Dark Alchemy is a Brain Buster exclusive to Dark Ages in Plants vs. Zombies 2. The lawn in this Brain Buster has magic potions placed on some tiles, as they have the ability to grant either speed or toughness bonuses to zombies. The effects will stack up to three times per potion. Zombies hypnotized by Hypno-shroom and Caulipower can also be affected by potions. Plants can not be planted on these tiles. During Dark Alchemy levels, potions will continuously spawn on empty tiles. The only way to destroy potions is by crushing it such as a hypnotized Gargantuar, a Barrel Roller Zombie's barrel, a Pianist Zombie's piano or an All-Star Zombie's tackle.
In this Brain Buster, it is highly recommended to bring area of effect plants such as Fume-shroom or Snapdragon, as they will help get rid of hoards of boosted zombies. In addition, the Jester Zombie will not be able to deflect anything. If Knight Zombies, Wizard Zombies, or Jester Zombies get a hold of any potion, this can be damaging. Do not forget the Sun-shrooms, as they are very essential and are cheaper than Sunflowers. Instant-kill plants such as Cherry Bomb or Chili Bean are also recommended, as they can eliminate zombies easily if they have consumed too many potions. If the player has them, Hypno-shroom and Caulipower will make great use here, as the hypnotized zombies will benefit from potions too.
Dark Alchemy is the first Brain Buster that has objects that helps zombies get to the player's house.
It is also the first Brain Buster that does not have a tutorial level.
This Brain Buster refers to early usage of alchemy and black magic during the actual Dark Ages.
If a hypnotized Gargantuar walks past a potion, the potion will appear in front of it.
Dark Alchemy is the third Brain Buster that allows the player to choose their own plants, the first being the Powder Keg in Kongfu World, and the second is Sun Bombs in the Far Future.
When an affected zombie dies, it reverts to its normal size and then starts its normal death animation.
The name of this Brain Buster was revealed in a survey from PopCap Games.
Gargantuar, Barrel Roller Zombie (with its barrel), Pianist Zombie, and All-Star Zombie (only the first potion it meets) can smash potions but it is unknown why the Zombie King cannot smash the potions, despite crushing them.
Dark Alchemy and Bulb Bowling are the only world exclusive Brain Busters to have only two levels, rather than the normal three, with the exception of Beghouled.
If a Zombie boosted by a potion eats a Chili Bean, the Zombie will die and return to its normal form.
This is the first Brain Buster that was used in a Piñata Party, specifically, the Valenbrainz 2016 parties. The second Brain Buster used in a Piñata Party is Beghouled that was featured in a Time Twister Piñata Party.
