Jurassic World Evolution 3 continues the construction and management simulation experience set in the Jurassic World universe. Each installment in the series has aimed to bring something new while maintaining connections to the film franchise, and this latest entry is no different. Frontier Developments has introduced a wide range of new features unique to this game, along with improved creation tools that make park management smoother and the overall experience more immersive.
The story of Jurassic World Evolution 3 takes place after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, though it does not seem to directly tie into the recently released Jurassic World Rebirth. Still, considering Frontier’s history of releasing extensive post-launch DLC, it would not be surprising to see future expansions explore the events of the new film. This time, the narrative centers around the Dinosaur Integration Network, an organization working to rehabilitate and protect dinosaurs that now roam freely in the world. Players will manage multiple facilities across different regions, with the main objective focused on keeping the dinosaurs safe and under control while fending off a hostile group known as Extinction Now, who seek to undermine and destroy these efforts.
The first thing worth noting is that the game appears to be well-optimized for PC handhelds, including the Steam Deck. It runs smoothly right out of the box, with a dedicated setting specifically designed for Valve’s handheld. While the game runs at 30 FPS in this mode, the visual quality is impressive, and I was genuinely surprised by how well it performs. Even though the frame rate is not completely locked, the experience remains smooth and visually appealing. The combination of traditional controls and touchscreen options makes micromanaging parks much easier. It was also great to hear some familiar voices return, most notably Dr. Ian Malcolm.
In addition to the traditional story mode, Jurassic World Evolution 3 also offers a sandbox mode and a challenge mode, providing plenty of replay value. Managing and caring for the parks takes time and patience, but playing on a portable device makes the process more convenient and enjoyable. The game includes a wide range of dinosaur species, featuring many fan favorites. Players can even breed dinosaurs, adding another layer of complexity to the gameplay and park management systems.
Although the game is technically a sequel, one noticeable drawback is how similar the gameplay feels to Jurassic World Evolution 2. There is not much evolution in the core mechanics, to be honest. The breeding and customization systems are fun additions, but they do not go as deep as they could. Still, they bring fresh ideas to the series and help expand its scope. The graphics and overall visual presentation are excellent, offering a clear improvement over the previous game. Optimization has also seen major enhancements, ensuring strong performance across a wide range of hardware. The new park management features make the experience more immersive, and overall, Jurassic World Evolution 3 feels like the most refined version of the franchise so far—especially for fans of the simulation genre.
It is worth noting that the game’s launch was not completely smooth. There are some minor performance issues that appear when placing certain buildings, and a few bugs related to dinosaur behavior and pathfinding. These problems are noticeable but not game-breaking, and they seem like issues that will likely be fixed in future patches. Despite these small hiccups, the core gameplay loop remains strong and enjoyable. It is also clear that the developers have improved object placement, which now feels smoother and more precise than before.
The new park control options deserve special praise. Players now have more freedom than ever when designing and managing their parks. The breeding system is particularly charming, as it allows for the creation of small, adorable baby dinosaurs that are fun to watch as they roam around. This addition makes it feel like you are genuinely caring for a living park. The game also comes packed with a generous amount of content at launch, offering great value for money. There are several quality-of-life improvements as well, such as better terrain editing tools, more accurate resource management tied to the scientists’ roles, and an easier way to save progress.
While most players will likely spend the majority of their time in Sandbox mode, the campaign mode stood out to me this time. The story itself is not particularly thrilling, but the developers clearly learned from the shortcomings of Jurassic World Evolution 2. The campaign now feels more immersive and less like an extended tutorial. It offers a genuine sense of progression while still guiding players through the game’s systems. There are multiple locations to explore in the campaign, featuring a variety of biomes across the globe, including regions in Asia. Although the campaign offers limited creative freedom compared to Sandbox mode, it provides a structured and engaging experience, while Sandbox mode remains the ideal place for players to fully express their creativity.
Jurassic World Evolution 3 feels like a modest but meaningful step forward from its predecessor. While it does not reinvent the formula, it refines it in ways that make this entry the most polished and complete version of the series so far. It stands as the definitive way to create and manage your own dinosaur theme park. The game is best suited for fans of the simulation genre who have not experienced the previous titles, as it serves as an ideal starting point with its accessible systems and improved gameplay flow.
For returning players who have already invested significant time in the earlier games, this sequel may feel somewhat familiar and less groundbreaking. However, it still manages to deliver noticeable improvements, enhanced mechanics, and a generous amount of content. Even if it does not revolutionize the series, Jurassic World Evolution 3 succeeds in fine-tuning its core strengths, making it a rewarding experience for both newcomers and long-time fans alike.
Jurassic World Evolution 3 is a polished, highly-optimized sequel that delivers the definitive park management experience, featuring an engaging campaign, charming breeding system, and excellent Steam Deck performance. While the core gameplay loop is overly familiar to its predecessor and hampered by a few minor launch bugs, it succeeds as a refined and accessible sim starter for newcomers.
