Garlic’s Strategic Role in Plants vs. Zombies 2

Garlic in Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a defensive plant that serves a very specific and crucial purpose: zombie redirection. When a zombie attempts to bite Garlic, instead of taking damage directly, it is momentarily stunned and then forcibly moved to an adjacent lane, either above or below the Garlic’s lane. This makes Garlic a powerful tool for controlling zombie movement and strategically funneling them towards your most fortified areas. Unlike other defensive plants which only absorb damage, Garlic acts as a kind of traffic controller, altering the trajectory of incoming hordes and giving you time to eliminate them more efficiently. This redirection ability is Garlic’s main function and why it’s such a staple in many players’ strategies.

Garlic’s Mechanics and Strategic Deployment

Garlic’s effectiveness lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t attack, it doesn’t boost other plants, but it effectively manipulates zombie behavior. Its core functionality revolves around this redirection mechanic, which becomes especially beneficial in specific scenarios.

How Garlic Redirection Works

1. Bite Trigger: When a zombie makes contact with Garlic for an attack, that interaction triggers its special effect.
2. Stun: The zombie is momentarily stunned after the bite, interrupting its attack.
3. Forced Movement: The stunned zombie is then forcefully redirected to an adjacent lane, either moving one lane up or down relative to Garlic’s initial placement.
4. Continuous Redirection: As long as Garlic remains on the field, any zombie that attempts to bite it will be subjected to this redirection process, effectively changing its path on the board.

Strategic Use Cases for Garlic

• Funneling: Garlic is most useful when placed strategically to guide zombies into lanes defended by your heavy firepower plants. By placing a line of Garlic, you can dictate which path the majority of zombies take, making your firepower more focused and effective.
• Pool and Fog Levels: These levels are especially prime for Garlic’s usage. Because the pool and fog environments often limit the number of lanes a zombie can travel to, Garlic can be used to funnel all incoming zombies down only one lane, making it much simpler to defend.
• Avoiding Overwhelm: By moving zombies away from weaker defensive positions and toward stronger areas, Garlic can help prevent your defenses from being easily overrun. It creates a manageable flow of zombies which allows time to prepare and counter with other plants.
• Challenging Zombie Types: Garlic can redirect problematic zombies, such as the Barrel Roller Zombie or the Imp Cannon, away from where they might cause the most disruption. This can provide crucial breathing room for your defenses.

Garlic’s Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

• Effective Redirection: Its ability to redirect zombies is unparalleled, providing you with the much-needed maneuverability.
• Low Cost: Garlic’s low sun cost makes it a cheap and accessible option to get early defense and begin your offense quickly.
• Simplicity: Easy to understand and apply, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.
• Versatile: Useful across various level types, and synergizes well with different plant combinations.

Limitations:

• Doesn’t Attack: Garlic itself does not inflict any damage on the zombies. You still need offensive plants.
• Vulnerable: Garlic will be easily defeated if not properly protected.
• Ineffective against Some Zombies: Some zombies, like the Balloon Zombie or the Octo Zombie, can bypass Garlic’s effects, and are not influenced by this redirection. Additionally, Gargantuars are large enough and powerful enough to destroy garlic swiftly with minimal effect.
• Limited Impact on Single Lanes: Garlic does not redirect zombies on the top or bottom lanes, as there are no adjacent lanes, making it less effective on the most extreme rows.

Garlic’s Place in the PvZ2 World

Garlic is far from being the flashiest or most powerful plant, yet it holds a crucial position in many PvZ2 strategies. Its strength lies in its ability to manipulate the playing field, making it a very important resource. By effectively managing zombie movement, you can streamline your offensive plants, making them more effective. The strategic importance of Garlic makes it a core component of a well-rounded player’s arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you unlock Garlic in PvZ2?

Garlic is unlocked as the fourth plant in the Neon Mixtape Tour, which can be obtained after completing Neon Mixtape Tour – Day 17.

2. Does Garlic stun zombies?

Yes, when a zombie bites Garlic, it is momentarily stunned before being redirected to an adjacent lane. This short stun can be useful in providing a brief respite.

3. Can Garlic redirect multiple zombies at once?

Yes, Garlic can redirect multiple zombies that attempt to bite it consecutively. However, Garlic can be overwhelmed and destroyed if the rate at which zombies approach is too high.

4. Is Garlic effective against Gargantuars?

No, Gargantuars can quickly destroy Garlic when they make contact. Garlic cannot redirect Gargantuars. It may stun them for a very short duration, but that has a minimal impact on the gargantuar.

5. How does Garlic work on Pool levels?

On pool levels, Garlic is particularly effective. If placed on a pool-adjacent lane, zombies will be moved off that lane to a non-pool lane, making it easy to funnel them. Garlic can effectively force zombies to a single lane on pool levels.

6. Can Garlic redirect Balloon Zombies?

No, Balloon Zombies float over Garlic and are not redirected by its ability. They are immune to Garlic’s effect.

7. Does Garlic work in the fog?

Yes, Garlic works effectively in the fog. Similar to pool levels, it helps funnel zombies into specific lanes for easier defense and counter-attacks.

8. How should I use Garlic in combination with other plants?

Garlic works best when used alongside heavy damage-dealing plants, as it redirects zombies towards these plants. It also synergizes well with wall plants by allowing you to block off one side of the lane, while being attacked on the other.

9. Does Garlic have any offensive capabilities?

No, Garlic does not deal damage. It is strictly a defensive plant whose sole purpose is to redirect zombies.

10. Can you plant Garlic on water?

No, Garlic cannot be planted on water. Garlic must be placed on a land space.

11. How many times can a zombie bite Garlic before it breaks?

Garlic has a single health point. One zombie bite will destroy garlic. It does not need to be damaged or lose health from zombie bites. Once a zombie has made contact with it and been redirected, the garlic is gone.

12. Is Garlic a core plant for beginners?

Yes, Garlic is an excellent plant for beginners. Its low sun cost and strategic capabilities make it a reliable early-game defensive tool. It is simple to understand and easy to use.

13. What is the recharge time for Garlic?

Garlic has a fast recharge time, allowing you to place it frequently. This makes it a suitable option for rapid placement and redirection.

14. Can zombies eat a garlic from behind?

No, Zombies are unable to approach and attack Garlic from the backside. The effect only occurs when attacked from the front, or when passing over the plant.

15. Is Garlic better in PvZ1 or PvZ2?

Garlic performs almost identically in the original PvZ game as in PvZ2. While it is incredibly useful in both games, the second game does provide more options for other redirecting plants, making garlic less of a central plant. However, both games provide excellent environments for Garlic to excel in.

In conclusion, Garlic is a highly valuable plant in Plants vs. Zombies 2, offering exceptional zombie redirection capabilities. Its ability to funnel zombies into strategic kill zones makes it an essential part of any defense strategy. By understanding how it works and utilizing its strengths, players can dominate in the game and enjoy a far more strategic experience.