Electronic Arts’ long-anticipated Plants vs Zombies 3 is showing fresh signs of life. After being pulled from soft launch for a full revamp, the tower defense favorite is now undergoing limited testing in China, available only to selected participants.
This limited test phase, confirmed by GamingonPhone and additional sources, began today and will run until May 8, 2025. All player progress will be reset once servers shut down on May 9.
A Major Visual and Gameplay Overhaul
The revamped PvZ 3 has undergone significant changes. Players lucky enough to participate in the closed test are reporting enhanced visuals and a completely refreshed art style. The aesthetic overhaul is a clear attempt to bring a modern yet nostalgic look that appeals to both longtime fans and new players.
Introducing the Clover Plant and New Mechanics
Perhaps the most exciting addition in this test build is the Clover plant, a powerful unit that allows players to evolve normal plants into advanced forms, dubbed “wild plants.”
Clover’s abilities include:
- Blowing away balloon zombies and fog
- Merging with other plants to grant them new traits
For example:
- A Wall-nut can now float
- A Peashooter gains a knockback effect
- A Sunflower can push enemies back with gusts of wind
These dynamic enhancements open up a new layer of strategy and experimentation.
New Game Modes and UI Improvements
The test version includes a variety of modes and new content:
- World Adventure
- Nut Line of Defense
- Invasion of Giants
While some translations may still be rough around the edges, the user interface now features distinct sections for:
- Tasks
- Collections
- Backpack
- Plant management
- A comprehensive illustrated book detailing plant abilities and stats
Daily Rewards for Testers
To keep testers engaged, EA is offering 1,000 diamonds per day just for logging in. This generous incentive suggests a full release could be on the horizon if feedback remains positive.
Is a Global Launch Coming Soon?
Adding more fuel to the speculation, PvZ 3 was recently rated by the Brazilian classification board, hinting at a potential worldwide rollout. Some fans also suspect a separate project titled Plants vs Zombies: Reloaded could be in the works.
Whether this is the return of PvZ 3 or something entirely new, one thing’s clear: the franchise is far from buried.
💬 Final Thoughts
If the China test is any indication, Plants vs Zombies 3 is shaping up to be a worthy successor that brings innovation without losing its roots. We’ll be keeping a close eye on any global launch announcements—so stay tuned!