Plants vs. Zombies 2: Cheats and tips

Plants Vs Zombies 2 is currently only available on the Australian and New Zealand App Stores, but the rest of the world should be able get stuck into the zombie popping action before the summer's out. If you are lucky enough to be playing the game already, here are some essential hints and tips for getting through even the trickiest stages without spending any money.

- In the special survival stages of Plants Vs Zombies 2, it's incredibly important to stay on your toes and throw the randomly offered object into the most pressing lane. If you've been given a defensive tool, put it in a lane that doesn't have any firepower attached to it yet. If it's an offensive unit, put it in the lane that has the most pressing incoming threat.

- As the game suggests, you should try to get at least three sunflowers into play in each level, but don't focus on them one after another from the very start, or you'll soon become overwhelmed by the approaching undead. Instead, alternate between planting sunflowers, and planting offensive plants and defensive items.

- You always want to take the Potato Mine into each stage. At a cost of 25 suns it's very cheap, has a quick recharge, and is incredibly useful in the early parts of each stage when you need to build up your economy, rather than splurging on offense. The Wall-nut is also great for keeping the zombies at bay, and for buying you a little extra time to get your lawn in order.

- The power-ups in Plants Vs Zombies 2 really are powerful, so save them up for the Star missions which are much harder than the regular stages. Don't use them in the main campaign missions - earn your coins in these levels and then spend them in the Star stages. The best power-up is the gusty wind as it can clear the entire screen of zombies very quickly.

Get more Plants vs. Zombies 2 cheats and tips at Modojo >