Optimal Capture Routes

Capturing neutral cities, factories, and airports is paramount to establishing economic dominance and unit production superiority in Advance Wars. Efficient capture routes minimize wasted turns and expose your valuable Infantry and Mech units to less risk. This section details optimal strategies for securing key properties early in various map scenarios.

Initial Deployment & First Turn Captures

The first few turns are critical for establishing your economic base. Always prioritize capturing properties within immediate reach of your starting HQ.

HQ Adjacent Cities: On most maps, you'll have 1-2 neutral cities directly adjacent to your HQ. Deploy two Infantry units on Day 1 and move them onto these cities. They will begin capturing on Day 1 and complete the capture on Day 2.
Forward Cities (2-3 Movement): If you have additional Infantry or Mech units, identify the closest neutral cities that can be reached within their movement range (3 for Infantry, 2 for Mech).
- Example: "It's War!" (Normal Campaign m10.01):
  1. Deploy 2x Infantry from your HQ.
  2. Move one Infantry (A) onto the neutral city directly to the East of your HQ.
  3. Move the second Infantry (B) onto the neutral city two spaces North-East of your HQ.
  4. On Day 2, Infantry (A) completes capture. Infantry (B) will be ready to complete capture on Day 3.
Road vs. Terrain: Always prioritize moving capturing units along roads. Roads provide a movement bonus, allowing Infantry to cover more ground and reach distant properties faster, reducing the number of turns required to initiate a capture.

Mid-Game Expansion & Chokepoint Control

Once your initial base is secured, focus on expanding your territory and capturing properties that offer strategic advantages, such as chokepoint control or access to high-value production facilities.

Factories and Airports: These are high-priority targets. Capturing a neutral Factory allows you to produce ground units closer to the front lines, while an Airport provides crucial air unit production.
- Prioritize with APCs: If available, use an APC to ferry an Infantry or Mech unit quickly to a distant Factory or Airport. An APC can drop a unit directly onto the property, allowing it to begin capturing on the same turn it's dropped off. This is significantly faster than marching an Infantry unit.
- Escort Capturers: When sending units to capture forward production facilities, always provide an escort. A lone Infantry unit capturing a Factory deep in enemy territory is a prime target for enemy units. Use Tanks, Anti-Air, or even Artillery to protect your capturing unit.
Bridgehead Captures: When crossing a river or mountain range, securing the first few cities on the other side is crucial for establishing a "bridgehead." These cities provide defensive positions and a forward income source.
- Example: "Gun Fig" (Normal Campaign): After securing your initial cities, focus on sending an Infantry unit across the central bridge to capture the neutral city on the opposite bank. This city will be vital for funding subsequent pushes.

Advanced Considerations

CO Powers: Leverage your Commanding Officer's power-ups. Some COs, like Max or Sami, can significantly impact capture speed or unit durability during captures. Sami's CO Power, Double Time, allows her Infantry and Mech units to capture properties in half the usual turns, making her an excellent choice for maps with many neutral properties.
Decoy Captures: Sometimes, sending an Infantry unit to capture a less critical property can draw enemy attention away from your main objective, allowing your primary capturing force to proceed unmolested.
Repair and Resupply: Remember that capturing units are vulnerable. Ensure you have units nearby that can resupply or repair them if they take damage during the capture process, especially if they are exposed to enemy fire.