How to Stop the Fisherman Zombie in Plants vs. Zombies 2
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The Fisherman Zombie in Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a tricky adversary. He uses a fishing hook to drag plants from your defense line, leaving you vulnerable to the oncoming horde. Effectively countering him requires a strategic approach that combines specific plant choices and timing. The most reliable method to stop the Fisherman Zombie is by utilizing Infi-nut’s Plant Food ability. This ability creates a giant, forceful barrier that spans an entire lane, preventing the Fisherman’s hook from passing through and thus making plants behind it untouchable. However, this isn’t the only way to deal with him. A multi-faceted approach employing strong offensive and defensive plants is often the best strategy for consistently handling Fisherman Zombies.
Understanding the Fisherman Zombie
The Fisherman Zombie’s primary threat lies in his ability to disrupt your carefully laid out defenses. He bypasses typical barriers by using his hook to pull plants from behind the front line, exposing them to other zombies. This can lead to a cascade of problems, especially if key defensive plants are removed. He is not particularly strong in terms of health, but his hook ability makes him a significant threat if not dealt with promptly.
Key Weaknesses
While the Fisherman Zombie doesn’t have traditional weaknesses in terms of specific plant types he’s particularly vulnerable to, there are strategies you can employ to effectively counter him:
- Infi-nut’s Plant Food Barrier: As mentioned earlier, Infi-nut’s Plant Food is the most effective way to block his hook. The force field cannot be pierced.
- Strong Offensive Plants: Plants with high damage output can destroy Fisherman Zombies quickly, preventing them from using their hook. Melon-pults, Winter Melons, and Bowling Bulbs are excellent choices.
- Timing: Deploying plants immediately before he can use his hook or focusing on fast destruction are valuable tactics.
Effective Strategies and Plant Choices
Here are specific strategies and plant combinations you can use to counter the Fisherman Zombie:
- Infi-nut’s Plant Food Timing: Keep an Infi-nut ready, ideally in a lane where you anticipate the Fisherman Zombie. Using plant food just before or as he starts his hook animation will guarantee the plant behind the shield is safe.
- High DPS Offense: Establish a strong offense using Melon-pults, Winter Melons, and Bowling Bulbs. These plants provide massive damage and can quickly take down Fisherman Zombies before they can disrupt your line.
- Banana Launchers: Banana Launchers are another way to deliver high damage. Their arcing projectiles can often hit the Fisherman before his hook reaches.
- Chard Guard: While not a direct counter, Chard Guard can fling the Fisherman Zombie away, potentially disrupting his hook and stalling him so other plants can finish the job.
- Spikeweed/Spikerock: These are excellent against most zombies, but they won’t stop the Fishermans hook. However, they will damage the Fisherman and make him easier to kill before he can pull the plants.
- Combination Approach: The most successful approach combines several methods. Use Infi-nut as a safety net while employing a powerful offensive front line.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does using a Magnet-shroom affect a fisherman zombie?
No. Magnet-shroom will not work against the Fisherman Zombie. He does not wear any metal.
2. Can the Fisherman Zombie pull plants behind a wallnut?
Yes, the Fisherman Zombie can pull plants behind a Wall-nut. While Wall-nuts provide a durable barrier, they don’t stop the Fisherman’s hook, as he pulls from the side. He will simply pull the plant behind it.
3. How does the Infi-nut’s Plant Food ability really work against him?
Infi-nut’s Plant Food ability creates a force field along its entire column. The Fisherman Zombie’s hook cannot pass through this force field, so he cannot grab the plant on the other side.
4. Can instant-kill plants take down the Fisherman Zombie?
Yes, instant-kill plants such as Jalapeno, Cherry Bomb, and Power Lily will eliminate the Fisherman Zombie immediately.
5. What happens if the Fisherman Zombie hooks a plant in a pool?
If a Fisherman Zombie hooks a plant in a pool, the plant will be pulled out of the water onto the land. If it’s pulled onto a land tile the plant can be attacked.
6. Is it always necessary to use Infi-nut against the Fisherman Zombie?
No, Infi-nut is not always necessary. High damage plants and strategic timing are effective, especially in earlier levels. However, Infi-nut offers the most secure method of defense.
7. Are there any plants that are completely useless against the Fisherman Zombie?
Many plants are vulnerable to the Fisherman Zombie, but there are very few that are completely useless. Plants that provide more defense like Tall-nuts and Wall-nuts will eventually be taken, but provide a little time.
8. Can the Fisherman Zombie hook plants through other zombies?
No, the Fisherman Zombie’s hook does not travel through other zombies. It will be stopped at the first object it hits and can only hook one plant at a time.
9. Can I use a Blover to move him?
No, using Blover will not move the Fisherman Zombie or his hook.
10. What should I do if the Fisherman Zombie manages to hook a vital plant?
Immediately use an instant-kill plant, or focus fire to eliminate the Fisherman before the plant is destroyed by other zombies. Deploy a new plant in that area if possible.
11. Does the Fisherman Zombie get faster as the game progresses?
While the Fisherman Zombie may appear more frequently and in larger groups later in the game, his speed does not change.
12. Is the Fisherman Zombie more dangerous in certain levels?
Yes, the Fisherman Zombie is significantly more dangerous in levels with fewer plant options or where there is less room for error in your defense.
13. What world does the Fisherman Zombie first appear in?
The Fisherman Zombie makes his first appearance in Big Wave Beach.
14. Should I prioritize dealing with him above all other zombies?
While he is dangerous, prioritize high-threat zombies like Coneheads, Buckets and others with greater health. Deal with the Fisherman quickly but remember he is not the biggest threat on the map.
15. Is there any way to use the Fisherman’s hook ability to my advantage?
No, there is no way to directly use his hook ability to your advantage. Focus on using it as a teaching tool for how you improve your defensive planning.
By understanding the Fisherman Zombie’s mechanics and using the appropriate plants and strategies, you can effectively counter this disruptive foe and ensure your lawn stays safe in Plants vs. Zombies 2. The combination of Infi-nut’s plant food ability, along with a solid offense, will turn this nuisance into just another zombie to take down.