How Many Plants vs Zombies Games Are There?

The Plants vs Zombies franchise, a beloved staple in the tower defense genre, has sprouted into a variety of titles across different platforms. The main question on the minds of many fans is: how many Plants vs Zombies games are there, exactly? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, requires a bit of unpacking. There isn’t a single definitive number due to spin-offs, mobile versions, and variations in platforms. However, focusing primarily on the core games and major releases, we can confidently say there are at least 6 standalone titles within the main Plants vs Zombies universe, and a variety of spin-off titles with different gameplay. Let’s delve into the main series and then explore some of the other iterations that exist within the Plants vs Zombies universe.

The Core Plants vs Zombies Series

The central pillar of the franchise is the tower defense gameplay, where players deploy a variety of plant-based weapons to defend against hordes of zombies. The core series includes:

1. Plants vs. Zombies (2009): The original game that started it all, introducing players to the now-iconic backyard battle. This is a pure tower defense experience, with a variety of levels and challenges.
2. Plants vs. Zombies 2 (2013): This sequel expands significantly on the original, taking players through different time periods with new plants, zombies, and mechanics. Free-to-play with microtransactions, it broadened the scope and added elements like PvP arenas.
3. Plants vs. Zombies 3: This title has been in development and testing for some time and released in some regions. While often referred to as the third main game, it’s faced some developmental challenges, and it is still considered to be in early development.

Beyond the Tower Defense

The franchise has not limited itself to the tower defense format. There are several spin-offs and games that branch out into other genres:

1. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (2014): A third-person shooter that reimagined the plants and zombies as playable characters in a fast-paced multiplayer environment.
2. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 (2016): This sequel to Garden Warfare added more characters, modes, and maps, further developing the shooter style experience. This is often cited as having a more active player base than the other titles.
3. Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville (2019): The latest entry in the shooter spin-offs, this game sought to build on the foundations of Garden Warfare with even more content and customization. However, it was ultimately cancelled in development before it was fully released.
4. Plants vs Zombies Adventures (2013): A Facebook browser game that offered a different experience that allowed players to create their own town and included a slightly different gameplay loop than the main series. It was shut down in 2014.
5. Plants vs Zombies Heroes (2016): A digital collectible card game that brings the Plants vs Zombies universe to card game fans. The game still receives intermittent updates as of 2024.

It is important to note some titles have received sequels or remasters across different platforms which further adds to the number of games and makes pinpointing an exact number difficult. For the purposes of this article we are focused on the core games and major releases.

Therefore, if we are talking about core Plants vs Zombies games, the main series, there are 3, but if we want to include major spinoff titles and variations, then we could say there are at least 6 Plants vs. Zombies games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Plants vs Zombies franchise, to provide a deeper understanding:

Is Plants vs Zombies 3 a thing?

Yes, Plants vs. Zombies 3 is a real game currently under development. It was released in limited regions and has faced some development challenges, and it is still considered to be in early development. While it is considered the third main-line game in the series, it has had a somewhat turbulent development cycle, with many design changes throughout the testing phases.

Will there be a Plants vs. Zombies 4?

At this time, there are no announcements or plans for a Plants vs. Zombies 4. There was a promotional item known as “Zombies 4” which was a part of a comic book series. This comic series is not indicative of a new game, and currently, it is unlikely a fourth title will be developed.

Is there a PvZ 5?

There is not a game known as “PvZ 5”. There is a “Plants vs. Zombies Volume 5: Petal to the Metal” which is a comic book series in the Plants vs Zombies universe.

Is PvZ still active?

Yes, PvZ is still active, with players still playing both the original tower defense games and the spin-offs. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 currently has the most active player base, as many fans have migrated to the latest release.

Is PvZ2 better than PvZ?

Plants vs. Zombies 2 is widely regarded as an improvement over its predecessor. It introduces a host of new mechanics, levels, plants, and bosses, alongside PvP arena battles. It’s generally considered to be a more fast-paced and feature-rich experience.

Why was Plants vs Zombies Battle for Neighborville Cancelled?

While EA did not officially state why Battle for Neighborville was canceled, it is speculated that it may not have met the profit expectations. This led to the game’s support being cut short, which was disappointing for fans.

Is EA making a new PvZ game?

EA is actively working on PvZ 3, which is still in early development. There are no official announcements for new games outside of PvZ 3.

Which version of PvZ is the best?

Many fans consider the original Plants vs. Zombies (2009) to be the best title. Its charm, simplicity, and strategic gameplay resonated strongly with players. The game is also easily accessible on multiple platforms.

What is the oldest version of PvZ?

The oldest version of PvZ is the original Plants vs. Zombies, released on May 5, 2009, initially for PC (Microsoft Windows and macOS) through Steam.

Is PvZ 3 free?

Yes, PvZ 3 is designed to be free-to-play with optional microtransactions. This aligns with the current model of many mobile games.

Is Plant vs Zombies for kids?

Plants vs. Zombies is suitable for kids due to its cartoonish violence. Despite the comical destruction of the zombies, the game also provides a good amount of strategy for older children to engage with.

Is Plants vs Zombies 2 a sequel?

Yes, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a direct sequel to the original Plants vs. Zombies, and it builds upon the tower defense formula while adding significant new features and content.

Why did the creator of PvZ get fired?

The original creator of Plants vs. Zombies, George Fan, was reportedly fired by Electronic Arts for refusing to implement pay-to-win elements in the sequel, Plants vs Zombies 2.

Why is Plants vs Zombies not free?

The original Plants vs. Zombies was a paid game, but many of the sequels, including Plants vs. Zombies 2 and Plants vs. Zombies 3, have shifted to a free-to-play model with microtransactions.

What is the hardest Plants vs. Zombies level?

Within the original Plants vs. Zombies, level 5-9 in adventure mode is widely considered to be one of the most difficult due to the varied zombie types, especially with the addition of the roof zombies and the Gargantuar.

By exploring the different games in the Plants vs Zombies universe, fans can understand the core games, major spin-offs, and the complexities involved in the development of such a popular franchise. While there may not be an official number due to some titles’ development and platform issues, there are at least 6 main games, with many other variations that add to the rich and diverse franchise.