"Plants Vs Zombies Celebrates 16th Anniversary"

Plants vs. Zombies turns 16 this year—and remarkably, it’s still going (relatively) strong. What started as a quirky indie title has blossomed into one of the most recognizable franchises in mobile gaming history. While its journey hasn’t always been smooth, the series continues to capture the hearts of fans old and new.

Looking back, our reviews of the mobile installments reflect both the highs and occasional missteps of the franchise. From the original Plants vs. Zombies to Plants vs. Zombies 2, each release brought something new—though not always with universal acclaim. Still, the charm, humor, and addictive tower defense gameplay kept players coming back.

Now, with Plants vs. Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia lingering in soft launch limbo after a major overhaul, fans are more eager than ever for a true return to form. The wait continues, but hope springs eternal in the world of PvZ.

Let’s rewind.

Back in 2009, Plants vs. Zombies debuted on PC and Mac as a creation of PopCap Games. It was a sleeper hit that quickly gained traction thanks to its clever design, whimsical visuals, and engaging gameplay. But it wasn’t until 2010—when the game made its way to mobile devices with a free-to-play model—that the franchise truly exploded in popularity.

In 2012, Electronic Arts acquired PopCap, marking a turning point for the series. Despite internal turbulence—including layoffs and a noticeable shift toward mobile-first monetization strategies—the Plants vs. Zombies brand remained resilient. The 2013 release of Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time cemented the franchise’s place in mobile gaming culture, despite some mixed reactions to its energy-based progression system.

EA had grander ambitions for the IP, however. In an effort to expand beyond mobile, they launched Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare in 2014—a third-person shooter spin-off that surprised many with its polish and charm. A sequel, Garden Warfare 2, followed in 2016, further refining the action-packed formula. Then came Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville in 2019, which leaned even harder into multiplayer chaos—but failed to resonate with longtime fans expecting more traditional PvZ experiences.

Meanwhile, Plants vs. Zombies 3 has been in development since 2020. Originally soft-launched in select regions, the game was pulled back for a significant redesign. Promising a fresh art style and a return to the classic tower defense roots that made the original so beloved, it remains one of the most anticipated upcoming titles among PvZ enthusiasts.

If you're craving more games in the same vein, be sure to explore our list of the top 25 best tower defense games on iOS and Android. You might just discover your next favorite strategy title.

Long live the lawn.