CO Powers & Abilities
Each Commanding Officer (CO) in Advance Wars possesses unique abilities that can dramatically shift the momentum of a battle. These come in two forms: a standard CO Power and a more potent Super CO Power. Understanding and mastering these abilities is crucial for any aspiring tactician.
How CO Powers Charge
CO Powers are not available from the start of a mission; they must be charged during gameplay. This charge is accumulated as your units engage in combat, both when attacking enemy units and when defending against their assaults. The more damage dealt or received, the faster your CO Power meter fills. For new players, keep an eye on the visual indicator on your CO's portrait – typically a series of stars or a segmented meter – which clearly shows how close you are to activating your power.
Activating CO Powers
Once fully charged, a CO Power can be activated at the beginning of your turn. The decision of when to unleash your CO's special ability is a critical strategic choice. An early activation might provide a temporary advantage, but waiting for the perfect moment can often lead to a more decisive impact on the battlefield.
Types of CO Powers
CO Powers generally provide a temporary boost or effect that lasts for a single turn. These can include:
- Stat Enhancements: Increased attack power, boosted defense, or improved movement range for your units.
- Healing: Restoring HP to damaged units within a certain radius or across the entire map.
- Terrain Effects: Modifying the defensive or movement properties of terrain.
- Special Unit Abilities: Granting specific units unique actions or improved capabilities.
For example, a CO like Andy might use his "Hyper Repair" to heal all his units by 2 HP, while Sami's "Double Time" could increase her infantry's movement and capture speed.
Super CO Powers
Super CO Powers are an enhanced version of the standard CO Power, requiring a longer charge time but offering significantly more powerful effects. These often have a broader impact, affecting a larger area, providing a more substantial stat boost, or introducing game-changing mechanics. Super CO Powers are typically reserved for critical moments, such as breaking through a heavily fortified enemy position or turning the tide of a desperate defense.
Consider the difference: a regular CO Power might heal a few units, but a Super CO Power could heal all units significantly or even grant a temporary invincibility buff to a key unit type.
Strategic Considerations
Understanding when and how to use your CO's abilities is a key strategic element. Activating a power at the right moment can turn a losing battle into a decisive victory. Here are some general tips:
- Offensive Powers: Best used when you are ready to launch a major assault, aiming to wipe out a key enemy force or capture a vital property.
- Defensive Powers: Ideal for weathering a strong enemy assault, protecting vulnerable units, or buying time to reinforce your lines.
- Movement Powers: Can be used to quickly reposition units for an attack, escape a dangerous situation, or rapidly capture properties.
- Timing is Everything: Don't activate a power just because it's available. Evaluate the current board state and anticipate your opponent's next moves. Sometimes, holding onto a Super CO Power for an extra turn can yield a much greater advantage.
- Synergy with Units: Consider how your CO's power interacts with your current unit composition. A power that boosts tanks is less useful if you primarily have infantry on the field.
Familiarize yourself with each CO's unique abilities as they are integral to their playstyle and overall strategy. The CO Guide section of this walkthrough provides detailed information on each CO's specific powers and recommended strategies for their effective use.