Using this save before completion may result in achievements unlocking in an incorrect order. Please only use the save files once your achievement list is complete.

This is a detailed step by step guide for downloading and installing the save. If you are not fully sure what to do, please read all sections of this guide for how to install the save correctly.

If you are Strong Independent Steam User™ and don't need no guide, go straight to the Download link section.

After unlocking all achievements you are at the mercy of the random number generator for perfecting your save file.

Your first objective will be to finish the hard mode play through which is an easy enough task.

The second task is the troublesome part, which is perfecting the Zen Garden.

You will need to collect each unique plant by repeating specific levels. Each plant has a 50/50 chance of facing forward towards the zombies or backward towards the house. You need to have luck on your side for the correct plant to drop and to be facing forward.

Use this completed game save to spare yourself the RNG hell.

In the screenshots you will see every plant in almanac order all facing the correct way

Game progression

All Adventure mode levels completed
All Hard Adventure mode levels completed
All Plants unlocked
All Upgrades unlocked
All Items maximum capacity
Tree of wisdom 100 feet tall

Zen Garden

All Garden plants collected
All Garden plants fully grown
All Garden plants facing the forward direction

Mini games

Vase Breaker Endless - Wave 30
I, zombie Endless - Wave 30
Survival Mode - Wave 100

These saves can be continued to achieve higher wave counts.

This game does not have any downloadable content.

Warning: the following link contains files to download. Please proceed at your own risk.

https://mega.nz/folder/rpYmUBTS#zYfWTHhfshM5DJ6Jf0hwuQ

Click the upper left box of the folder 'userdata" and the folder 'userdata_backup'. Click download and choose option: 'Download as a ZIP file'. Once download is completed extract the folder contents.

The boxart is not required to download.

See example screenshot below:

All following steps were done on Windows 10 Pro - 22H2.

Open your Steam library and select Plants Vs Zombies: Game of the Year. Right click and choose Properties. In the General tab disable Steam Cloud by clicking the enable/disable button as shown in the example screenshot.

You will need to locate your folder containing the game save files.

The save data is usually found in this location:

C:\ProgramData\Steam\PlantsVsZombies\userdata
and
C:\ProgramData\Steam\PlantsVsZombies\userdata_backup

This folder is hidden on most computers. To find it use your search function and type in 'User1.dat' and it will find your Plants Vs Zombies GOTY save file. You can then right click and open the file location.

Alternative method:

Open local disc (C:)
Top of the window left click tab 'View'
Left click 'Hidden Items' to now make them visible

See screenshot below:




Note: You may wish to disable 'hidden items' after you have finished with your save files.

Make a copy of both folders 'userdata' and 'userdata_backup'. Keep these copies in a safe location.

Inside the folder will be the file structure shown in the screenshot:

Now fully delete both folders "userdata" and "userdata_backup"

Move both downloaded folders into folder "PlantsVsZombies" to use your new save.

This save has been tested on multiple users without any issues found.

Still having trouble using the save? Leave a comment on this guide so that we may help you.

If you have any suggestions how this save can be improved or any questions please leave a comment.