Can Cattails Pop Balloons in PvZ? Unveiling the Spiky Truth
Yes, Cattails can absolutely pop balloons in Plants vs. Zombies (PvZ). This is one of their key abilities and makes them an essential plant for dealing with the pesky Balloon Zombies. Cattails fire two spikes at a rapid pace, and they are programmed to prioritize Balloon Zombies above all other targets when those zombies are still airborne. This means that as soon as a Balloon Zombie appears on the screen, a Cattail will lock on and unleash its spikes to burst the balloon. This drops the zombie to the ground, rendering it vulnerable to all other normal plant attacks. This unique targeting system makes Cattails crucial for survival in later levels where Balloon Zombies are common.
The Mighty Cattail: More Than Just a Pretty Plant
While their balloon-popping ability is significant, Cattails bring more to the table in the fight against zombies. Here’s a breakdown of what makes them a great addition to your defensive arsenal:
Cattail’s Primary Function: Anti-Balloon Specialist
The main role of the Cattail is to be the ultimate counter to Balloon Zombies. These airborne foes are immune to most ground-based attacks, making them a serious threat. Cattails are one of the only two plants (alongside the Cactus) that can pop their balloons with a single shot. The ability of the Cattail to prioritize these targets means that they will not waste their shots on ground zombies if there’s a Balloon Zombie in their sights.
Offense Capabilities Beyond Balloon Popping
Although they excel at taking down balloons, Cattails also act as a good damage dealer. They fire two spikes at the same rate as the Repeater, dealing moderate damage to any zombie they hit. This makes them useful against regular zombies as well once the balloons are popped or when no Balloon Zombies are around.
Versatile Placement: Land or Water
In the first Plants vs. Zombies game, Cattails need to be planted on a Lily Pad. However, in Plants vs. Zombies 2, they gain a crucial advantage: amphibious placement. This means they can be placed both on land and water with no need for Lily Pad support. This makes them incredibly versatile and allows for far more flexible defensive strategies.
Cattail: Dog or Cat? The Great PvZ Debate
One of the fun quirks of the Cattail is its peculiar behavior. Despite its half-cat, half-plant appearance, it acts quite like a dog. This has led to much debate within the PvZ community and even some amusing commentary from “plant rights groups” in the game’s lore who “defend his choice to identify as a dog”. While it’s ultimately a matter of personal opinion, there’s no denying that this adds to the character’s charm and appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cattails in PvZ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cattails in the Plants vs. Zombies series to help you better understand their functionality and quirks:
1. How Do Cattails Prioritize Targets?
Cattails are programmed to prioritize Balloon Zombies when they are airborne. This means that when a Balloon Zombie is within range, the Cattail will always target it first, even if other zombies are closer. Once all airborne balloons are gone, Cattails will target the nearest zombies within range.
2. What Other Plants Can Pop Balloon Zombies’ Balloons?
Aside from the Cattail, only the Cactus can directly pop the balloons of Balloon Zombies with its spikes. Some explosive plants can also eliminate Balloon Zombies, but not specifically their balloons.
3. Can Explosive Plants Pop Balloon Zombies’ Balloons?
Explosive plants, such as Cherry Bombs, Jalapenos, and the Cob Cannon, can destroy Balloon Zombies outright, but they do not actually pop the balloon itself. They simply destroy the whole zombie along with the balloon.
4. How Can Blover Help With Balloon Zombies?
The Blover can blow away Balloon Zombies, as it does with other airborne zombies, but this does not pop the balloon. It removes them from the field, offering a temporary solution.
5. Do Cattails Need Lily Pads in Plants vs. Zombies 2?
No, in Plants vs. Zombies 2, Cattails can be placed directly on both land and water without needing a Lily Pad as support. This is a major upgrade from the first game.
6. Can Bungee Zombies Steal Cattails?
In the original Plants vs Zombies, If a Bungee Zombie steals a Cattail that has a Pumpkin on it, the Cattail will downgrade into a Lily Pad, but this does not happen in the second game.
7. How Do I Unlock Cattails in the Original PvZ?
The Cattail in the original game is not unlocked through normal gameplay. It is an upgrade for the Lily Pad and is purchased from Crazy Dave for $10,000.
8. What is Cattail’s Attack Speed?
Cattails fire two spikes at the same speed as a Repeater. This makes them a strong, consistent damage dealer, in addition to their ability to pop balloons.
9. Can Cattails Be Burned?
While difficult to burn in their growing season, dry cattail litter can provide enough fuel to carry a fire through growing plants. This does not necessarily kill the plants but can stress starch storage.
10. Are Cattails Bad for Ponds?
Cattails can be beneficial for preventing shoreline erosion and minimizing nutrient input. However, they can grow vigorously and may block out other plant species. They can also obstruct drain structures and irrigation intakes if not managed correctly.
11. Are Cattails Poisonous?
Cattails are not poisonous, although some iris plants may look similar in their young stage but are actually toxic when ingested. It’s essential to ensure you can accurately identify cattails.
12. What’s Inside Cattail Roots and Stems?
Cattail roots have a whitish starch similar to a potato. The thick stems contain a tender white core that tastes similar to bamboo shoots.
13. Are Cattails Male or Female?
Cattails have both male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers are located above the female flowers.
14. Is the Cactus in PvZ a Girl?
Yes, the Cactus in Plants vs. Zombies is depicted as a female character.
15. Why is the Cattail so Popular?
The Cattail is popular due to its versatile use in both games, its ability to prioritize Balloon Zombies, its moderate damage output, and its quirky personality. It’s an essential plant for both the early-mid game and the later stages where Balloon Zombies are prevalent.
Conclusion: The Essential Anti-Air Plant
The Cattail is a crucial plant for anyone hoping to survive in Plants vs. Zombies, especially with the threat of Balloon Zombies looming overhead. Their ability to pop balloons, their decent attack speed, and their ability to be placed anywhere in PvZ 2 make them an extremely valuable asset. Now that you know how they work, you’ll be ready to defend your home with the best of them!