The Colossus of Carnage: Unpacking the Gargantuar in Plants vs. Zombies
The “big guy” in Plants vs. Zombies is undoubtedly the Gargantuar, a towering, muscle-bound zombie that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned plant defenders. Characterized by its enormous size, aggressive demeanor, and the fact that it carries a smaller Imp zombie on its back, the Gargantuar is a formidable foe. It’s not just a bigger zombie; it’s a game-changer, demanding careful strategy and powerful plant combinations to overcome. Gargantuars are easily identified by their large muscles, usually holding a large weapon (like a telephone pole), their huge structure, and angry faces. They are a recurring, and extremely dangerous, character throughout the Plants vs. Zombies franchise. These behemoths are not to be underestimated; they boast high health and the capacity to instantly crush many plants, making them a significant challenge.
Understanding the Gargantuar’s Threat
The Gargantuar’s immense size and strength aren’t its only advantages. One of its most significant threats is its ability to instantly kill many plants simply by walking over them. This eliminates a primary defense strategy of placing many small plants to act as a buffer. Further compounding the problem is the Imp it carries on its back. When a Gargantuar takes enough damage, it will throw its Imp into your defensive line. This creates another separate threat that must be dealt with. Therefore, effective strategies must account not only for the Gargantuar’s high health and crushing power, but also for the unexpected addition of an Imp zombie. Successfully managing Gargantuars requires careful resource management and proper timing of high-damage plants.
Variations on a Theme
While the standard Gargantuar is a fearsome enemy, there are several variations to contend with.
- Giga-Gargantuar: The Giga-Gargantuar is a stronger, more menacing version of the original. Recognizable by its red eyes, this variant is encountered in the endless survival modes of the game and possesses even more health and is a truly terrifying foe. It is considered the second strongest zombie, just behind Dr. Zomboss himself.
- Jurassic Gargantuar: Introduced in later games, the Jurassic Gargantuar brings unique characteristics to the table, often requiring different strategies to defeat effectively. These often have special abilities and are sometimes resistant to specific plant attacks.
- Gargantuar Prime: This variation is an even more powerful Gargantuar variant and will need special combinations or strategies to take it down.
Strategic Countermeasures
Effective strategies against Gargantuars typically involve a combination of slowing them down and then unleashing high damage attacks.
- Slowing Tactics: Plants like the Snow Pea or Winter Melon are essential for slowing down Gargantuars. This allows your offensive plants more time to whittle down their massive health pool.
- High Damage Output: Plants like the Gatling Pea (often paired with Torchwood) and instant-kill plants like the Cherry Bomb and Jalapeno are critical in dealing damage. Instant kill plants are especially effective once the Gargantuar is weakened.
- Combo Attacks: Using combo tactics like the Reinforce-Mint and Blover can quickly eliminate the Gargantuar and other nearby zombies. Another notable combination is using two Gatling Peas and a Torchwood to deal significant damage.
- Timing is Key: It’s often best to wait until a Gargantuar is weakened by regular plants before using an instant-kill to defeat them, especially if you want to deal with the imp as well. Some instant kill moves can take them out immediately when used at the right time (such as Grapeshot).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Big Guy
1. How many instant-kill plants does it take to kill a Gargantuar?
Generally, it takes two instant-kill plants, such as Cherry Bombs or Jalapenos to take out a standard Gargantuar. However, instant kill moves used at the right time can take one out with a single move such as the Grapeshot.
2. What plants are best for slowing down a Gargantuar?
Snow Peas and Winter Melons are your best bet for slowing down a Gargantuar, giving your other plants time to attack.
3. What’s the difference between a Gargantuar and a Giga-Gargantuar?
A Giga-Gargantuar is a stronger version with red eyes that appears in endless survival modes. It has more health and is harder to defeat.
4. Can a Rake kill a Gargantuar?
No, a Rake will not kill a Gargantuar or a Giga-Gargantuar. It only instantly kills regular zombies.
5. Can Garlic affect a Gargantuar?
No, Garlic only affects zombies that bite them. Since Gargantuars do not actually eat the Garlic, it won’t redirect them.
6. What does the Imp on the Gargantuar’s back do?
The Imp is thrown into your plant defenses when the Gargantuar takes enough damage, becoming an additional threat to deal with.
7. Can a Chomper eat a Gargantuar?
No, a Chomper cannot eat a full Gargantuar. Instead, it will deal a small amount of damage with each chomp.
8. What is the best way to one-shot a Gargantuar?
Under the right circumstances a Grapeshot can instantly vanquish a full-health Gargantuar. There are other combinations that will take out a full-health Gargantuar but it depends on which version of the game you are playing.
9. Is it better to use instant-kill plants early or late against a Gargantuar?
It’s often best to wait until your regular plants have weakened the Gargantuar before using instant-kill plants. This maximizes their effect and ensures you take out the Imp as well.
10. What does the term “gargantuan” mean in reference to the Gargantuar?
The term “Gargantuar” is a pun based on the word “gargantuan,” which means extremely large or huge, appropriately describing their size.
11. Are there any zombies that can crush plants other than the Gargantuar?
Yes, other zombies that can crush plants include the Zomboni, Dr. Zomboss, the Giga-Gargantuar, the Catapult Zombie, the Squash Zombie, the Weightlifter Zombie, the Glitter Zombie, the Barrel Roller Zombie, and the Pianist Zombie.
12. Does the Gargantuar appear in all Plants vs. Zombies games?
Yes, the Gargantuar is a recurring and formidable enemy that appears in almost all installments of the Plants vs. Zombies franchise.
13. Who is the crazy guy in Plants vs. Zombies?
The “crazy guy” is Crazy Dave, whose full name is Crazetopher David Blazing III.
14. What is Dr. Zomboss’s real name?
Dr. Zomboss’s full name is Dr. Edgar George Zomboss.
15. Is Dr. Zomboss a zombie?
Yes, in Plants vs. Zombies 2, Dr. Zomboss is depicted as a zombie, with a large brain on his head.
In conclusion, the Gargantuar is more than just a large enemy; it’s a test of your Plants vs. Zombies skills. It demands a balanced strategy involving slowing them down, dealing heavy damage, and anticipating the Imp’s arrival. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can overcome these behemoths and keep the zombie horde at bay.