How Many Players Play PvZ Battle for Neighborville?
The answer to “How many players play PvZ Battle for Neighborville (BfN)?” isn’t a straightforward one, as the player base fluctuates and depends on the platform. However, a recent snapshot reveals a specific number of concurrent players. According to the latest data from Steam Charts, Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville™ currently has 345 concurrent players online and in-game on that platform. This number is about 45% lower than its peak of 628 players recorded on September 23, 2023. It’s important to understand that this number reflects only one platform, Steam, and doesn’t account for players on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.
Furthermore, while the concurrent player count is a useful metric for understanding the game’s current activity on Steam, it doesn’t represent the overall player base. Many players engage with Battle for Neighborville through console platforms or offline play, which are not typically tracked by Steam Charts. Moreover, these numbers are constantly changing; the player base can experience surges and dips based on numerous factors including day of the week, time of day and external factors such as other game releases.
The most important takeaway is that while the Steam version of PvZ BfN shows a modest concurrent player count, the overall player base is larger and more active across different platforms. This includes players on console, enjoying both online multiplayer and local co-op experiences.
PvZ Battle for Neighborville: Beyond the Player Count
While knowing the concurrent online player count for the PC (Steam) version of Battle for Neighborville is valuable, it’s just one aspect of the game’s community. Understanding the game’s multiplayer options and ways players engage with the game offers a better picture of the PvZ BfN experience.
Multiplayer Options in PvZ BfN
Battle for Neighborville is a versatile game that accommodates various play styles. It offers a range of multiplayer options for both online and local play. Key features include:
- Online Multiplayer: You can engage with up to 24 players in a large, chaotic online multiplayer experience. These skirmishes take place across a giant suburban map, offering different modes and objectives.
- Online Co-op: For a more collaborative experience, you can team up with three other players to explore the Free-Roam Regions. These regions include areas like the Neighborville Town Center, Weirding Woods, and Mount Steep where you can complete missions and explore.
- Local Co-op (Split-Screen): On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, you can play with a friend in split-screen couch co-op across every game mode. This is a major draw for many players who enjoy the social and close experience of local multiplayer. Note that split-screen is not available on PC.
- Nintendo Switch: On the Nintendo Switch, you can play with up to four people in one group however, there is not split screen option.
These diverse multiplayer options indicate that the player base is spread across different modes and platforms, and may not be fully represented in the Steam concurrent player data.
Offline and Single-Player Aspects
While Battle for Neighborville is heavily focused on multiplayer, it’s worth noting the offline and single-player options. On Nintendo Switch, you can play offline with or without multiple consoles. However, on other consoles and PC, an internet connection and EA account are required to play the game even if playing solo. It is primarily designed around multiplayer interactions so despite having a single player mode, there’s no true offline play option in the non-Switch versions.
Is PvZ BfN Still Alive?
Despite the game not receiving any updates since September 29, 2020, the community is still active, though smaller than it was at its peak. While the concurrent player counts are not massive, many players continue to enjoy the game’s various online and local multiplayer modes. The game’s consistent popularity across platforms also suggests a dedicated fanbase that continues to engage with the game.
It’s important to temper expectations though, because the game is not as popular as it once was. The number of active players will not compare to that of its peak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of PvZ Battle for Neighborville, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. How many players are in PvZ BfN?
The number varies by platform and time of day. On Steam, the concurrent player count is around 345 based on the most recent stats. However, many more players engage with the game on consoles and in local co-op.
2. What are the multiplayer options in PvZ BfN?
The game has multiple multiplayer options: 24-player online multiplayer, 4-player online co-op, and 2-player local split-screen on PS4 and Xbox One. Nintendo Switch version does not have split-screen but can accommodate 4 people in a single group.
3. How many people can play Battle for Neighborville on Switch?
You can have up to four people in one group on the Nintendo Switch, though split-screen is not an option on this platform.
4. Can you play Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville offline?
You can play offline on Nintendo Switch. On other consoles and PC, you need an internet connection and an EA account, despite single-player mode being available.
5. Is PvZ BfN local multiplayer?
Yes, the entire game on PS4 and Xbox One can be played with a friend in split-screen couch co-op. This is not available on PC.
6. How do I play 2 player split screen on Plants vs Zombies Battle for Neighborville?
Start with the account that purchased BfN. Power on the second controller and select another account (not a guest account). Press the SQUARE button on the second controller to start split-screen.
7. When did Battle for Neighborville stop getting updates?
Battle for Neighborville received its last game update on September 29, 2020.
8. Is there a PvZ 5?
There is no traditional PvZ 5 title. However, there are spin-offs like Plants vs. Zombies Volume 5: Petal to the Metal, which focuses on racing.
9. Why do some people prefer PvZ 1 over PvZ 2?
Some players prefer the relaxed pace and simpler gameplay of the original PvZ 1, while PvZ 2 is considered more difficult and fast-paced by some.
10. Do people still play PvZ 1?
Yes, there’s a surprisingly active community that still plays the original Plants vs. Zombies, with games filling up relatively quickly on its servers.
11. Why were extra levels removed from PvZ 2?
Extra levels were removed from PvZ 2, likely to save space and later reintroduced as 100-gem quests.
12. Does PvZ BFN need Xbox Live?
Yes, Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on Xbox One requires Xbox Live Gold to play online.
13. How big is Battle for Neighborville?
The game requires around 15 GB of storage space.
14. Is PvZ GW2 Crossplay?
No, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 does not support cross-platform play; you can’t play with friends on different consoles or PC.
15. Can you play 3 players on Plants vs. Zombies Battle for Neighborville?
You can play with up to three other players in Co-Op modes in free-roam regions. However, local split-screen is still limited to two players on PS4 and Xbox One.
Conclusion
While PvZ Battle for Neighborville might not have the massive player counts of some other multiplayer titles, it maintains a dedicated community across various platforms. The game’s diverse multiplayer options, from chaotic online battles to cozy split-screen experiences, continue to draw in players. Despite no longer receiving updates, the game remains a fun and engaging title for fans of the Plants vs. Zombies universe. The information shows that, while the Steam numbers are not massive, the game’s community is still very much active.