FAQ

The most common cause is a missing Visual C++ runtime. Download and install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft's official links: vc_redist.x64.exe(external link, opens in a new tab) and vc_redist.x86.exe(external link, opens in a new tab). On 64-bit Windows, install both; on 32-bit Windows, install x86 only. Restart your PC afterward.

If the error mentions d3d9.dll, d3dx9_43.dll, xinput1_3.dll, or d3d11.dll, install Microsoft's DirectX End-User Runtime(external link, opens in a new tab). Do not download individual DLL files from third-party DLL sites.

Install the runtime that matches the game build you are running. The x64 game needs vc_redist.x64.exe(external link, opens in a new tab); the x86 / 32-bit game needs vc_redist.x86.exe(external link, opens in a new tab). On 64-bit Windows, you can and often should install both x64 and x86; one does not replace the other.

On Windows on ARM / ARM64 devices, install the runtime for the app you are running: x86 for x86 games, x64 for x64 games. Microsoft notes that the x64 package contains both x64 and ARM64 binaries; for a native ARM64 app, use vc_redist.arm64.exe(external link, opens in a new tab).

To check your system type, open Settings → System → About → System type. If you are unsure and your Windows is 64-bit, install both the x64 and x86 packages.

A black screen followed by an exit usually points to the graphics driver, DirectX runtime, window resolution, or a local configuration file. It does not necessarily mean that your save data or game files are damaged.

Update your graphics driver and install Microsoft's DirectX End-User Runtime first. If that does not help, look for settings.json in the game folder and try 1280×720 windowed mode. When reporting the issue, include your Windows version, GPU model, and whether any error dialog appeared.

Yes. Both the x64 installer and the x86 portable zip target Windows 7 and later. Make sure you have the latest Windows 7 service pack (SP1) and the Visual C++ Redistributable for the matching architecture installed.

SmartScreen warnings usually come from Windows reputation and code-signing checks. Fan-made games without a commercial code-signing certificate are more likely to trigger them. The warning does not by itself prove that the file was modified, and it does not prove that the file will work in your runtime environment.

Before continuing, confirm that the file came from this site's download page or a mirror listed here, then compare the SHA-256 digest shown on the download page. A matching digest means the local file matches the build published by this site. If the source is unclear, the digest does not match, or the installer shows publisher or permission details that do not match this site, stop and redownload or report a screenshot.

1. First confirm that the file came from this site's download page or a listed mirror, then compare its SHA-256 digest with the value on the download page.

2. If the digest matches and you choose to continue, click More info in the blue dialog.

3. A Run anyway button appears at the bottom. Selecting it allows Windows to launch this installer; each new version may require the same confirmation again.

If your PC was made after around 2010, it almost certainly has a 64-bit OS. Download the Windows x64 build (the .exe installer).

The Windows x86 build (.zip, portable) is for older 32-bit systems. Unzip it anywhere and run PlantsVsZombies.exe directly — no installer needed.

To check: open Settings → System → About and look at "System type". If it says "64-bit operating system", use x64.

The x64 installer places the game in the folder you choose during setup (default is C:\Program Files).

The x86 zip is portable — the game runs from wherever you extract it.

Some antivirus engines may heuristically flag unsigned self-extracting files or game engines that use low-level APIs for input, graphics, or audio. That warning does not necessarily mean the file contains malicious code, but it should not be ignored before checking the source and digest.

In Command Prompt, run certutil -hashfile "<file>" SHA256 and compare the output with the SHA-256 value on the download page. A matching digest means the local file matches the build published by this site. If it does not match, delete the file and download it again or use another mirror. Whether to allowlist the file remains your decision, informed by your security software and the verification results.

The exact steps depend on your antivirus. In general, check the download source and SHA-256 first, then open the antivirus settings, find "Exclusions" or "Allowed threats", and add only the game's install folder instead of disabling real-time protection entirely.

For Windows Defender: Settings → Privacy & security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Exclusions → Add an exclusion → Folder, then select the game directory. If the tool keeps blocking it, keep the detection name, file path, and game version for your report.

1. Download the .apk from this site's download page or a mirror listed here. If you transfer it from a PC, keep the original filename where possible so the version and digest are easier to check.

2. When you open the APK, Android may ask you to allow the current browser or file manager to install unknown apps. That permission is granted to the app that opens the APK, not to this site; you can revoke it in system settings after installation.

3. The installer should show an app name, version, and permissions that match this site's guidance. If it asks for contacts, location, SMS, or other permissions unrelated to running the game, stop and report a screenshot before continuing.

The APK targets Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later and includes native libraries for ARM 32-bit, ARM 64-bit, x86, and x86_64. Stable runtime still depends on vendor restrictions, free storage, power policy, and emulator compatibility; Android 8 or later is usually the safer baseline.

Android save data is stored in the app's private internal storage. Devices without root generally cannot browse that directory directly, and uninstalling the app usually deletes private app data, including saves.

For backup, try Android's built-in backup first (Settings → System → Backup). Some vendor systems, emulators, or root file managers may provide additional export paths, but those are outside this site's control; before updating or uninstalling, confirm that your backup can actually be restored.

Save files are stored in C:\ProgramData\PerfectVoyage.

Note: ProgramData is a hidden folder. To navigate there, open File Explorer, type C:\ProgramData\PerfectVoyage in the address bar, and press Enter.

Copy the entire C:\ProgramData\PerfectVoyage folder to a location you control, such as a USB drive, external disk, or cloud storage. To restore it, close the game first and copy the folder back to the same path.

Back up before updating. Older saves are usually backfilled by the game, but a backup reduces the impact of update failures, disk issues, or accidental deletion.

Older saves are usually backfilled by the game after an update. The intent is to let players continue existing progress, but that is not a complete compatibility promise for every historical version, modified save, or file left inconsistent by a crash.

Back up C:\ProgramData\PerfectVoyage before updating. If you want to experience the new progression in its intended order, a fresh save may be the better choice.

Open the in-game settings (Pause → Settings or the main menu gear icon). Resolution and fullscreen/windowed options are under the display section.

The game supports Chinese, English, Vietnamese, and Russian. Open the main menu or settings, then use the language selector.

Note: the English localization is community-contributed and may not yet cover every string. Some untranslated Chinese text is expected for now.

The game relies on system CJK fonts. If Windows does not have Chinese font support installed, some text may render incorrectly.

Open Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region → Add a language, search for 中文 (简体), and install it. You do not need to set it as your display language; installing the language pack adds the required fonts.

Mouse handles most interactions. Additional keys: Pause/ESC pauses the game, Pride Skill triggers Pride Skill effects, Time Stop freezes time, and Screenshot captures the screen.

You can rebind these in the in-game settings.

You can use the Discord server, the QQ group, or the footer email address. Content posted on public platforms may be displayed, cached, indexed, forwarded, or retained by the relevant platform. If a report includes email addresses, account names, screenshots, save paths, or other details that should not be public, use email and redact unrelated personal information first.

Reports are usually easier to investigate when they include the game version, platform and OS version, download source, reproduction steps, actual result, expected result, and any relevant screenshot or log. If those details are missing, the request may be merged, deferred, or left unanswered; that applies to the request, not to the person who submitted it, and pointing out a problem does not lower your priority for future help.