Plants vs. Zombies: Original

In this beloved strategy game, your suburban lawn becomes the last line of defense against an endless parade of peculiar undead. Your arsenal is made up of everyday garden plants, each with its own special talent: some generate sunlight, others pelt the enemy with projectiles, and a few even explode on contact. Every stage challenges you to place your botanical troops wisely across five lanes while managing the ever-important sun resource. The game balances lighthearted cartoon visuals with surprisingly deep tactical choices. As the sun rises and sets, different types of zombies appear, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. You'll need to adapt your plant lineup to handle everything from cone-headed walkers to zombie pole-vaulters. With a gradual difficulty curve and a charming sense of humor, it's no wonder this game has captivated players for years.

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Plants vs. Zombies: Original

Common Core State Standards

Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.

7.RP.A.1Unit rates with fractions MP3Argue with math MP1Make sense of problems MP5Use tools strategically MP7Use structure 8.NS.A.2Approximate irrationals N.VM.C.12Matrices and systems F.TF.B.6Inverse trig

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7th Grade · 8th Grade · High School

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What is Plants vs. Zombies: Original

Your peaceful garden is under siege, and only you can stop the assembled dead from reaching your front door. Grab your watering can and get ready to plant a defensive barricade like no other.

How to Play

Collect sun from the sky and your sunflowers, then spend it to place plants on the lawn. Each plant has a role, so mix offensive, defensive, and resource-producing species to withstand every zombie wave.

Tips for Playing

Always start each level with at least two rows of sunflowers to build a steady sun income.
Place wall-nuts in front of your shooters to give them extra time to whittle down approaching zombies.
Save your cherry bombs for moments when a dense crowd forms in one lane.
Pay attention to the zombie types previewed at the top of the screen and plant accordingly.
Use the shovel to remove and replace plants if you need to shift your strategy mid-level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get more sun to plant my defenses?

Sunlight falls from the sky and can be collected by clicking on it. Sunflowers and sun-shrooms produce extra sun, so planting several early is key.

What happens if a zombie reaches my house?

If any zombie makes it past the lawn to your front door, the level ends in failure and you'll need to restart.

Can I play this game on my mobile device?

This original version is best played on a desktop browser, but the gameplay remains same on any device that supports it.

How does the game decide which zombies appear?

Each level has a predetermined mix of zombie types, shown briefly at the start. Later levels introduce tougher variants with special abilities.

What is the most efficient way to earn sun?

Plant multiple sunflowers early and keep collecting sunlight as soon as it drops. Avoid spending sun on unnecessary plants until you have a stable economy.

Is there a way to pause the game?

Yes, you can pause at any time to plan your next move without the zombies advancing.