Why won't Planet Zoo 2 Franchise mode connect, and are my saves gone?

Why it happens

Frontier’s Update 1.0.7 post says that after Update 1.0.6, selecting Resume for a franchise save showed a connection error. It then stopped you from loading into any game mode. Hotfix 1.0.7 fixes this, and the post says the update is available on Steam.

The 1.0.5 and 1.0.6 notes also say that using a VPN, particularly in Franchise Mode, may lead to connectivity issues. They add that some usernames affected by the profanity filter can show a server connection error.

Fixes

Fix 1: Don’t delete your saves folder (Steam)

On the Steam forum, a player reports that their saves disappeared and Franchise mode is not connecting. If you ran into the Resume issue after Update 1.0.6, Frontier’s 1.0.7 post says your saved games have not been lost. It also says: “Do not delete your saves folder.”

Fix 2: Restart and enter your mode from its main-menu button (Steam)

Install Hotfix 1.0.7 if you can: it fixes the Resume connection error, and the 1.0.7 post says it is available on Steam. If you installed Update 1.0.6 but can’t download Hotfix 1.0.7, the same post gives this workaround:

1. Restart the game.
2. Enter your chosen mode, such as Franchise, through that mode’s button in the main menu. Don’t use the Resume button.

One reply in a Steam forum thread says a similar workaround that skips Resume, shared by another player, worked.

Fix 3: Turn off any VPN (Steam)

Frontier’s 1.0.7 post says that if you still can’t access Franchise Mode servers, make sure you aren’t running a VPN. The 1.0.6 notes, for a hotfix arriving on all platforms, warn that using a VPN, particularly in Franchise Mode, may lead to connectivity issues.

Fix 4: Check for a username email, then raise a ticket (Steam)

The 1.0.6 notes say users whose usernames were affected by the profanity filter were emailed. Check your inbox for mail from noreply@mailer.frontier.co.uk. If the username issue affects you, Frontier’s 1.0.5 notes say to raise a ticket with the support team.

Fix 5: Keep the game updated on Steam Deck (Steam Deck)

Under PC (Steam), Frontier’s 1.0.5 notes list a fix for the game being unable to connect to the server on Steam Deck with Proton 11 and newer. If you play on Steam Deck, make sure the game is up to date.

If nothing works

Sportskeeda’s error guide suggests restarting your internet connection, then launching the game and selecting Franchise mode. It adds that Franchise mode depends on your internet connection, so the problem may lie with your network. Whatever you try, Frontier’s 1.0.7 post says not to delete your saves folder.