How to Unlock Plants in Plants vs. Zombies 2: A Comprehensive Guide
Unlocking new plants is at the heart of the Plants vs. Zombies 2 (PvZ2) experience. Each plant brings unique abilities and strategic possibilities to your defense against the zombie hordes. This article provides a detailed breakdown of how to acquire new flora and offers answers to frequently asked questions to help you cultivate the most powerful garden possible.
The Core Methods for Unlocking Plants
In PvZ2, acquiring new plants isn’t just about progressing through the levels; it’s a multifaceted process involving several different mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of the main ways you can expand your botanical arsenal:
Progressing Through the Story Mode
The primary method for unlocking most basic plants is by simply playing through the main adventure mode. As you progress through each world, you’ll be rewarded with new plants at specific levels. These plants are essential for your survival and will form the core of your early strategies. Keep an eye on the level completion rewards to see what new plants are on the horizon.
Seed Packet Plants (Seediums)
Many plants, often more powerful or specialized, are unlocked using seed packets. These plants are also called “seediums”. You’ll need a specific number of seed packets for each plant before you can unlock them. You can accumulate seed packets through various means:
- Piñatas: Piñatas are a key source of seed packets. You can earn them by completing quests in the Travel Log, by replaying levels (up to five Piñatas a day), or by purchasing them from the in-game store.
- Arena Mode: Participating in and winning Arena matches often awards Piñatas or specific plant seed packets. This is a great way to target certain plants you want to unlock.
- Event Rewards: Keep an eye out for special in-game events. These often feature unique challenges and opportunities to earn seed packets for specific plants.
- World-Specific Rewards: Completing world maps can also give you access to these.
Once you have the necessary seed packets, navigate to the Almanac and select the desired plant. If you have enough packets, you’ll see an “Unlock” button that will allow you to add the plant to your collection.
Mint Plants
Mint plants are a special category of powerful plants that are unlocked using mints, a unique currency obtained through specific methods:
- Power Mint Quests: Completing quests that showcase a specific Power Mint will reward you with a number of mints. Usually, the first completion gives two mints, and the second rewards three.
- Arena Practice Quest: Completing the Arena Practice Quest will reward you with either three or five mints.
- Daily Arena Wins: Winning an Arena match each day rewards you with two mints.
Mints can then be used to purchase the various mint-type plants in the in-game store.
Zen Garden Plants
Certain plants, particularly the Zen Garden plants, can be obtained in unique ways:
- Random Drops: Some Zen Garden plants can be found as random drops after defeating zombies. This is often the most unreliable method, but it can yield a few surprises.
- Crazy Dave’s Twiddydinkies: You can purchase up to three Zen Garden Marigolds per real calendar day from Crazy Dave’s shop. They will cost 2,500 coins, or on some versions, 5,000 coins.
Premium Plants
Premium Plants are plants that are generally unlocked through purchases using real-world currency or through gems, the game’s premium currency. While these plants are often powerful and can offer an advantage, they are not required to complete the game. Here are a couple of examples:
- Power Lily: Is a premium plant that is unlocked for 399 gems and produces a plant food when planted.
- Starfruit: Is a premium plant that is unlocked for 200 seed packets.
Seasonal Plants
Seasonal plants are available for a limited time, usually during specific holidays or events. These plants are often powerful and feature unique abilities that are tied to their corresponding season. It is crucial to grab them when they are available, as they may not return until the following year. Jack O Lantern is a good example of this type of plant. If you don’t purchase the plant while it is being featured, you’ll have to wait until it comes back in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you unlock all plants in PvZ2 for free?
No, not entirely. You can unlock most gameplay elements and the vast majority of plants for free by playing through the game, earning seed packets, and completing challenges. However, some plants, primarily premium plants, require purchasing with real money or gems.
2. Can you unlock new plants with Seed Packets?
Yes, you can unlock plants with seed packets. Once you have collected the required amount of seed packets for a particular plant, you can click “Unlock” in the Almanac. However, you cannot level up a plant with seed packets unless you have already unlocked it.
3. How do you level up plants in PvZ2?
Plants are leveled up by collecting seed packets. These can be obtained through Piñatas, completing quests, and event rewards. However, Imitater and Marigold cannot be upgraded.
4. How do you get mint plants in PvZ2?
Mint plants are unlocked by collecting and spending mints. Mints are earned by: completing Power Mint quests, completing the Arena Practice Quest, and winning Arena matches each day.
5. Why are some plants not in my PvZ2?
Some plants, like seasonal plants, are only available for a limited time. Check for in-game events and announcements to see when they might return. Also, make sure you are actively playing through each world.
6. How do you unlock Torchwood in PvZ2?
You unlock Torchwood by opening all 5 locks on the Torchwood chest. It is one of the few plants that does not use seed packets.
7. How do you unlock endless PvZ?
The Endless mode is unlocked after completing all the other Survival Mode levels in the original Plants vs. Zombies game.
8. How do you unlock Parsnip in PvZ2?
Parsnip is a close-range plant that is unlocked after beating world 11-4.
9. Can you beat PvZ2 without buying anything?
Yes, you can absolutely beat PvZ2 without spending any money. The game is designed to be completable with free-to-play elements, though premium plants can provide advantages.
10. How do you unlock Toadstool in PvZ2?
Toadstool is unlocked by beating level 11-7. It is a close-range plant that rapidly slaps zombies with her tongue.
11. How do you get secret levels in PvZ2?
Secret levels appear in worlds after every first and sixth level in Beta, and after every fifth and tenth level in Alpha, excluding S-0 which appears after 0-4 in Beta and 1-7 in Alpha and S-1, which appears after level 1-3 in Beta and 1-7 in Alpha.
12. What are Zen Garden plants and how do you obtain them?
Zen Garden plants are a special category of plant obtained primarily by random drops from zombies, and by purchasing Marigolds from Crazy Dave’s Twiddydinkies for 2500 or 5000 coins, depending on the game version.
13. What is the Tree of Wisdom?
The Tree of Wisdom is a feature you can access by going to Zen Garden. There, you can grow it using in game currency. Although there are no rewards after it has reached 1000 feet, you can grow it indefinitely.
14. What is the best way to farm seed packets in PvZ2?
The best way to farm seed packets is by playing through the Travel Log quests, replaying levels daily (you can get up to five Piñatas each day this way), participating in Arena Mode, and watching for special events.
15. How do you unlock Power Lily in PvZ2?
Power Lily is a premium plant and can be unlocked by purchasing it in the store for 399 Gems.
Conclusion
Unlocking plants in PvZ2 is a journey that combines strategy, patience, and a bit of luck. By mastering the methods described above, you’ll be well on your way to building a powerful arsenal of plants, ready to take on any zombie threat. Remember to stay engaged with in-game events, and don’t forget to experiment with your newly unlocked plants to discover the most effective strategies. Happy planting!