The Dark Ages in Plants vs. Zombies 2: A Comprehensive Guide
In Plants vs. Zombies 2, the Dark Ages is not just a historical reference; it’s a challenging and unique world that players must conquer. This world, the seventh to be released (chronologically the fifth), plunges players into a nighttime setting, setting it apart from earlier worlds. But beyond the aesthetic, what exactly is the Dark Ages in Plants vs. Zombies 2, and why does it carry such significance? In the game, it presents a medieval-themed experience, featuring unique zombies and gameplay mechanics reflective of the historical period. This article dives deep into the Dark Ages world, exploring its challenges, strategies, and the history that inspires it.
Understanding the Dark Ages World
The Dark Ages world in Plants vs. Zombies 2 is characterized by several defining elements:
- Nighttime Setting: Unlike the initial worlds, the Dark Ages levels are primarily set at night, limiting the effectiveness of sun-producing plants initially. This demands new strategies and plant combinations.
- Grave Danger: A significant gameplay element is the presence of tombstones. These not only hinder plant placement, but also act as spawns for ambush zombies, creating added tension and strategic depth.
- Unique Zombies: The Dark Ages introduces various themed zombies such as the Knight Zombie, Wizard Zombie, and Jester Zombie, each with unique abilities and requiring specific plant counters.
- Dark Alchemy: Some levels feature potions that continuously spawn, demanding quick reactions and strategic destruction methods.
- Challenging Levels: The Dark Ages is considered one of the more challenging worlds in the game, requiring players to master new strategies and plant combinations.
This challenging combination of elements makes the Dark Ages a significant turning point in the game, demanding players to adapt their tactics and explore new strategies.
Historical Inspiration: The Real Dark Ages
The term “Dark Ages” in the game is a clear reference to the historical period that followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Coined by the scholar Petrarch during the Renaissance, the term referred to a period of perceived decline in culture and science. This time, roughly from 476 AD to 1000 AD, was marked by less written documentation than previous or later periods. It is also known as the Migration Period or Early Middle Ages and was characterized by frequent warfare and societal change. While modern historians have moved away from the term “Dark Ages”, acknowledging the period’s complexities and advancements, it’s the perceived “darkness” that is incorporated into the game.
Mastering the Dark Ages Levels
The Dark Ages levels demand more than just the usual plant-and-wait tactics. They require understanding the unique zombie threats, the value of specific plants, and the timing of plant food usage. Here are some general strategies:
- Grave Busters: These are crucial for removing tombstones early in levels, freeing up space for plant placement and preventing ambushes.
- Fume-shrooms: Highly effective against the Jester Zombies and can deal with multiple targets, this plant is critical in the Dark Ages.
- Laser Beans: A solid attacking plant, especially when augmented with plant food during intense attacks.
- Pea-nuts: These serve as defensive lines in the front and can stop many basic zombies.
- Chili Bean: Use this to kill Buckethead Peasants and Knight Zombies, to make way for other plants.
- Plant Food Usage: Strategically feeding plant food to Laser Beans, Fume-shrooms, or other crucial plants, when the wizard zombies emerge or to kill a group, can make all the difference.
- Explosives: Use Cherry Bombs strategically to clear large waves of zombies during the final waves.
- Electric Currants: Use this plant to create a defensive perimeter.
Mastering plant placement, strategic plant food use, and knowledge of specific zombie weaknesses are key to surviving the Dark Ages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dark Ages in PvZ2
To further help you conquer this challenging world, here are some frequently asked questions with comprehensive answers:
1. What are the primary challenges in the Dark Ages?
The primary challenges include the nighttime setting (reducing initial sun production), tombstones that spawn ambush zombies, unique and powerful zombie types, and the presence of potions in some levels.
2. Why are tombstones important in the Dark Ages?
Tombstones act as obstacles and ambush points, releasing zombies during gameplay. They are also a critical feature to manage with Grave Busters to create space to plant.
3. How do you deal with the Wizard Zombie?
Use plants like the Laser Bean and Fume-shroom to quickly damage and take down the Wizard Zombies. Also, use Plant Food on plants to focus attacks on them.
4. What makes the Jester Zombie so dangerous?
The Jester Zombie can deflect projectiles, making direct damage plants less effective. Using Fume-shroom is essential to take them out.
5. How do you counter the Knight Zombie?
Use Chili Bean to kill Buckethead Peasants and Knight Zombies, while making way for other offensive plants.
6. How should you use Grave Busters effectively?
Use them early in levels to clear tombstones and prevent ambushes, especially in lanes with multiple tombstones.
7. What role do Fume-shrooms play in the Dark Ages?
They are crucial for their ability to damage multiple zombies at once, especially effective against Jester Zombies.
8. What is the best plant to use plant food on in Dark Ages?
The Laser Bean is a great choice for plant food boosts, especially when facing the Wizard Zombies.
9. How do you beat the Zombot Dark Dragon boss in Dark Ages?
Without boosted plants, focus on having Fume-shrooms in every lane and spam plant foods to quickly deplete the boss' health through the phases.
10. How can you deal with the potion mechanic?
Potions must be crushed by specific zombies like Gargantuar, Barrel Roller Zombie's barrel, Pianist Zombie's piano or an All-Star Zombie's tackle. Plant to strategically kill the zombies and their potions.
11. Is the Dark Ages considered a difficult world in PvZ2?
Yes, it's considered one of the more challenging worlds, requiring strategic thinking and effective plant combinations.
12. What is the significance of the nighttime setting?
The nighttime setting initially reduces sun production, requiring players to adapt to less sunlight for plant placement and to use night-based plants.
13. Which plants are crucial for Dark Ages?
Key plants include Grave Busters, Fume-shrooms, Laser Beans, Pea-nuts, and Chili Bean.
14. How can I get better at Dark Ages levels?
Practice, learn the strengths and weaknesses of different zombies, and experiment with various plant combinations. Use online resources to discover different level strategies.
15. What is the “real” historical Dark Ages?
It's a period in European history, roughly from 476 to 1000 AD, following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, characterized by societal upheaval, less documentation, and perceived cultural decline.
By understanding these aspects of the Dark Ages in Plants vs. Zombies 2, players can better prepare for the challenges ahead and ultimately conquer this historically inspired and notoriously difficult world. Good luck defending your lawn!