How to Get All Keys in Plants vs. Zombies 2: A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of how to obtain keys in Plants vs. Zombies 2 (PvZ2) is a common one, especially among newer players. The simple answer is: you no longer get keys in the way they used to be in the game. World keys were removed in the 1.8 update and the worlds are unlocked with stars again. Originally, keys were crucial for unlocking new worlds and progressing through the game. However, the mechanics have changed significantly through several updates. This article will delve into how keys used to work, how the system has changed, and provide answers to some of the common questions players have about progression in PvZ2.
The Old Key System in PvZ2
Before the update, keys were obtained by completing specific levels within each world. These keys were the only way to access the following world. Let’s take a look at how that worked:
- Level Completion: You earned keys by playing through levels. They didn’t always drop on every level, and you could get multiple keys from one level.
- No Penalty for Objectives: Failing the main objective of a level, such as getting a Star, wouldn’t prevent you from getting any keys that dropped.
- Specific Level Drops: While most keys could be randomly dropped, there were specific levels that always guaranteed a key drop. For example, in the original system, beating Ancient Egypt – Day 6 granted the Pirate Seas Key, and the rest were generally obtained from beating Dr. Zomboss in the previous world.
The Removal of Keys
The key system was a core element of the game’s progression for a long time. However, with the 1.8 update, the key system was removed, and the method for unlocking new worlds changed. It’s important to note that keys were removed in the 1.7 update from the Chinese version of the game before the global removal.
- World Keys Replaced: Now, worlds are unlocked with stars. You earn these stars by completing levels and completing the required objectives of each level.
- Free World Key: To ease the transition for players who were used to the key system, a free World Key was given to all players between the 3.5.1 update and the 5.3.1 update, as a reward for beating Ancient Egypt – Day 2.
- No More Key Drops: You will no longer find keys dropping during gameplay, regardless of how well you perform in the level.
- Stars: Instead, now your focus is on earning stars from each level. This is the only way to progress to the new worlds of the game.
Additional Key Information from Past Updates
Although no longer a part of the game, keys had a place in the game’s history:
- Plants vs. Zombies Online: There was another version of the game called Plants vs. Zombies Online where only one key type existed, the Tower Defense Key. This game’s key system was simpler than that of PvZ2.
- Gnomus Keys: In a separate game, Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, there is a system of keys called the Gnomus Keys. These keys are obtained from red chests that cost fifty rainbow stars, with a 75% chance of dropping a key. This is completely unrelated to the keys mentioned in PVZ2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Progression in PvZ2
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further assist you in understanding the game’s mechanics and progress.
1. How do I unlock new worlds now that there are no keys?
You now unlock new worlds by collecting stars. You can earn them by completing level objectives in each world. Once you collect enough stars, the next world will be available to you.
2. How do I get more stars?
Stars are awarded for completing levels and fulfilling specific objectives. The number of objectives in a level corresponds to how many stars that level is worth. Completing additional objectives in a level will grant you additional stars.
3. What is the best way to progress quickly in the game?
Focus on completing all the level objectives in each world to get as many stars as possible. It is best to complete all the objectives of each level before moving on to the next. This will ensure you get the needed stars to unlock the new worlds.
4. What are Mints, and how do I get them?
Mints are special items used to purchase Power Mints and their seed packets. Mints are primarily obtained through the Arena, and you earn them through win streak rewards and rank rewards. You can also get mints by completing certain quests in the Travel Log.
5. What are Power Mints?
Power Mints are powerful plants that boost the power of a specific family of plants. They’re very helpful in challenging levels. They can be purchased through the store for mints.
6. How do I unlock Endless Mode?
Each world in PvZ2 has its own Endless Zone. This additional mode is not part of any level within the game. Endless Zones are unlocked by completing a specific designated level on that world.
7. What are Secret Levels and how do I find them?
Secret levels are difficult bonus levels that appear after certain regular levels within each world. In Beta, they appear after every first and sixth level in a world. In Alpha, they appear after every fifth and tenth level in a world except for S-0 which appears after finishing 0-4 (1-7 in Alpha), and S-1 which appears after completing level 1-3 (1-7 in Alpha).
8. What is the hardest zombie to defeat in PvZ2?
The Octo Zombie, who appears first in Big Wave Beach, is often considered one of the toughest zombies. He utilizes octopus to prevent your plants from attacking properly and can be difficult to counter.
9. What should I spend my gems on in PvZ2?
A good strategy is to get to a decent league in Arena (Iron and above) and then buy the 100-gem piñatas in the store. League bonuses are helpful. It is not recommended to use gems to retain winning streaks in Arena, since the reward streak resets after every seven consecutive wins.
10. What is the most powerful Power Mint?
Fila-mint is often considered the most powerful, being perfect for electric plants. When planted, Fila-mint zaps zombies and boosts the damage of Electric family plants.
11. What is ‘Chilli Free’?
Chilli Free is an achievement that is unlocked by completing a specific level without using Jalapenos. This is in older versions of the game, but still is an interesting thing to note when looking at old achievements.
12. What is “Zombie code”?
“Zombie code” is a term used to describe abandoned or unsupported software functionality that remains in the current source code, and doesn’t necessarily apply to the actual zombies within the game.
13. Is it okay to use a cheat engine on PvZ2?
While it’s possible to use cheat engines like Cheat Engine on PvZ2, it is not recommended for fair gameplay. It can alter the intended mechanics of the game. These tools are not made to be implemented to mobile games.
14. How does Stinky the Snail work?
Stinky the Snail stays awake for three minutes before collapsing. Feeding him chocolate keeps him awake for an hour.
15. Is PvZ2 better than the original PvZ?
PvZ2 has many improvements over the original, including new mechanics, levels, plants, bosses, and a PvP arena. PvZ2 is generally considered faster-paced.
Conclusion
While the key system of the past is gone, the game has evolved in a way to improve the gameplay loop. Focus on earning stars to unlock new worlds and explore the game’s many features. With a better understanding of the star and mint systems, you will be progressing quickly and enjoying the game to the fullest extent. Happy planting!