Hot Date: The Fiery Charmer of Plants vs. Zombies 2
Hot Date is a special-edition premium plant in Plants vs. Zombies 2, introduced during the 2017 Valenbrainz event as part of the 5.8.1 update. This unique plant boasts an intriguing ability to manipulate zombie movement and unleash a fiery surprise when consumed. Hot Date essentially functions as a tactical redirection tool with a fiery final stand. Its primary function is to draw zombies from adjacent lanes into its own, similar to the Sweet Potato, before delivering a devastating flame burst upon defeat.
How Hot Date Works in PvZ 2
Unique Mechanics
The core functionality of Hot Date revolves around its zombie-attraction ability. When a zombie gets within a certain proximity to Hot Date on the lane directly above or below, it will switch lanes to the lane the Hot Date is on. This is crucial for strategically redirecting zombie waves and funneling them into a more manageable position, especially when paired with plants that inflict heavy damage in a single lane.
Plant Food Effect
When given Plant Food, Hot Date doesn’t simply enhance its attraction; instead, it unleashes its hidden fiery power. Upon consumption after attracting zombies, Hot Date triggers a lane-wide burst of flames, incinerating all zombies present on its lane. This makes Hot Date a powerful tool for clearing out large groups of zombies, offering both control and a formidable offensive capability.
A Charming Personality
Beyond its in-game abilities, Hot Date’s description paints a picture of a charismatic plant. The game text describes it as polite, well-read, with interesting opinions, and an active listener. These quirky descriptions add to the game’s charm and personality, which is one of the things that make PvZ2 so enjoyable. In effect, Hot Date’s captivating personality is what draws zombies in before being literally incinerated.
Hot Date in Combat
Using Hot Date effectively requires understanding both its attraction range and its consumption-based flame attack. It’s most useful against groups of zombies approaching from adjacent lanes, drawing them into a concentrated area for the lane-wide flame burst. It can be a strong combo if paired with plants like Laser Bean, Repeater, or Winter Melon to damage and eliminate the zombies as they gather in Hot Date’s lane.
Hot Date excels in scenarios where zombies are spread out across multiple lanes, as this is where the redirection mechanic is most effective. In contrast, Hot Date may not be as useful on levels with minimal lane variation or waves that consist only of the zombies already on its lane.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Date
Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you better understand and utilize the Hot Date plant in Plants vs. Zombies 2:
1. Is Hot Date a Premium Plant?
Yes, Hot Date is a premium plant in Plants vs. Zombies 2. This means it’s not available through normal gameplay progression but must be purchased through the in-game store, often with real currency, or by acquiring seed packets through specific events.
2. How Do I Get Hot Date?
You can obtain Hot Date by purchasing it directly from the store when it’s available, usually during specific events or promotions. You can also acquire Hot Date seed packets through special quests or offers.
3. Does Hot Date’s Plant Food affect the entire screen?
No, Hot Date’s Plant Food effect only creates a lane-wide flame on the lane it occupies. It does not affect any other lanes.
4. Does Hot Date work like a Sweet Potato?
Yes, in terms of zombie lane redirection, Hot Date and Sweet Potato function similarly. Both draw in zombies from adjacent lanes; however, Sweet Potato does not have the lane-clearing flame burst of the Hot Date.
5. Can Hot Date Redirect Gargantuars?
Yes, Hot Date can redirect Gargantuars. However, its primary function is to shift them into the lane, so they’ll still pose a threat after the switch.
6. Is Hot Date Affected by Magnet Shroom?
No, Magnet Shroom cannot steal Hot Date. The Hot Date plant doesn’t have any metal or wearable objects, so it is not vulnerable to the Magnet Shroom’s ability.
7. What’s the Best Way to Use Hot Date?
The best way to use Hot Date is to place it strategically in a lane where you expect zombies to approach from above or below. Combine it with area-of-effect plants or high-damage single-lane plants to make the most of the lane-wide flame burst.
8. Can Hot Date be eaten by a zombie with a bucket?
Yes, zombies with buckets will eat the Hot Date like any other zombie. The bucket doesn’t provide special protection from the plant’s effects.
9. Does Hot Date Attract Bungee Zombies?
No, Bungee Zombies are not affected by the Hot Date’s attraction. The Bungee Zombies come down from the sky, so they are not pulled into the lane by the Hot Date’s magnetic pull,
10. Does Hot Date’s flame attack damage zombies hidden behind tombstones?
Yes, Hot Date’s lane-wide flame will damage zombies even if they are hidden behind tombstones, as the flame is an area-of-effect attack that affects all zombies in the lane.
11. Can a Zombie immediately eat the Hot Date upon switching lanes?
Yes, a zombie pulled into Hot Date’s lane can immediately eat the Hot Date if they are close enough. It’s a quick switch, followed by the immediate consumption and resulting flame. The plant does not make them wait before it’s eaten.
12. Is the Hot Date a limited time plant?
While it was introduced during the 2017 Valenbrainz event, the Hot Date is not permanently limited. It may be made available again during specific events or promotions.
13. Does the Hot Date’s flame harm my other plants?
No, the Hot Date’s flame burst does not harm your other plants, only the zombies within the lane. It’s a targeted offensive ability.
14. Can Hot Date be planted in any world in Plants vs. Zombies 2?
Yes, once you have unlocked the Hot Date, it can be planted in any world in Plants vs. Zombies 2 where it is permitted. You’ll want to make sure that it is used correctly though, since it’s a premium plant that you most likely spent actual money on.
15. Can Hot Date be used in the Arena?
Yes, the Hot Date can be used in the Arena, provided it is allowed in the specific battle. Its strategic ability to redirect and clear lanes makes it a valuable asset in the Arena’s challenging matchups.
Conclusion
The Hot Date is a multifaceted premium plant in Plants vs. Zombies 2, combining zombie lane redirection with a powerful lane-clearing flame burst upon consumption. Its unique mechanics and charming personality make it a valuable addition to any player’s arsenal. Understanding its capabilities and limitations will help you maximize its effectiveness and bring some heat to your defenses.