Plants vs. Zombies special zombie counters and emergency plants
Prepare an answer for the previewed zombie instead of reacting after it reaches the house.
Edition covered
Original Plants vs. Zombies as sold in Game of the Year Edition. Covers Adventure and the original side modes; PvZ 2, Garden Warfare and Replanted additions are excluded.
Remove armor or increase damage
Conehead and Buckethead Zombies survive longer than a basic zombie. Use stronger sustained damage, a suitable instant plant or Magnet-shroom against removable metal gear rather than leaving one Peashooter to handle every threat.
| Zombie | Problem | Possible answer |
|---|---|---|
| Conehead or Buckethead | Extra durability | More damage; Magnet-shroom for removable metal gear |
| Pole Vaulting Zombie | Jumps the first suitable obstacle | Layer defenses or use a Tall-nut |
| Balloon Zombie | Floats over ordinary ground defenses | Blover or Cactus |
| Zomboni | Crushes plants and lays ice | Spikeweed or a suitable instant explosive |
| Digger Zombie | Attacks from the rear | Rear-facing defense such as Split Pea |
Counter the movement gimmick
Pole Vaulters and Dolphin Riders can bypass an initial obstacle, while Diggers threaten the rear. Use the right obstacle or rear defense and read the Almanac for the specific behavior before choosing the final seed packet.
| Plant | Effect | Use carefully |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Bomb | Area explosion | Group enemies within the blast |
| Jalapeno | Clears a lane with fire | Choose the lane under the greatest pressure |
| Squash | Crushes a nearby target | Time placement near the approaching threat |
| Tangle Kelp | Removes a water-lane target | Only works in water |
| Potato Mine | Explodes after arming | Plant early enough to become ready |
Bring an answer to balloons and machines
Balloon Zombies bypass ordinary ground attacks unless brought down or removed. Zombonis crush plants and leave ice, so prepare a suitable counter such as Spikeweed or an immediate explosive instead of relying on a Wall-nut alone.
Reserve an emergency square and budget
Instant plants need a legal planting location and enough sun. Keep a usable tile near the threatened group and avoid filling every square with a slow-recharging plan that has no recovery option.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| PopCap original PC readme | akamai.cdn.ea.com |