Plants vs Zombies: Replanted Brings Local Multiplayer via GameShare
The upcoming Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted remaster has generated excitement by promising crisp new graphics, fresh modes, and nostalgia for longtime fans. But one decision has surprised and disappointed portions of the community: the game will not support online multiplayer. Instead, its co-op and PvP features are limited to local play. Below, we dig into what’s confirmed, what fans are saying, and what this means for the game’s replayability.
What’s Confirmed: Local Only Multiplayer
Local Co-Op and PvP via GameShare / Couch Play
In multiple official announcements, PopCap and EA have stated that Replanted will include local cooperative and head-to-head (PvP) modes. =In fact, the Switch version will leverage GameShare, enabling two players on separate Switch consoles—but only if playing in the same room.
No Online Multiplayer Mode
Various outlets and community sources confirm that the game won’t have online multiplayer support. GameFAQs explicitly answers the question: “Will the game have Online Multiplayer?” — to which users responded that no, it will only support local multiplayer.
PopCap’s design and interviews further support this: they describe Replanted as a “tight package” built to honor the original, without making it a live-service or adding DLC or microtransactions down the line.
Why No Online Multiplayer?
While PopCap hasn’t publicly spelled out a single reason, a few likely explanations emerge:
- Technical complexity
Developing robust online netcode—especially for cross-platform across consoles and PC—is costly and time-consuming. For a remaster, they may have prioritized polishing local play rather than building full-fledged online support. - Preserving the original experience
The team seems focused on retaining the feel of the original game: the same “backyard defense” core, now in HD, with some added modes—but not fundamentally altering its structure. - Scope management
PopCap has indicated there will be no DLC or microtransactions and that the game is not intended as a live-service product. Adding online functionality could have required extending the scope in ways they didn’t want. - Risk mitigation
Online multiplayer introduces more potential for bugs, balance issues, latency complaints, and ongoing server maintenance. For a single purchase remaster, sticking to local modes reduces that risk.
Community Reactions and Concerns
Fans Disappointed
Many players feel strongly that in 2025, omitting online multiplayer is a missed opportunity:
“I’m baffled that this remaster doesn’t feature online multiplayer… It’s 2025.”
“The vs mode has to be online, please.”
Some fans suggest workarounds: Steam’s Remote Play Together or Nintendo’s GameShare might offer a quasi-online experience.
Artistic Team Exclusion
Adding another layer to the controversy, some original PvZ artists—such as Rich Werner and Enrique Corts—publicly stated they were not contacted to contribute to Replanted’s remake, despite their familiarity with the game’s aesthetics. This has fueled sentiment among fans that the project is more about leveraging nostalgia than truly co-creating with original creators.
What It Means for Players
- Local only: If your primary interest was playing PvP or co-op online with distant friends, that won’t be possible in Replanted.
- Best for couch co-op: The game is tailored more toward in-room multiplayer experiences—think couch co-op sessions.
- Potential future patches?
It’s unclear whether PopCap could later add online modes via update or as DLC. They have, so far, emphasized that the game will launch complete out-of-the-box. - Workaround options:
On PC, players might use Remote Play tools to simulate online play; on Switch, GameShare can let two players use separate consoles while in the same location.
Conclusion
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted delivers a remastered classic with new modes, HD visuals, and local multiplayer—but decidedly not online play. While that decision aligns with PopCap’s vision for a contained, faithful revival, many in the fan community see it as a limitation in an era where online connectivity is standard. Whether PopCap changes course post-launch remains to be seen.
