How To Melt Ice in Plants vs. Zombies: A Comprehensive Guide
Melting ice in Plants vs. Zombies (PvZ) is a crucial skill for progressing through various levels, particularly those featuring icy obstacles or enemies that create ice trails. In the world of PvZ, ice isn’t just a visual element—it’s a tactical challenge that requires the right plants and strategies. The primary methods for melting ice revolve around utilizing fire-based plants or employing direct attacks to break ice structures. The specifics, however, can differ across the various Plants vs. Zombies titles.
The most straightforward approach is using fire-based plants. These plants generate heat that melts ice over time. Another immediate melting solution is provided by the Hot Potato, which instantly melts ice when planted on top of it. Finally, players can also simply attack ice blocks until they break using an array of different plant types. These tactics together give players plenty of options for clearing the field of any pesky ice that stands in their way.
Fire Plants: Your Go-To Ice Melters
Many fire-type plants in the Plants vs. Zombies universe possess the inherent ability to melt ice. These plants radiate heat, which, over time, will clear any ice blocks in their immediate surroundings. Fire plants can melt both the ice trail left by the Zomboni and the ice blocks which encase frozen plants or zombies, though, it’s good to note, the speed at which they melt varies between different plants. Strategic placement is key when deploying fire plants. Positioning them close to iced-in plants or along the path of ice-producing zombies is essential for effective ice management. Some of these plants include:
- Torchwood: This plant does not directly shoot at zombies but amplifies the power of any pea shot that goes through it, changing it to a fire pea that also melts ice.
- Fire Peashooter: This plant directly shoots fire peas that do damage to zombies and melt ice on contact.
Instant Ice Melt: The Hot Potato
The Hot Potato stands out as a unique plant with the specific function of instantly melting ice. Unlike fire-based plants that melt ice over time, the Hot Potato provides immediate relief. If you’re struggling with a large ice block or need quick access to a frozen plant, the Hot Potato is a great choice. This effect makes it invaluable in situations where speed is crucial. It’s important to note that the Hot Potato must be planted directly on top of the ice to take effect and does not work with range.
Attacking Ice: Direct Combat Approach
Besides melting ice, you can also clear ice by simply attacking it. This method is particularly effective when dealing with ice blocks that contain frozen plants or zombies. Plants can break free if the ice block is destroyed through direct attacks. Some plants also have abilities that can help destroy the ice quicker. Plants such as:
- Peashooters and their many variants, are the most basic method for destroying the ice blocks.
- Cabbage-pults and other similar catapult plants are also effective for destroying ice with direct ranged attacks.
- Instant-Kill Plants: Cherry Bomb, Squash, and Jalapeno can destroy ice blocks and any zombies inside them immediately with one use.
Strategic Ice Management
Effective ice management in Plants vs. Zombies isn’t just about melting or breaking ice—it’s about understanding how ice is created and proactively preventing or dealing with it. Here are a few tips:
- Anticipate Ice-Producing Zombies: Zombies like the Zomboni and Walrus Zombie leave ice trails. Position fire plants or quick-attack plants in advance to counter these threats.
- Prioritize Key Plants: If essential plants are frozen, use a Hot Potato or concentrated fire to free them quickly.
- Layer Defenses: Use a combination of fire plants, direct attack plants, and instant kills to form a well-rounded strategy that can deal with all forms of ice.
- Utilize Area-of-Effect Plants: Plants like Ice Bloom that can freeze zombies can be very beneficial in areas where more ice may be formed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of melting ice in the Plants vs. Zombies universe:
1. Can any plant melt ice in PvZ?
Not all plants can melt ice. Typically, fire-based plants have this capability, along with specific plants like Hot Potato, which has a direct ice-melting ability. Most other plants can attack the ice to destroy it, but not necessarily melt it.
2. How does the Jalapeno work with ice?
The Jalapeno acts as an instant kill for both zombies and ice. It is one of the few plants that can instantly clear large areas of ice.
3. What does the Ice Bloom do in PvZ2?
Ice Bloom freezes zombies in a 3×3 area, dealing damage and creating ice blocks when zombies are defeated within that area. These ice blocks act as obstacles.
4. Can the ice block from Ice Bloom be melted?
Yes, the ice blocks created by Ice Bloom can be melted by fire plants or destroyed by direct attacks.
5. What is the ice block in Plants vs. Zombies 2?
The term “ice block” can refer to multiple things, but the article is mainly referring to the ice that is created by the Ice Bloom, as well as the headwear worn by Blockhead Zombies in Frostbite Caves in Plants vs. Zombies 2.
6. How does Snow Pea affect ice?
Snow Pea doesn’t melt ice; instead, it fires frozen peas that slow down zombies and inflict chill damage. This can be useful for containing zombies but isn’t a method of removing existing ice.
7. How does Torchwood help melt ice?
Torchwood itself doesn’t melt ice, but it transforms regular peas into fire peas, which can melt ice along with dealing damage to zombies.
8. Is there an Ice Peashooter in the mainline PvZ games?
There is no ice peashooter in the original Plants vs Zombies or Plants vs Zombies 2. They only appear in other titles such as Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, and cannot be obtained by the player.
9. Can the Yeti’s ice attacks be melted?
The Yeti Zombie’s attacks cause plants to be chilled, not encased in ice. Therefore, his ice attacks don’t need to be melted but do need to be considered when building defenses.
10. Does fire damage from plants affect zombies covered in ice?
Yes, fire damage from plants can affect zombies covered in ice or trapped in ice blocks. It will melt the ice surrounding them and also inflict damage.
11. Which is the best fire plant for melting ice?
The best fire plant depends on the situation. Torchwood in conjunction with other peashooters is effective for sustained melting, while Fire Peashooters are good for direct fire and clearing ice faster.
12. How do I deal with the ice trail left by Zomboni?
The best method to deal with the Zomboni’s ice trail is to use fire plants positioned along its path. You can also utilize instant-kill plants or fast-attacking plants to take down the Zomboni quickly.
13. Is the Hot Potato single-use only?
Yes, the Hot Potato is a single-use plant. Once planted on an ice block, it melts the ice and disappears.
14. What strategies are most effective against ice-based zombies?
A combination of fire plants, instant-kill plants, and high-damage plants will handle most ice-based zombies. Consider strategically placing defensive plants to keep them from getting too close to your defense line.
15. Are there any cheats to instantly remove all ice?
There are no in-game cheats to remove all ice. The best way to handle it is through careful plant selection and strategic placement.