'Plants vs. Zombies 2' Modern Day stage walkthrough and tips: Rips in time, returning zombies and new plants

The zombies are attacking once again in the latest update of “Plants vs. Zombies 2: It’s About Time” update. After all of the time-travelling antics that Dave had gone through in search of his missing taco, players will now have to deal with Modern Day zombies.

Even though this sounds way too easy—similar to how “Plants vs. Zombies” the original title started out, players may want to sit back and brace themselves. “Plants vs. Zombies 2” Modern Day is about to experience a rip in time and space.

What’s new with the Modern Day Update

At first glance, the first part of the Modern Day level is reminiscent of the very first “Plants vs. Zombies” game. The lawn is set in the modern world, with the most basic of zombies—Basic Zombie, Conehead Zombie and Bucket-head Zombie—to guard against for the first round.

What “Plants vs. Zombies 2” players may want to prepare for is the surprising rip in the fabric of time that will happen in the middle of the first pit stop in the level. From this rip comes the different zombies that players have already faced in the previous 10 levels.

New plants with a modern vibe

As always, there are new plants with the latest update. The first plant to arrive is the Moonflower, which gives sun in place of the Sunflower, while also powering up adjacent shadow plants. It basically allows more power effects of its immediate neighbouring plants.

However, players should note that the Moonflower is not a very great alternative for the Sunflower. The kind of sun that it brings may not be sufficient against the fast swarm of zombies the moment the rip in time appears.

For those who have been diligently playing “Plants vs. Zombies 2” daily events may already know the Shrinking Violet. This is quite the useful plant for fast-walkers, but freemium players may need to shell out real money to get this plant.

Another new plant is the Nightshade, which smacks zombies with the slappy violet leaves. When paired with the Moonflower, the latter boosts the effect of the Nightshade. The catch is ensuring the

Old plans still do the trick

There’s some good news and some bad news when it comes to the usable plants in the Modern Day update. For the most part, it is far from the easy levels that the update appears to be.

While the setting is the common everyday backyard, players now have to face hordes of zombies from different time eras. To add to the challenge, the zombies come from different eras. And given the limited number of slots for plants to be used, this can be quite the challenge.

For instance, a player may find the Gargantuar, the Future Buckethead Zombie, the Imp Dragon Zombie and the Glitter Zombie in just one level. These zombies come from different eras, where there are specialized plants that could be used to counter their onslaught. But with the limited plant slots, this makes it harder to choose which plants should take precedence.

Granted, there are new plants that can be used against the new mechanics for Modern Day. But these does not necessarily all work on previous zombies, especially when they come from different eras in one go. However, for old school players who love using old but proven to be strong plant defenders, can still find good use for them.

The recently released Primal Sunflower and Primal Wall-nut from the Jurassic Marsh level are good starters. The former provides more suns, which is an advantage because of the unpredictability of the kind of zombies per level. When paired with the Moonflower, their effects become even more pronounced.

The Iceberg Lettuce also does the good trick of stopping some zombies. This is a good plant to use at the start of the level for “Plants vs. Zombies 2” Modern Day Update, where players are most likely gathering suns for plants. The Kernel-pult is also a good starter plant. Apart from the added bonus of the occasionally flung butter-stopper, it can take effect on many of the zombies, save for the Parasol Zombie.

Take advantage of bonus events, gather coins

No matter the strategy, however, it still pays to have a good loot of coins ready. Whether it’s for refilling the Plant Food meter per round, boosting specific plants at the start of a level or simply using coins to buy the Power Ups, freemium coins can play a major role in the “Plants vs. Zombies 2” Modern Day update.

There are times when the onslaught of different era zombies may get too tight. And when a player is already on the last flag of the level and no lawn mower in sight, using the Power Ups can be the huge difference between finishing the level and starting over.

All in all, the “Plants vs. Zombies 2” Modern Day update provides a good changeup and challenge for players. It can bring a nostalgic touch thanks to homages from the past levels, but at the same time, the time rips that occur every now and then, as well as the additional plants will keep long-time fans on their toes once more.