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You can access the campaign and earn some plant seed packets without paying, but official sources do not establish that every plant can be unlocked for free. Free access to the worlds and levels is not the same as a guarantee that every plant is free.
What can you get for free?
Electronic Arts’ 2013 launch announcement said players could “face every zombie and access every level in every world at no cost.” That statement is about campaign access. It does not say that every plant is free to unlock.
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| 1 |
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GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
EA’s features page says players earn seed packets as they play. In its Penny’s Pursuit announcement, EA also describes earning plant seed packets by defeating Zomboss. These sources confirm free play-based ways to earn seed packets, but they do not provide a complete list of plants or show which ones can be unlocked this way today.
How Penny’s Pursuit affects access
Penny’s Pursuit fuel recharges over time, according to EA’s announcement. Gems can speed up that recharge. This means the mode offers a play-based route to seed packets, while also letting players use in-game currency to accelerate access. The announcement does not establish that every plant is available through this mode.
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Why the answer may vary by plant and date
EA’s current store listing describes optional purchases of virtual currency and in-game items. That confirms that purchases exist; it does not prove that all plants require real money.
Plant and event availability can change. For example, the Apple App Store listing showed a Cactalog early-access period from September 21 through October 4, 2026, followed by a Cactalog season from October 5 through November 1, 2026. These dated offers illustrate that availability is time-sensitive; they do not establish whether a plant will later be free or return. Check the live game for current offers.
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How to check a particular plant
- Open the plant’s unlock screen in the current game client and read the listed requirement.
- Check whether the plant is currently offered through play, seed packets, an event, in-game currency, or a purchase.
- Before spending, confirm whether the offer is limited-time and whether the game shows a free route you can use instead.
The official sources available do not provide a current plant-by-plant chart of unlock conditions. So the reliable answer for an individual plant is the requirement shown in the game now, not a general assumption based on campaign access or another plant’s unlock method.
Quick Recap
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- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
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- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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