How to Unlock All Characters in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare
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Unlocking all the characters in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare (PvZ GW) and its sequel, Garden Warfare 2, is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. While the core gameplay remains consistent, the methods for acquiring characters vary slightly between the two games. This article primarily focuses on the methods in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 (PvZ GW2), as it offers a more comprehensive roster and generally uses the same unlock mechanics. Note that some characters in the original Garden Warfare are unlocked differently and some are no longer obtainable in GW2.
To get straight to the point: Most standard characters in PvZ GW2 can be obtained by purchasing sticker packs using in-game currency (coins) earned through gameplay. These packs contain random stickers, and collecting enough of a specific character’s sticker will unlock them. For Legendary Characters, the process is much more arduous, involving a lot of grinding and luck. Some characters, like the Torchwood and Hover Goat-3000, require completing special challenges and using Rainbow Stars, a different currency.
Character Unlocking Through Sticker Packs
The most common method for unlocking characters is through sticker packs found in the Sticker Shop. Here’s a breakdown:
- Coin Packs: These are the most readily available packs purchased with in-game coins. The Phenomenal Character Pack for 75,000 coins is often recommended for newer players. It provides a good chance of unlocking base characters (non-legendary).
- Special Packs: These packs often have better odds of giving you specific types of stickers, including characters. While not guaranteed, they provide a better way to target specific types of unlocks such as the Wonderous Packs of Greatness for Legendary Character parts.
- The grind: The process of unlocking all characters through packs can be time-consuming, as it relies on Random Number Generation (RNG). You may end up with duplicates, which can be used to level up your characters.
Legendary Characters: A Test of Patience
Unlocking Legendary Characters is the most challenging aspect of character acquisition. Unlike basic characters, these are rare and difficult to get.
- Rarity: Legendary characters have a very low drop rate from sticker packs. It’s generally accepted within the community that the 35k Packs offer the highest chance of dropping a Legendary piece, estimated to be one per million coins spent.
- Sticker Pieces: Unlike basic characters, you only need two stickers for a Legendary Character to unlock them.
- The Grind: Be prepared for a long grind, and don’t get discouraged! It requires a significant investment of time and in-game currency.
Unlock Methods Beyond Sticker Packs
Some characters cannot be acquired through regular sticker packs. These characters involve special requirements.
- Torchwood & Hover Goat-3000: These characters are unlocked through the Rainbow Stars Chests. First, you must complete the four Trials to assemble the missing code pieces. Using that final code will summon the Rainbow Guardian. Defeat the guardian to gain access to the Chests. Each of the 5 Locks on the chest requires 15 Rainbow Stars, totaling 75 Rainbow Stars to unlock the character.
- Unicorn Chomper: This character was a legacy reward for players reaching rank 313 in the first Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare. Unfortunately, the Unicorn Chomper is now unavailable and can no longer be obtained by new players as it was not transferred to the sequel.
- Toxic Brainz, Iron Citron, Electro Brainz: While considered Legendary, these characters are acquired like regular characters but have very high rarity. The most efficient way to unlock them is through Wonderous Packs of Greatness.
- Scallywag Imp: Unlocked through random sticker drops from FLF packs.
- Grumpy Stumpy: Grumpy Stumpy must be rescued from the very back of the Zombie side of Backyard Battleground, after talking to Dave-bot 3000 for the first time.
- Electro Brainz: Electro Brainz is recruited by overloading a console in the small business area near the docks, then completing a short challenge with him.
Character Leveling & Customization
The more you play each character, the more XP you will gain. Leveling unlocks new upgrades and new ways to customize how they play. You can level each character up to level 10, then level them further and eventually Master them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a way to get characters faster?
While there aren’t any “cheat codes” to unlock characters instantly, the most cost-efficient way to earn characters is by purchasing the Phenomenal Character Pack (75,000 coins) for non-legendary and the Wonderous Packs of Greatness for legendaries. However, keep in mind that RNG is the main factor. You can also gain more coins by completing daily challenges and playing the various game modes.
2. Do cheat codes exist in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare?
Yes, console versions of Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare have an “enter cheat code” menu. In the Xbox Live Arcade version, you must enter LB, RB, LT, RT. In the PlayStation 3 version, it’s L1, R1, L2, R2. However, these codes typically unlock bonus content, but not new characters. There are no cheat codes for character unlocks.
3. Can you get Legendary characters from Phenomenal Character Packs?
No, Legendary Characters cannot be found in Phenomenal Character Packs. Once you have obtained all of the non-legendary characters, these packs will no longer be available for purchase. Legendaries can only be obtained through Special Packs, specifically those that have an increased chance of providing a legendary piece such as the Wonderous Packs of Greatness.
4. What are Rainbow Stars used for?
Rainbow Stars are a separate currency used to unlock the Torchwood and Hover Goat-3000 characters in PvZ GW2. Each lock of the associated chest requires 15 Rainbow Stars, totaling 75 Rainbow Stars to unlock either character. They are mainly earned through daily and weekly challenges.
5. How do you unlock the Endless level in PvZ GW2?
The Endless level you may be referring to is for the original Plants vs Zombies game and not the Garden Warfare series. In the original Plants vs Zombies, Endless mode is unlocked after completing all other Survival Mode levels.
6. Is there a secret level in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2?
While there are no secret levels that unlock additional playable characters in the Garden Warfare series, the original Plants vs Zombies game has secret levels that appear after the first and sixth level in a world. These reward a plant that is usually rented or unlocked later.
7. What is the max character level in PvZ GW2?
Each character can level up to Level 10 initially in PvZ GW2, with the ability to “Master” a character after reaching level 10, allowing you to continue to level and further enhance them.
8. How do I unlock Iron Citron?
The Iron Citron is a Legendary character. You need to acquire two stickers of him from sticker packs. The Wonderous Packs of Greatness are the best to try and acquire him.
9. How do you unlock Dr. Zomboss’s Revenge?
Zomboss’s Revenge is part of the original Plants vs. Zombies game. It is unlocked after completing Adventure Mode and can be found in the Bonus Games section of the Quick Play menu. It is not available in the Garden Warfare series.
10. Is Plants vs. Zombies kid-friendly?
Yes, Plants vs. Zombies is generally considered kid-friendly. While it features cartoonish zombies, their destruction is comical rather than gruesome. The game’s challenge increases progressively, which might make it better suited for older children.
11. Can you still get the Unicorn Chomper?
Unfortunately, the Unicorn Chomper is no longer obtainable in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2. It was a reward for players who reached rank 313 in the first game, and it was not transferred to the sequel.
12. Is Nightcap a girl in PvZ?
Night Cap is a genderfluid character in the PvZ franchise. This makes them the first confirmed LGBTQ+ character in the game.
13. Is the Chomper a boy or a girl?
Traditionally, Chomper has been referred to as male. However, in some recent installments, including the hero character Chompzilla, the Chomper is being referred to as female.
14. What is in the 200 Star Chest?
The 200 Star Chest in PvZ GW2, located in the Chamber of Gnomes, contains the Everlasting Crown, a legendary hat usable by any plant or zombie except Torchwood and Hover Goat 3000.
15. Why am I getting duplicate character stickers?
The duplicate character stickers you are receiving are normal. They are used to increase the level of your characters. Therefore, every time you receive a duplicate it is a good thing.
By understanding these methods and FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your character-unlocking journey in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare. Good luck, and happy gaming!