# OpenZT2: a Rust engine reimplementation of Zoo Tycoon 2

> OpenZT2 reimplements the Zoo Tycoon 2 engine in Rust and Bevy for use with the player's own game files. It renders original materials through Bevy with patched vkd3d-shader and MojoShader libraries and includes game systems for animals, construction, and visitors.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Game
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/overyonder/openzt2>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/overyonder/openzt2/blob/7c144bf8e97ff001d3b4790348aecdff12dd7ec3/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/openzt2-engine-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/openzt2-engine-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/openzt2-engine-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Players need their own Zoo Tycoon 2 game files.
- **Prerequisites:** Native Linux packages and AppImage require glibc 2.39 or newer.
- **Limits:** The engine is in early beta, with gameplay still in development.
- **License:** MIT License.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/overyonder/openzt2/blob/7c144bf8e97ff001d3b4790348aecdff12dd7ec3/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/overyonder/openzt2/blob/7c144bf8e97ff001d3b4790348aecdff12dd7ec3/LICENSE>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.