Eastern Black Rhinoceros, Gelada, Vervet Monkey, Giant Eland, Gerenuk, Kirk's Dik-dik, Black and Rufous Elephant Shrew, Grey Crowned Crane | Jackson's Chameleon (4x4 or 2x2), Meller's Chameleon (4x4)
Q3 2025 Fall DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Neotropic
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, Bush Dog, Tayra, Kinkajou, Cuban Crocodile, Harpy Eagle | Plumed Basilisk (4x4), Cane Toad (4x4), Red-eyed Treefrog (2x2), Hercules Beetle (D. hercules, 2x2)
Q4 2025 Winter DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Nearctic
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Elk (Wapiti), Canadian Porcupine, North American Beaver, Fisher (Pekania pennanti), Alaskan Sea Otter, Pacific Harbor Seal, Black-tailed Prairie Dog | Eastern Box Turtle (4x4), American Bullfrog (4x4), Eastern Kingsnake (L. g. getula, 4x4)
Comments: As much as I like sliders, cooters and other actively swimming freshwater turtles, I didn't add one to any of the DLC's, as they are way more active than other chelonians I chose for the DLC's. Having stationary exhibit animals in the game, these very active turtles would look odd constantly resting in water, even if they'll look fine basking.
Q1 2026 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: West and Central Africa (including the Sahel)
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Red River Hog, Addra Gazelle (N. d. ruficollis), Diana Monkey, De Brazza's Monkey, any Galago, African Civet, Marabou Stork, Sulcata Tortoise | Gaboon Viper (4x4), Simandoa Cave Roach (2x2)
Q2 2026 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: South Asia (including the Himalayas)
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Nilgai, Himalayan Tahr, Markhor, Sloth Bear, Lion-tailed Macaque, Gray Langur, Indian Flying Fox, Malabar Giant Squirrel, | Common Leopard Gecko (2x2)
Q3 2026 Fall DLC - Endangered Animals Pack
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Global
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Sumatran Rhinoceros, Borneo 'Pygmy' Elephant, Saola, Cao-vit Gibbon, Golden Lion Tamarin, Northern Sportive Lemur, Black-footed Ferret (American Polecat), Mexican or Roatan Island Agouti | Burmese Roofed Turtle (8x4), Anegada Ground Iguana (4x4 or 8x4)
Comments: Picked Q3 in commemoration of World Animal Day.
Q4 2026 Winter DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Palearctic
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Northern (Amur) Yellow-throated Marten, Grey Seal, Ribbon Seal, Steller's Sea Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-owl, Peregrine, Norway Lemming | Chinese Giant Salamander (8x4)
Q1 2027 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: South America
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Vicuña, Southern Tamandua, Black-capped (Bolivian) Squirrel Monkey, Common Marmoset, Bolivian Night Monkey, Southern Three-banded Armadillo, Brazilian Porcupine | Northern Caiman Lizard (4x4), Mata Mata (4x4), South American Bushmaster (4x4)
Q2 2027 Summer DLC & Update - Aquaria
Type: Husbandry Type
Region: Global
Feature Update: Introducing "habitat" and "exhibit" aquariums for fully aquatic species. New free aquatic plant, coral and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, new scenarios, new 'aquatic' theme and building pieces, blueprints.
DLC Animals: Sand Tiger Shark, Shovelnose Guitarfish, Goliath Grouper, Cobia, Redfish, Jacks, West Indian Manatee, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Great Barracuda, Stingrays | any Lionfish, small Jellyfish
Free 'Base Game' Animals: Sandbar Shark, Nurse Shark, Smalltooth or Largetooth Sawfish, Green Moray | various Tropical Reef Fish (including Porkfish, small Sharks, small Morays, small Groupers, in addition to the typical tropical aquarium fish like Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Boxfish, Puffers, Tangs, Clownfish, Cardinals and Damselfish) and Inverts for "exhibit" aquariums.
Game Changing Content: Fully Aquatic Habitats, Tunnels, "Exhibit" Aquariums.
Comments: Another huge feature update based on husbandry type like the Netting & Aviaries Feature Update. The free update introduces "habitat" and "exhibit" tanks for fully aquatic animals. Habitat tanks work pretty much like water filled glass boundary habitats, where you can fully design the interior and be creative. However, the only difference is, they will be indoors compatible, meaning the height increments match/compatible with the 4 meter floor height of the grid system if the player wishes to make indoor habitats like seen in most aquariums around the world. For instance you can possibly build an eight meter high "habitat" aquarium that can be viewed from two different floors. The player is also able to build aquatic habitats outdoors with no increment limitations. This system is more to help the player build indoor spaces easier than pose limitations. Another feature these habitats introduce is the option to build a tunnel inside them, functioning pretty much like the walk-in aviaries added in the last feature update, except all animals will be guest compatible since guests are not exposed to the animals. The glass boundary of the tunnel system can automatically connect once you determine where the path will go and connect the two ends, in a similar fashion to how "the roof" of the soft netting connects automatically, once you determine the vertical boundaries and complete/connect all four sides. The update also introduces new "glass exhibits", both rectangular (4x2 and 8x2) and cylindrical (one for the two meter grid, the other for the four meter grid), with various interior preset designs that are automatically picked by the game once an "exhibit" fish or invertebrate is placed. Cylindrical tanks for instance will either feature a single central coral/rock formation (column), or a pelagic theme with no substrate or decorations for animals like jellyfish. Perhaps a third aquarium type could be shallow open top exhibits for intertidal displays, Horseshoe Crabs and small Rays. One difference to the traditional exhibits is, many species will be compatible with each other for mixed exhibits. The fish will have simple looping animations, some having continuous, other less active ones in intervals. Most invertebrates and bottom dwelling fish like Gobies and Mandarinfish can be stationary like the current exhibit animals with idle position animations. The two cylindrical aquariums come with their respective floor piece for each construction set to fill in the gaps. The fully aquatic "exhibits" will use both new and existing glass exhibits for variety, as well as suitability for larger reef fish, like small sharks (8x4). Kept the number of animals, especially small fish high in this pack as it introduces a completely new husbandry type, as well as small reef fish having less detail and more simplistic looping animations. Being a very content rich pack, the price can be a little higher, up there with Netting and Aviaries. Similar to how various reskin of small birds in Netting and Aviaries free feature update and paid DLC, the various bony fishes in this patch should be relatively easy and cheap to mass produce. With birds it was the advantage of similar looking models with various skins made for them, meanwhile with bony fishes it is the rather generic animations and behavior, since each and every fish does not need to have as much (unique) "character" if you will.
Q3 2027 Fall DLC - Coral Reefs
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Global
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Dugong, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Blacktip Reef Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Eagle Rays, Hawaiian Monk Seal | Banded Sea Krait, any Lionfish, any tropical Seahorse, any Porcupinefish
Comments: Seahorses to be primarily stationary attached to coral and rocks with minor idle animations like current exhibit animals. Hawaiian Monk Seals may not be fully aquatic, but the reef theme was fitting.
Q4 2027 Winter DLC - Freshwater
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Global
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Pirarucu, Alligator Gar, Nile Perch, Mekong Giant Catfish, any Sturgeon, any Paddlefish, Electric Eel, Giant Freshwater Stingray, Piraiba, Tambaqui, Redtail Catfish, Fly River Turtle | Axolotl, African Cichlids, Angelfish (P. altum and P. scalare), Discus, Tetras, Barbs, Armored Catfishes, and other popular tropical freshwater fishes.
Comments: The "exhibit" species to have the same kind of looping animations in intervals, with several exceptions like suckermouth catfish to be stationary on rocks, driftwood and glass with minor idle animations like the current exhibit animals.
- to be continued -
To summarize, I do expect quarterly DLC's with free content/feature updates coinciding with those DLC's as we have seen with the Arctic DLC. Another expectation I have is, we will be getting a large feature update roughly every other DLC/update; meaning we will be getting a large feature update (like diving or netting) alongside the DLC with minimum six month intervals, followed by at least one regular feature update and DLC; containing free and paid assets like rocks and plants, mapwork (like the aurora borealis), new theme, building pieces, blueprints, animals and scenarios, as seen with the Arctic DLC and the feature update that came with it. By a large feature update I mean the same things I just mentioned for the regular feature updates (free and paid assets, scenarios, themes, etc.), plus one game changing feature like diving or netting. Why in this order? Because a new mechanic would take much more time and effort to implement, therefore requires more spacing in between, while regular feature updates and DLC's can be introduced every season (three months), compared to the minimum 6 month intervals for the larger feature updates containing game changing mechanics and content.
Note: South America DLC was announced as I was preparing this post, but I chose to keep it as is.
Q1 2020 Spring DLC & Update - South America - Precolonial Theme - Exhibit Overhaul
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: South America
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets and one animal.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Jaguar, Guanaco, Giant Anteater, Capybara | Green Anaconda (8x4), Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (8x4, free)
Game Changing Content: Exhibit Overhaul introducing two new exhibit sizes.
Comments: Since this is the first game changing feature introducing update and the first DLC with 3 month intervals after the first DLC that was released only a month after the game's release, I chose to include the easiest to implement game changer instead of the more complex mechanics. The free feature update introduces 2 new exhibit sizes (2x2 and 8x4) in addition to the one in the game (4x4), and the option to use 2 meter grid paths in addition to the 4 meter grids we already have. The existing exhibits animals are redistributed between the 2x2 and 4x4 exhibits, where smaller ones like invertebrates and poison dart frogs are assigned to 2x2 exhibits, with the rest to remain as 4x4. For now the new 8x4 XL exhibit is only for the Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (base roster - free content update) and the Green Anaconda (DLC). Future updates and DLC's can and will add more animals to this exhibit type. The 2x2 small exhibits can be stackable or placed irregularly on a column to suit the 4 meter ceiling height, with 2 variants based on where the actual glass exhibit is - to offer an irregular modern design and avoid identical spacing on the column/frame. If the latter is preferred, it would also eliminate the mandatory two meter height as there is no concern to stack exhibits on top of each other anymore; which would additionally create the freedom to make taller (arboreal) or shorter glass exhibits (than 2 meters) on the column. Combined with the irregular placement principle, this would result in some neat looking variety as well as function for different small species with different lifestyles.
Q2 2020 Summer DLC & Update - Australia - Outback Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Australia
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Red Kangaroo, Emu, Common Wombat, Tasmanian Devil | Frilled Lizard (4x4), Inland Taipan (4x4)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: Regular DLC and Feature Update. Notice how the animals chosen for this DLC are compatible with the existing mechanics. Left the rest of the Aussie roster for future DLC's for when swimming underwater and flying/netting is addressed. Introducing the kangaroo rig.
Q3 2020 Fall DLC & Update - North America - Frontier/Wild West Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: North America
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Bighorn Sheep, Moose, North American Cougar, Nine Banded Armadillo | Alligator Snapping Turtle (8x4), Texas Horned Lizard (2x2)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: Regular DLC and Feature Update. Two new exhibit animals for the new exhibit sizes introduced with the last game changing feature update.
Q4 2020 Winter DLC & Update - Antarctica - Research Station Theme - Diving
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Antarctica
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Southern Elephant Seal, Leopard Seal, Emperor Penguin, one of Gentoo/Chinstrap/Adélie Penguins
Game Changing Content: Diving and Swimming Underwater Mechanic
Comments: As this game changer is a more complex one, gave it roughly one year from the game's launch and nine months from the last game changing feature update, instead of the conservative six. This free feature update will introduce diving, swimming underwater and resting underwater animations for some of the existing animals like crocodiles (all three animations) and polar bears (diving and swimming underwater), as well as future animals and will pave way to even more game changing additions like fully aquatic animals and aquariums. Until now all of the animals chosen for the base game and DLC's were animals that did ok-ish with only surface swimming or moving on the bottom like in the case of the hippopotamus, but this game changer will now let every semi aquatic or aquatic animal to be properly added to the game, as well as completing the missing animations for the existing animals. In the case of the hippopotamus, this is a (cosmetic) surfacing and breathing animation, which is unique compared to the rest of the new diving animations - the exact opposite. Coinciding this free game changing update with the paid Antarctica DLC would have been the most appropriate; as all of the new animals in this DLC require proper diving and swimming underwater animations. Limited the number of new animals to four, as the free update itself is a very time consuming one being relatively close to launch and with a broad application - for quite a number of animals on the base game roster. Introducing seal and penguin rigs.
Q1 2021 Spring DLC & Update - Southeast Asia - Thai or Indonesia Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Southeast Asia
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Clouded Leopard, Sun Bear, Malayan Tapir, Binturong | Reticulated Python (8x4), King Cobra (4x4 or 8x4)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: More XL exhibit animals.
Q2 2021 Summer DLC & Update - Middle East and North Africa - Ancient Egypt or Berber/Arab/
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Dromedary, Scimitar Oryx, Caracal, Fennec Fox | Egyptian Cobra (4x4), Kleinmann's Tortoise (4x4)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: Introducing small cat/fox rig. Had to leave the otherwise fitting sacred ibis for a future update due to gameplay limitations. Crossed out Persian since that would somewhat resemble the Indian themed construction pieces in terms of architectural style.
Q3 2021 Fall DLC & Update - Eurasia - Eastern Europe/Siberia Theme
Type: Regionally Themed DLC
Region: Europe and Siberia (Eastern Palaearctic)
Feature Update: New free plant and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, 2 new scenarios, new theme and building pieces, blueprints.
Animals: Red Deer, Alpine Ibex, Eurasian Lynx, Baikal Seal | Common European Viper (Adder) (4x4), Fire Salamander (2x2)
Game Changing Content: N/A
Comments: Chose an Eastern Europe/Russian architectural theme instead of a Western one, since Western architecture is already represented by Classic, New World and Arctic sets. One new exhibit animal for the recently added small exhibits. If I was to pick a Western European theme, it would be ancient Greek or Roman.
- End of Regionally Themed DLC's -
From here onwards, there will be no regionally themed DLC's, therefore no more regionally themed construction pieces, regionally themed rock and plant assets, scenarios or mapwork. The rest of the DLC's will be Animal Packs, either based on ecozone, region, conservation status or new category introducing husbandry types (like aquariums). Increased number of animals per pack to 8-10 since we no longer have other new assets. Introduction of new game changing feature updates to improve the base game continues.
Q4 2021 Winter DLC & Update - Netting and Aviaries
Type: Husbandry Type
Region: Global
Feature Update: New boundary types to close off top and sides of habitats. The major three categories are glass, mesh and netting. New free plant and rock assets for walk-in aviaries.
DLC Content: New animals, new scenarios, new 'arboreal/canopy' theme and building pieces, blueprints.
DLC Animals: Toco Toucan, Choco or Keel-billed Toucan, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Hyacinth Macaw, Military Macaw, Kakapo, Kea, Galah, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Bateleur, Egyptian Vulture, Laughing Kookaburra, Great Blue Heron, Shoebill, Scarlet Ibis, Mandarin Duck, Black Swan, Brown Pelican, Atlantic Puffin, any Capuchin, any Black-and-white Colobus, Brown-throated Sloth, Greater Bird-of-paradise
Free 'Base Game' Animals: Grey Parrot, Scarlet Macaw, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Cockatiel, Barn Owl, Mallard, Mute Swan, Snowy Egret, African Sacred Ibis, any Spoonbill, Thick-billed Murre, as well as various Passerines, Hummingbirds and Butterflies for Walk-in Aviaries.
Game Changing Content: Netting and Free Flight. Walk-through Aviaries.
Comments: Probably the biggest and most complex feature update to date. The free update enables players to build habitats using new boundary types for free flying birds/mammals and small arboreal animals like small monkeys that are otherwise near impossible to contain within open top habitats due to traction they can gain even from flat surfaces thanks to their speed, agility and low weight. The new barrier types will be mandatory for the new additions to the base roster in the free update, the paid DLC that comes with it, as well as some of the existing animals like lemurs. The player will still be able to build open top habitats for small non-flying small escape artists like lemurs, however the new insanely high barrier height requirements for these animals will make using netting more practical. These animals will also have new animations for jumping after running and then gaining traction on unclimbable barriers (shorter than say ten meters) to grab the edge and escape, instead of the regular jumping or climbing escape animations. The free update will also offer great improvement to the existing climbing animations/hitboxes and introduce swinging animations for some primates and perching animations for flyers. In a similar fashion to how only surface swimming/not being able to dive did ok-ish for the existing animals on the roster, the lack of netting/certain escape situations/improved arboreal locomotion did ok-ish with the existing animals on the roster as well; which is also why I think Frontier chose those animals for the initial launch. Even in the case of the Orangutan, an animal that is primarily arboreal, the lack of swinging and improved climbing animations and thus time spent above ground did ok-ish due to the fact that most zoos don't offer orangutans as much climbing space as they have in the wild, and thus the average person being used to seeing them on the ground for most of the time. Glass panels and meshes can be placed using the same construction tools we have in the game, but for netting a unique auto-fill feature can be used. The player can determine the vertical boundaries and the game can automatically connect the top if you will. In a similar fashion to terrestrial boundary grades, all boundary types won't be suitable for all species, as some will be able to "tear through" ones that have a lower boundary grade. The free feature update will also introduce the option to create walk-through aviaries for guests, just like the existing "guests can enter" habitat type. Some of these new animals will be compatible with guests entering their habitat, thus allow the player to create custom made walk-in aviaries for small birds and butterflies. Some of these animals might not be suitable to be kept together even if they are "guest safe", so the player will have to decide if they are going to build separate aviaries or sections within the same aviary for them (with multiple gates within gates) given they are not compatible. Or the player can simply choose to not make walk-through habitats for some species even if they are compatible, just like in the current build of the game. These aviaries can be built using all of the new barrier types, therefore allowing the player to create a unique and interesting environments for animals and guests alike. The glass barriers will let players create aviaries for tropical animals that require climate control, while the mesh and netting will not. The player can even combine existing/new terrestrial habitat animals and glass exhibits along with the new arboreal/free flying species to create complex indoor spaces similar to real life examples. Many of the small and medium-sized walk-in aviary birds such as parakeets, macaws, passerines, hummingbirds, as well as butterflies will be literal reskins of each other, not even like the current "reskins" in the game as the community calls them, therefore kept the number of animals high in this pack. Despite this, being a very content rich pack, the price can still be a little higher, compared to other packs.
Q1 2022 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Southern Africa
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Southern White Rhinoceros, Greater Kudu, Bontebok, Brown Hyena, Meerkat, Chacma Baboon, Southern Ground Hornbill, Brown Fur Seal, African Penguin | Eastern Green Mamba (4x4)
Comments: Introducing sea lion/fur seal rig.
Q2 2022 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Australasia
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Matschie's or Goodfellow's Tree-kangaroo, Koala, Quokka, any Wallaby, Numbat, Platypus, Southern Cassowary | Sand Goanna (8x4), Tuatara (4x4), Thorny Devil (2x2)
Comments: Introducing several new rigs.
Q3 2022 Fall DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Andes/Temperate South America (including Grasslands and Deserts)
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Maned Wolf, Spectacled Bear, Chacoan Peccary, Patagonian Mara, Southern Pudú, Greater Rhea, Andean Condor, Western Rockhopper Penguin | Red Tegu (8x4), Argentine Horned Frog (4x4 or 2x2)
Q4 2022 Winter DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Arctic
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Muskox, Arctic Fox, Wolverine, Pacific Walrus, Hooded Seal, Harp Seal, Bearded Seal, Snow Goose or Tundra Swan, Snowy Owl | Alaskan or Siberian Wood Frog (2x2)
Comments:
Q1 2023 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Indomalaya
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Bornean Bearded Pig, Asian Small-clawed Otter, Dhole, Proboscis Monkey, Siamang, any Slow or Slender Loris, Great Hornbill | Giant Asian Mantis (2x2), Giant Stick Insect (P. serratipes, 2x2)
Q2 2023 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Madagascar
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Fossa, Malagasy Civet, Ring-tailed Vontsira, Coquerel's Sifaka, Aye-aye, Tailless Tenrec | Radiated Tortoise (8x4), Parson's Chameleon (4x4), Panther Chameleon (2x2), Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (2x2)
Q4 2023 Fall DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: North America
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: American Black Bear, California Sea Lion, Red Wolf, American Alligator, Canada Goose, Greater Roadrunner, Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk | Cottonmouth (4x4), Desert Tortoise (4x4)
Comments: As much as I like sliders, cooters and other actively swimming freshwater turtles, I didn't add one to any of the DLC's, as they are way more active than other chelonians I chose for the DLC's. Having stationary exhibit animals in the game, these very active turtles would look odd constantly resting in water, even if they'll look fine basking.
Q3 2023 Winter DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: East Asia
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, Hog Badger, Raccoon Dog, Père David's Deer, Golden Takin, Japanese Serow, Red-crowned Crane, Golden Pheasant | Chinese Softshell Turtle (4x4), Oriental Fire-bellied Toad (2x2)
Q1 2024 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Tropical South/Central America
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Ocelot, Giant River Otter, Lowland Paca, South American Coati, Black Caiman, any Howler Monkey, Bald Uakari | Emerald Tree Boa (4x4), Eyelash Viper (2x2), Yellow or Red-footed Tortoise (8x4)
Q2 2024 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: African Leopard, Serval, Nile Crocodile, Hartebeest, Honey Badger, Banded Mongoose, Zorilla, Secretarybird, Martial Eagle | Black Mamba (4x4)
Q3 2024 Fall DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Western/Central Asia
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Hamadryas Baboon, Pallas's Cat, Marbled Polecat, Saiga Antelope, Mouflon, Chamois, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier | Veiled Chameleon (4x4 or 2x2)
Q4 2024 Winter DLC & Update - Nocturama
Type: Husbandry Type
Region: Global
Feature Update: Introducing nocturnal house barrier types and light detection with accompanying effects on animal behavior and requirements.
DLC Content: New animals, new scenarios, new 'nocturnal' theme and building pieces, blueprints.
DLC Animals: Aardwolf, Crested Porcupine, any Two-toed Sloth, White-tailed Mongoose, Banded Palm Civet, Common Ringtail Possum, Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Western Long-beaked Echidna, North Island Brown Kiwi, Burrowing Owl | Olive Python (4x4), Giant African Millipede (2x2)
Free 'Base Game' Animals: any Hedgehog, any Skunk, any Genet, any Mouse Lemur, Ring-tailed Cat, Northern Quoll, Tawny Frogmouth, Eastern Screech Owl, small Bats | Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules)
Game Changing Content: Nocturnal Houses and Related Animal & Guest Mechanics
Comments: Since I do not know how light in the engine is calculated, whether it is directional or volumetric, I will describe the following nocturnal house mechanics in broad strokes. The new special "lightproof" barriers as well as all opaque existing barriers and construction pieces can be used to create dark spaces for nocturnal houses. The new special barriers are added to the game since existing barriers are either opaque but open top (base game) or closed off but transparent/mesh (netting and aviaries update), and a fully closed space will be required for the area to be considered dark/nocturnal house compatible. Which is also why regular shelter blueprints will not count as dark space, however terraformed shelter can depending on how it is built. The new special barrier types could seal of automatically once vertical sections are placed, just like how soft netting functions. Most animals that are somewhat active during the nighttime will be compatible, but only strictly nocturnal animals will have gameplay altering effects. Starting from this feature update, strictly nocturnal animals (existing and new) will show little to no activity in daylight, which will in turn make guests unhappy. Furthermore, a small portion of those strictly nocturnal animals (mostly burrowers) will have increased stress levels if exposed to daylight. Other strictly nocturnal animals that do not get stressed, will simply seek shelter and sleep and won't require a nocturnal house for animal welfare, but will make guests unhappy. Animals that are compatible with nocturnal houses but are not strictly nocturnal will not have any adverse effects on guests or animals when exposed to daylight. Aviary and netting barriers can be used together with the new night house barriers to create creative spaces for nocturnal arboreal animals/flyers.
Q1 2025 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Southeast Asia
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Banteng, Sumatran Tiger, North Sulawesi Babirusa, Javan Ferret-badger, Northern Treeshrew, Spectral Tarsier, Rhinoceros Hornbill |
Q2 2025 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: East Africa
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Eastern Black Rhinoceros, Gelada, Vervet Monkey, Giant Eland, Gerenuk, Kirk's Dik-dik, Black and Rufous Elephant Shrew, Grey Crowned Crane | Jackson's Chameleon (4x4 or 2x2), Meller's Chameleon (4x4)
Q3 2025 Fall DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Neotropic
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, Bush Dog, Tayra, Kinkajou, Cuban Crocodile, Harpy Eagle | Plumed Basilisk (4x4), Cane Toad (4x4), Red-eyed Treefrog (2x2), Hercules Beetle (D. hercules, 2x2)
Q4 2025 Winter DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Nearctic
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Elk (Wapiti), Canadian Porcupine, North American Beaver, Fisher (Pekania pennanti), Alaskan Sea Otter, Pacific Harbor Seal, Black-tailed Prairie Dog | Eastern Box Turtle (4x4), American Bullfrog (4x4), Eastern Kingsnake (L. g. getula, 4x4)
Comments: As much as I like sliders, cooters and other actively swimming freshwater turtles, I didn't add one to any of the DLC's, as they are way more active than other chelonians I chose for the DLC's. Having stationary exhibit animals in the game, these very active turtles would look odd constantly resting in water, even if they'll look fine basking.
Q1 2026 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: West and Central Africa (including the Sahel)
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Red River Hog, Addra Gazelle (N. d. ruficollis), Diana Monkey, De Brazza's Monkey, any Galago, African Civet, Marabou Stork, Sulcata Tortoise | Gaboon Viper (4x4), Simandoa Cave Roach (2x2)
Q2 2026 Summer DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: South Asia (including the Himalayas)
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Nilgai, Himalayan Tahr, Markhor, Sloth Bear, Lion-tailed Macaque, Gray Langur, Indian Flying Fox, Malabar Giant Squirrel, | Common Leopard Gecko (2x2)
Q3 2026 Fall DLC - Endangered Animals Pack
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Global
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Sumatran Rhinoceros, Borneo 'Pygmy' Elephant, Saola, Cao-vit Gibbon, Golden Lion Tamarin, Northern Sportive Lemur, Black-footed Ferret (American Polecat), Mexican or Roatan Island Agouti | Burmese Roofed Turtle (8x4), Anegada Ground Iguana (4x4 or 8x4)
Comments: Picked Q3 in commemoration of World Animal Day.
Q4 2026 Winter DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Palearctic
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Northern (Amur) Yellow-throated Marten, Grey Seal, Ribbon Seal, Steller's Sea Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-owl, Peregrine, Norway Lemming | Chinese Giant Salamander (8x4)
Q1 2027 Spring DLC
Type: Animal Pack
Region: South America
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Vicuña, Southern Tamandua, Black-capped (Bolivian) Squirrel Monkey, Common Marmoset, Bolivian Night Monkey, Southern Three-banded Armadillo, Brazilian Porcupine | Northern Caiman Lizard (4x4), Mata Mata (4x4), South American Bushmaster (4x4)
Q2 2027 Summer DLC & Update - Aquaria
Type: Husbandry Type
Region: Global
Feature Update: Introducing "habitat" and "exhibit" aquariums for fully aquatic species. New free aquatic plant, coral and rock assets.
DLC Content: New animals, new scenarios, new 'aquatic' theme and building pieces, blueprints.
DLC Animals: Sand Tiger Shark, Shovelnose Guitarfish, Goliath Grouper, Cobia, Redfish, Jacks, West Indian Manatee, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Great Barracuda, Stingrays | any Lionfish, small Jellyfish
Free 'Base Game' Animals: Sandbar Shark, Nurse Shark, Smalltooth or Largetooth Sawfish, Green Moray | various Tropical Reef Fish (including Porkfish, small Sharks, small Morays, small Groupers, in addition to the typical tropical aquarium fish like Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Boxfish, Puffers, Tangs, Clownfish, Cardinals and Damselfish) and Inverts for "exhibit" aquariums.
Game Changing Content: Fully Aquatic Habitats, Tunnels, "Exhibit" Aquariums.
Comments: Another huge feature update based on husbandry type like the Netting & Aviaries Feature Update. The free update introduces "habitat" and "exhibit" tanks for fully aquatic animals. Habitat tanks work pretty much like water filled glass boundary habitats, where you can fully design the interior and be creative. However, the only difference is, they will be indoors compatible, meaning the height increments match/compatible with the 4 meter floor height of the grid system if the player wishes to make indoor habitats like seen in most aquariums around the world. For instance you can possibly build an eight meter high "habitat" aquarium that can be viewed from two different floors. The player is also able to build aquatic habitats outdoors with no increment limitations. This system is more to help the player build indoor spaces easier than pose limitations. Another feature these habitats introduce is the option to build a tunnel inside them, functioning pretty much like the walk-in aviaries added in the last feature update, except all animals will be guest compatible since guests are not exposed to the animals. The glass boundary of the tunnel system can automatically connect once you determine where the path will go and connect the two ends, in a similar fashion to how "the roof" of the soft netting connects automatically, once you determine the vertical boundaries and complete/connect all four sides. The update also introduces new "glass exhibits", both rectangular (4x2 and 8x2) and cylindrical (one for the two meter grid, the other for the four meter grid), with various interior preset designs that are automatically picked by the game once an "exhibit" fish or invertebrate is placed. Cylindrical tanks for instance will either feature a single central coral/rock formation (column), or a pelagic theme with no substrate or decorations for animals like jellyfish. Perhaps a third aquarium type could be shallow open top exhibits for intertidal displays, Horseshoe Crabs and small Rays. One difference to the traditional exhibits is, many species will be compatible with each other for mixed exhibits. The fish will have simple looping animations, some having continuous, other less active ones in intervals. Most invertebrates and bottom dwelling fish like Gobies and Mandarinfish can be stationary like the current exhibit animals with idle position animations. The two cylindrical aquariums come with their respective floor piece for each construction set to fill in the gaps. The fully aquatic "exhibits" will use both new and existing glass exhibits for variety, as well as suitability for larger reef fish, like small sharks (8x4). Kept the number of animals, especially small fish high in this pack as it introduces a completely new husbandry type, as well as small reef fish having less detail and more simplistic looping animations. Being a very content rich pack, the price can be a little higher, up there with Netting and Aviaries. Similar to how various reskin of small birds in Netting and Aviaries free feature update and paid DLC, the various bony fishes in this patch should be relatively easy and cheap to mass produce. With birds it was the advantage of similar looking models with various skins made for them, meanwhile with bony fishes it is the rather generic animations and behavior, since each and every fish does not need to have as much (unique) "character" if you will.
Q3 2027 Fall DLC - Coral Reefs
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Global
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Dugong, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Blacktip Reef Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Eagle Rays, Hawaiian Monk Seal | Banded Sea Krait, any Lionfish, any tropical Seahorse, any Porcupinefish
Comments: Seahorses to be primarily stationary attached to coral and rocks with minor idle animations like current exhibit animals. Hawaiian Monk Seals may not be fully aquatic, but the reef theme was fitting.
Q4 2027 Winter DLC - Freshwater
Type: Animal Pack
Region: Global
DLC Content: New animals.
Animals: Pirarucu, Alligator Gar, Nile Perch, Mekong Giant Catfish, any Sturgeon, any Paddlefish, Electric Eel, Giant Freshwater Stingray, Piraiba, Tambaqui, Redtail Catfish, Fly River Turtle | Axolotl, African Cichlids, Angelfish (P. altum and P. scalare), Discus, Tetras, Barbs, Armored Catfishes, and other popular tropical freshwater fishes.
Comments: The "exhibit" species to have the same kind of looping animations in intervals, with several exceptions like suckermouth catfish to be stationary on rocks, driftwood and glass with minor idle animations like the current exhibit animals.
- to be continued -
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