What Does the Ladder Zombie Do in Plants vs. Zombies?
The Ladder Zombie in Plants vs. Zombies is a unique and often frustrating foe that introduces a significant tactical challenge to the game. Unlike most zombies that simply lumber forward, the Ladder Zombie employs a ladder as both a shield and a means of bypassing your front-line defenses. Specifically, a Ladder Zombie will use its ladder to climb over the first defensive plant it encounters, these being Wall-nut, Tall-nut, Pumpkin, or any imitated version of these defensive plants. This ability allows it to breach your defenses earlier than other zombies, potentially overwhelming you if not handled properly. The Ladder placed remains on the defensive plant until removed, allowing other zombies to climb the ladder as well. This creates a clear and present threat. The ladder cannot be used on any plant that isn’t one of the ones listed.
The Ladder’s Dual Purpose
The Ladder Zombie’s primary strength lies in its multi-functional use of the ladder.
Shielding Capability
The ladder acts as a basic shield, providing the Ladder Zombie with some protection from direct projectile attacks. This means that your peashooters, snow peas, and other direct damage dealing plants will initially do less damage to this zombie until its ladder is removed.
Mobility and Defensive Bypass
Once reaching a defensive plant, the ladder is placed, allowing the Ladder Zombie to bypass the obstacle. Crucially, other zombies can also use the placed ladder, amplifying the threat and making it vital to remove the ladder as swiftly as possible. This bypass not only facilitates the Ladder Zombie’s advance but also paves the way for other zombie hordes to follow.
Countering the Ladder Zombie
Effectively countering the Ladder Zombie involves dealing with both the zombie and the ladder itself. Direct damage will be ineffective because of the shield.
Magnet-shroom
The Magnet-shroom is one of the most direct counters to a ladder zombie because it will directly remove the ladder from the defensive plant. This forces the Ladder Zombie to return to its basic zombie form, and it forces all other zombies using the ladder to fall back down. Using a Plant Food buff on the Magnet-shroom will extend the range and affect more ladder zombies in a wider area.
Explosive Plants
Plants like Cherry Bomb and Potato Mine can neutralize the Ladder Zombie and the defensive plant it is trying to climb. However, using explosive plants can also potentially damage more of your defensive plants, so use with caution.
Direct Damage and Weaknesses
While the ladder itself provides shielding, the Ladder Zombie is relatively weak once the ladder has been removed, allowing damage-dealing plants to eliminate it with ease. Additionally, while ladder zombies don’t have an explicit weakness, they only gain their benefit from using a ladder. This is less effective if the defensive plants they use the ladder on aren’t strategically placed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the ladder be used on any plant?
No, the ladder can only be placed on Wall-nuts, Tall-nuts, Pumpkins, or imitated versions of these. It will not work on other plant types.
2. Can other zombies use the ladder?
Yes, once the ladder is placed, any other zombie can use it to bypass the defensive plant. This is a critical consideration when deciding how to tackle the situation.
3. How long does the ladder stay up?
The ladder stays in place until the defensive plant it is leaning on is removed, the Magnet-shroom removes it, or the Ladder Zombie is defeated.
4. Does the ladder have a health bar?
No, the ladder itself does not have a health bar. It is removed through specific actions like the Magnet-shroom or by the destruction of the plant it rests on.
5. Does the ladder affect the defensive plant it is placed on?
The presence of a ladder does not damage or change the performance of the defensive plant. However, that plant will also be vulnerable to being climbed over, so use caution.
6. How do I deal with multiple Ladder Zombies?
Using area-of-effect plants in conjunction with single-use explosive plants will be the most effective solution. Magnet-shrooms are still your first line of defense, though.
7. Does Hypno-shroom work on Ladder Zombies?
Yes, the Hypno-shroom works on a Ladder Zombie like any other. However, it will be on your side with a ladder until the ladder is removed, or until the hypnosis wears off.
8. Does using a Plant Food ability on a Wall-nut or other defensive plant affect the ladder?
No, using Plant Food abilities on these plants does not directly impact the ladder. The ladder remains in place until a Magnet-shroom is used, or the plant is removed by zombie attacks or other means.
9. Can the ladder be pushed back by a Blover?
Yes, if the ladder is placed on the back-most row of the lawn, a Blover will blow it and the Ladder Zombie off the lawn.
10. Is the Ladder Zombie a high-priority threat?
Yes, due to the ladder’s ability to bypass your defenses and the fact that other zombies can use it, the Ladder Zombie should be dealt with swiftly to prevent a cascade of breaches in your defenses.
11. Does the ladder change how a zombie moves?
Yes, while moving with the ladder, the zombie will not be able to take any damage, and other zombies can use the ladder as well. This is the only way the Ladder Zombie changes its movement.
12. Is the Ladder Zombie faster or slower than other zombies?
The Ladder Zombie’s movement speed is the same as a normal zombie. However, its ability to move past your front line can lead to an unexpected pressure increase on your backlines.
13. What if the defensive plant is removed before the Ladder Zombie climbs it?
If the defensive plant is removed before the Ladder Zombie reaches it, the Ladder Zombie will proceed like any other zombie.
14. Can the ladder be used by zombie football players?
No, the ladder can only be used by the zombies themselves. Other zombies can use it, but they do not wear the ladders or place them.
15. What if I have no Magnet-shroom?
Without the Magnet-shroom, you’ll have to rely on explosive plants or direct damage after they climb your plant to eliminate them or, ideally, eliminate the plant they are leaning against to destroy their ladders. This becomes riskier the more zombies there are using the ladders.
By understanding the Ladder Zombie’s abilities and weaknesses, you can develop effective strategies to mitigate its impact and ensure your lawn remains safe from the zombie horde. Always remember that in Plants vs. Zombies, knowing your enemy is half the battle.