Homing Thistle: The Precision Plant in Plants vs. Zombies 2
What is Homing Thistle in Plants vs Zombies?
Homing Thistle is a powerful offensive plant in Plants vs. Zombies 2, characterized by its ability to fire homing spikes that target the closest zombie to the player’s house within its range. Unlike many other plants that shoot in a straight line, Homing Thistle’s projectiles actively seek out their targets, making it an exceptional choice for dealing with fast-moving threats or zombies that try to slip through your defenses. Released in the 2.9.1 update, this plant has quickly gained popularity due to its unique targeting system and decent damage output. Homing Thistle is unlocked after completing level 8-8, adding a significant new weapon to the player’s arsenal. Its main purpose is to provide targeted damage to the most immediate threat, helping to ensure no zombie gets too close for comfort. The projectiles do not only deal significant single-target damage but also inflict a moderate amount of splash damage, allowing it to impact surrounding enemies if they are close enough to the primary target. What sets it further apart is its ability to target damageable grid items, such as gravestones, if there are no zombies within its range, making it helpful in a pinch for clearing the field. This versatile nature of Homing Thistle helps both in a variety of situations.
Key Features of Homing Thistle
Unique Targeting System
The most distinguishing feature of Homing Thistle is its homing ability. It doesn’t just shoot randomly; instead, it intelligently tracks down the zombie closest to the player’s house. This ensures that threats that would otherwise slip by other defensive plants receive immediate attention. This precise targeting is a crucial advantage in later levels when many fast zombies appear.
Damage Output and Splash Damage
Homing Thistle not only does a large amount of damage to its primary target, but its projectiles also inflict a moderate splash damage to nearby enemies. This makes it effective against tightly grouped zombies as well as singular large threats. Its ability to hit multiple enemies at once makes it an excellent all-rounder.
Range and Attack Speed
Homing Thistle attacks every 1.7 to 2 seconds, shooting its homing spikes effectively. Its range is substantial, allowing it to cover a decent portion of the lawn. When this range is combined with its homing function, few zombies can escape its attacks.
Grid Item Targeting
An important, often overlooked, aspect of the Homing Thistle is that when no zombies are in range, it targets damageable grid items such as tombstones. This makes it useful in levels that have a lot of obstacles. It makes this plant highly versatile and always contributing to the overall objective.
Comparison: Homing Thistle vs. Fire Peashooter
Often debated, the choice between Homing Thistle and Fire Peashooter depends on the scenario. The article states that, “Fire Peashooter if you’re gonna do Icebound Battleground, Homing Thistle if you’re gonna do any of the other endless zones.” This sums up their main use cases:
Homing Thistle Strengths
- Ideal for diverse zones: Works well in any non-Icebound environment due to its targeted damage.
- Prioritizes threats: Targets the closest zombie to the house, preventing early breaches.
- Splash damage: Hits multiple zombies at once for greater area coverage.
- Targets grid items: Offers versatile use by clearing obstacles too.
Fire Peashooter Strengths
- Ideal for Icebound Battleground: Enhanced effectivity against frozen zombies.
- Increased damage: Can cause more damage against frozen or chilled enemies.
In other words, the choice depends on the specific environment. Homing Thistle is the more versatile plant, useful in a wide variety of situations, but the Fire Peashooter is better in specialized scenarios.
Strategic Placement of Homing Thistle
Proper placement is essential for the effectiveness of Homing Thistle. It should ideally be placed in positions where it can have a clear view of the lawn without obstructions. The best strategy is to place it closer to the middle or rear of your defenses, allowing it to cover the entire lawn, focusing its attacks on zombies near the player’s house. It should also be placed where its homing missiles can intercept a variety of threat types and not be bogged down by many obstacles.
Homing Thistle in Endgame Scenarios
The article also states that “Homing Thistle is also useful when only one or two Gargantuars are on screen, as five or more of them can easily overpower a Gargantuar.” It does a lot of damage when there are singular large threats or a small number of them. This makes it a strong plant to use in the late game. However, a large amount of heavy units at once can overpower it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Homing Thistle
1. When is Homing Thistle unlocked?
Homing Thistle is unlocked after completing level 8-8 in Plants vs. Zombies 2.
2. How does Homing Thistle target zombies?
Homing Thistle shoots spikes that home in on the zombie nearest to the player’s house within its range.
3. Does Homing Thistle do splash damage?
Yes, Homing Thistle inflicts moderate splash damage around the primary target.
4. What happens if there are no zombies in range of the Homing Thistle?
Homing Thistle will then target damageable grid items, such as gravestones.
5. How does Homing Thistle compare to Fire Peashooter?
Fire Peashooter is better in Icebound Battleground, while Homing Thistle is more versatile for other zones.
6. Is Homing Thistle effective against Gargantuars?
Yes, Homing Thistle is useful against one or two Gargantuars, but a larger group can overpower it.
7. What is the attack speed of Homing Thistle?
Homing Thistle attacks every 1.7 to 2 seconds.
8. Can Homing Thistle hit flying zombies?
The article doesn’t specify. This suggests it’s not designed to target air units.
9. Where should I place Homing Thistle for best results?
Place Homing Thistle in the middle to rear of your defenses to maximize its coverage and targeting.
10. Is Homing Thistle a good all-around plant?
Yes, Homing Thistle’s versatile targeting and splash damage make it a solid all-around plant in most situations.
11. Can Homing Thistle target other plants?
No, Homing Thistle only targets zombies or damageable grid items.
12. Does Homing Thistle have any specific weaknesses?
It’s less effective against large groups of heavy units, such as many Gargantuars.
13. How does Homing Thistle handle fast-moving zombies?
It’s very effective because its homing ability ensures that even fast zombies are targeted and hit.
14. Is Homing Thistle a good plant for beginners?
Yes, its simple mechanism and effective targeting make it easy to use for players of all skill levels.
15. Can Homing Thistle’s projectiles be blocked?
Typically, yes. It can be blocked by tombstones and other obstacles. However, when no zombies are present, it will shoot the grid items instead.
In conclusion, Homing Thistle is a highly valuable plant in Plants vs. Zombies 2, providing targeted damage, splash damage, and the ability to clear obstacles when zombies are not present. Its homing ability and high damage output make it a must-have for any player looking to build a solid defense. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, players can effectively incorporate Homing Thistle into their strategies and triumph in even the most challenging levels.