Andy
Orange Star commander and the campaign’s main viewpoint character. He is balanced and easy to use.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the cursor or selected unit |
|---|---|
A | Select a unit, property, or menu option |
B | Cancel a selection or close a menu |
Start | Open the pause or game menu |
L | Cycle information or map display where available |
R | Cycle information or map display where available |
Control notes
Button functions can vary slightly between map screens and menus.
No emulator or browser key bindings are specified.
How it plays
How does Advance Wars play?
Battles use a top-down, tile-based perspective. On each turn, players move units, attack enemies, capture properties, load and unload transports, resupply, and spend income on new forces from owned factories, airports, and ports.
The campaign is divided into missions with varied objectives, including destroying all enemy units, capturing headquarters, securing properties, or surviving a set condition. Fog of war appears on selected maps. Different terrain changes movement, defense, and concealment, while commanders provide distinct special powers that can alter a battle’s momentum.
Versus play supports competitive matches, and the Design Maps mode allows players to create and save custom battlefields.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Advance Wars?
Protect expensive units and avoid trading them for low-value targets unless the exchange advances the objective. Use terrain carefully: cities, forests, mountains, and headquarters provide important defensive advantages.
Capture properties early to increase income, but do not split your army so widely that isolated units can be surrounded. Keep damaged units supplied or rotate them away from danger, and use transports to maintain tempo on large maps.
Check movement and attack ranges before ending a turn. Indirect units should stay behind screening forces, while recon units and infantry help reveal threats in fog of war.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Max
Orange Star commander whose direct attacks are powerful, especially for tanks and other direct-combat units.
Sami
Orange Star commander specializing in infantry, mech units, captures, and transport operations.
Nell
Orange Star commanding officer who guides the player and has a luck-oriented combat power.
Olaf
Blue Moon commander with strong snow and cold-weather abilities.
Grit
Blue Moon commander specializing in indirect-fire units and long-range attacks.
Eagle
Green Earth commander focused on air units and decisive aerial operations.
Drake
Green Earth naval commander with strong naval forces and weather-related abilities.
Kanbei
Yellow Comet commander whose units are expensive but exceptionally strong.
Sonja
Yellow Comet commander associated with enhanced vision and concealment tactics.
Sturm
The mysterious Black Hole commander and principal antagonist of the campaign.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use infantry to capture cities and other properties; many objectives are decided by property control rather than destruction.
- 2
Build a mixed force. Tanks, artillery, anti-air, missiles, aircraft, naval units, and transports each cover different tactical needs.
- 3
Save CO Powers for a decisive turn instead of activating them immediately when the meter fills.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A highly approachable turn-based strategy game with substantial depth and excellent map design.
The campaign teaches its systems clearly, while later missions and multiplayer provide demanding tactical challenges.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0