The game is viewed from above across several horizontal lanes. During each stage, zombies enter from the right and advance toward the house; the player must collect sunlight, spend it on plants, and stop every zombie before it reaches the left side.

Adventure stages introduce new plants, zombie types, and environments in a fixed progression. Players choose a limited plant loadout before a level, then react to changing threats during play. The DS edition also offers additional activities such as minigames, puzzles, and survival-style challenges, depending on the mode selected.

Build a dependable defense before spending heavily on expensive plants. Place resource-producing plants near the protected side, then add attacks that cover several lanes or damage groups of zombies.

Use plant food equivalents and special plants carefully when the stage permits them, and select the loadout to match the previewed zombie types. Leave room for emergency plants, protect fragile producers, and remove threats before they accumulate at the same lane.