PvZ: Garden Warfare is getting substantial new DLC and it’s free

A new mode, map, and ability upgrades

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the way Electronic Arts and PopCap have handled Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare. First, the game itself is loads of fun — the foundation is solid. But more than that, they don’t have paid microtransactions yet even though they absolutely could have had those ready for day one, and the game’s upcoming DLC is not only free, it’s worthwhile.

Detailed today ahead of its March 18, 2014 release on Xbox One and Xbox 360, the Garden Variety Pack offers a new map, Chomp Town, and the eight-on-eight Gnome Bomb mode in which both plants and zombies try to destroy the other team’s base.

There are also 24 new character ability upgrades — three for each of the eight primary classes — providing some additional (and much-needed) variety. Examples listed include a Super Goop attack for the Chomper which cements zombies, an Ultra Tackle for the All-Star, and a Solar Flare Beam for the way-too-happy Sunflower. Also be on the lookout for Pirate Zombies in the existing Sharkbite Shores and Port Scallywag maps.