Gardenest guide
Gardenest is the PvZ2 Gardendless community platform for levels, data packs, mods, and tools/plugins. It is currently in Beta testing.
Browse and download
Public creations can be browsed without signing in. Use Discover to filter by type, keywords, and compatibility. Recommended sorting is the default; you can change it. Project pages show descriptions, authors, dependencies, and versions.
In Downloads → Local download, select a version and check compatibility and required/optional dependencies before downloading. External versions use the author’s links. Follow the author’s instructions for tools/plugins; these are not GP-Next mods. Publication and basic checks do not mean a virus scan or in-game validation has passed; read the displayed check status.
| File | Manual use |
|---|---|
| Level JSON/JSON5 | Load it using the custom level guide |
| Data pack/mod ZIP | Import in GP-Next, choose whether to enable, then apply |
| Level ZIP or tool/plugin | Follow the author’s package and usage instructions |
Play in game / Import into game
Desktop clients supporting the Nest protocol can be opened from the download area. Level JSON/JSON5 files are checked and played directly. Data pack/mod ZIPs require confirmation in the game and stay disabled; they are not applied automatically. Updates also stay disabled and do not immediately replace currently running content. Script settings, trust, and dependency checks still apply.
Level ZIPs, tools/plugins, and external-only versions have no import button. This integration is in Beta testing and requires a compatible client. Your system may ask to open an external app; if it cannot open or your version is unsupported, download manually.
Sign in and secure your account
Use a method offered on the sign-in page; new users create an account through the displayed flow; eligible verified email identities may also link to an existing account. Link additional platforms from Settings → Third-party accounts on your existing account. Account and security provides passkeys, an authenticator, two-factor authentication, and recovery codes. Two-factor authentication is mandatory for administrators.
Display names and usernames are separate. Ordinary accounts use their public UID as the default username; verified developers and above may choose a valid, unique username. Profiles show creations, level, and public information; users choose whether their saved collections are public.
How to upload your creations
- Sign in and open the Creator Center from the account menu. Select New project at the top right.
- Enter a name, type, visibility, summary, and Markdown description. Dependencies are optional: match a project ID or add a brief description if no project is found.
- Add links to a third-party platform or upload version files. You can use both options for the same project.
- Save the project details. When uploading a version, add its version number, changelog, and compatibility information, then submit and review the check results. Ordinary users’ content changes require review; eligible verified developers and higher roles can bypass manual review. File, quota, and archive checks still apply.
Use third-party platform links
If your creation is already hosted on GitHub, Google Drive, MEGA, Dropbox, or another platform, add download links in the project editor. Select the platform and enter a link name and a valid HTTPS URL. After saving, players can follow the links from the project page without you uploading another copy to Gardenest.
Upload version files
Upload a file through the project's version management, enter the version number, changelog, and compatibility information, then submit. Levels accept JSON/JSON5 or ZIP; data packs and mods require ZIPs following GP-Next rules. Tools/plugins use ZIP and do not require a GP manifest or UUID. Once published, players can select a version under Downloads → Local download or Versions.
Manage collaborators and invitations in the Creator Center. Settings → Quota management shows current storage, daily upload, and project limits. Older versions and team uploads also count toward the relevant account; deleted file storage is released after cleanup completes.
Tasks and notifications
The Task Center shows levels, experience, daily check-ins, and growth tasks. Refresh timestamps are displayed in your local time zone. Read notifications can be deleted for your account without changing anyone else’s state. See the announcements page for updates.
During Beta, report issues through Feedback with steps, project/version IDs, and shareable errors. Never include passwords, recovery codes, or login credentials.