Escape Root

*Escape Roots explode on contact, and can be swapped with other plants that are in danger.*

## Almanac statistics

### Usage

Tap Escape Root and another plant to swap them

### Weakness

Can't swap with instant use, endangered or free plants

### Unlocked by beating

LCX-I

**The other plants put on a big surprise party for Escape Root last week, but he did his thing and suddenly it was a surprise party... FOR THEM!**

**Escape Root** is the first plant available in Lost City Extra in *Alternate UniverZ*. When tapped, he enters an armed state. When another plant is tapped while he is in this state, he will instantly swap places with that plant (unless it is on a minecart or a vine). To cancel this state, either tap somewhere where there isn't a plant or tap his own tile again.

When planted, Escape Root will take 20 seconds to arm himself before emerging from the ground, or instantly arms if swapped with another plant. When armed, he acts like a Potato Mine, exploding and dealing damage if a zombie gets close.

Escape Root is unlocked after beating LCX-I.

## Almanac entry

**Escape Root**

SUN COST: 75

RECHARGE: 15

TOUGHNESS: 750

DAMAGE: 1800

RANGE: Touch

ARMING TIME: 20

Escape Roots explode on contact, and can be swapped with other plants that are in danger.
Special: tap Escape Root and another plant to swap plant
Weakness: can't swap with instant use or free plants

The other plants put on a big surprise party for Escape Root last week, but he did his thing and suddenly it was a surprise party... FOR THEM!

## Plant Food effect

When given Plant Food, Escape Root creates two armed copies of himself next to a zombie one at a time and explodes.

## Costumes

* Current
* Pre 1.5

## Strategies

As his own name says, this plant can be used on some levels where there are large hordes so the player can protect a powerful plant, simply by swapping place with them. The player can use Sweet Potato to gather many zombies at a single place and later swap place with this plant in order to instantly destroy the zombies.

A thing to remember about the Escape Root is that his swap ability is reusable. This is useful for moving a powerful plant into another lane multiple times. As a result, this plant could be used as a minecart in other worlds and with plants that cannot be planted on minecarts. A good example is Winter Melon, as it is impractical to plant one on every lane in normal levels, yet could be powerful when moved to other lanes.

Another strategy is to plant Escape Root where zombies will not be able to eat him, then placing a cheap plant such as a Sunflower near the zombies (but not too close) as something to switch with. Switch the plant and Escape Root. Since the Escape Root will automatically be armed and swapping positions, any zombie near him will blow up by one of the explosive plant, all that can easily wreak havoc among zombies. Using plants such as Spikeweed and Spikerock to switch with is an excellent idea as well since they cannot be eaten, and when they are needed back, the player only needs to plant another Escape Root.

It is not recommended to use Escape Root in levels where you are not allowed to lose too many plants since if you accidentally explode it, it is also registered as a plant loss.

## Balance Changes

### Version 1.5

* Can no longer swap with endangered plants.