DLC Animals not available in Career?

[Richon]

I just bought the North America and Arctic packs on sale, then booted up my zoo in Career mode so incorporate some new animals. But none are there. Can I not use DLC animals in Career mode?

[Tobijon]

you cant even use all non dlc animals in career, there are specific animals available for each mission

[Richon]

Originally posted by tobijon:

you cant even use all non dlc animals in career, there are specific animals available for each mission

I knew about the limitations in each scenario regarding base animals. But I was hoping at least some DLC animals would be available. Otherwise, there's no point in buying anymore DLC until I'm done with Career.

[grampers62]

Once the scenario has been completed to gold level all species should become randomly available.

[Richon]

Originally posted by grampers62:

Once the scenario has been completed to gold level all species should become randomly available.

Heavy sigh. Well, guess I won't buy any more DLC until I'm done with Career then. Stupid design.

[swskydancer]

Actually, you don't have to skip any DLC you may want to get. There is another option for you. There isn't any reason not to continue Career mode but there also isn't any reason that you can't take a break from career and play in a sandbox zoo for a while. If you want to try your hand at building, sandbox is a good place to practice and everything is unlocked for your use to do so. It also has multiple settings you can turn on and off to suit your needs. You can also download a complete zoo to play but check to be sure you have any DLC mentioned as required in the upload. For example, for the North America pack I like grampers62's Beaver Holler but it does require other DLC packs as well for use. I mention that one because he also uploads signs, lights, boards etc. used in the zoo build. If one wants to enlarge the zoo, it can be done with all the pieces that keep it looking themed readily available.

I know by the time I had completed the first three career scenarios when I first started playing a year ago that I needed something to play that was just fun. I've also found downloaded sandbox zoos to be good to practice what you've learned in those scenarios without it feeling like drudgery. They are also a source of inspiration for building a zoo. You can have your cake and eat it, too, lol.

[grampers62]

The career is becoming known more as an instructional thing for the game rather than any sort of competitive thing. But one does unlock steam achievements by completing it. So really I would say finish the career through to gold in at least the medium skill level to learn what works when things go wrong.
Most players seem to find franchise where to go and be creative while working at mastery of the game systems and management. Sandbox is a really great place to experiment and see what works. there one can disable or enable a great deal of the management features to just create or watch animals.
So go ahead with the DLC that you want as it can indeed be worth while in the long run.
To be honest I still have not put all the DLC animals into zoos yet as I like to just create places I find serene and peaceful.

[Richon]

I don't really have the kind of time to shift between all those modes. I was just hoping to enrich my Career mode experience. Guess I'll just not waste any more money on DLC.

[KevUK]

I LOVE HORSES