Gillingham boss Martin Allen hailed his side's character after they grabbed a late equaliser to earn a point at Home Park.
Argyle led twice thanks to a close range strike from central defender Curtis Nelson and a thumping 20-yard effort from teenage midfielder Luke Young.
Ben Strevens' clinical finish from 12 yards made it 1-1 in the first half before Gills skipper Adam Barrett - who played for Argyle 12 years ago - powered in a header with a minute to go to make it 2-2.
Allen said: "It was a great point. I think you have got to give our players a huge amount of credit for the comeback.
"They just don't know when they are beaten. They have great fitness levels, they are relentless and they just keep going.
"I guess it was just typical our captain stepped up just when we needed him and it would have been amazing if we had actually won it. That's testament to the character of the side."
