Campaign Walkthrough
Welcome, Commander! This comprehensive walkthrough will guide you through every mission of the Advance Wars campaign, ensuring your victory against the nefarious Black Hole Army. We'll cover optimal strategies, unit placements, CO Power usage, and common pitfalls to help you secure an "S" Rank on every map. Remember, adaptability is key; while these strategies are highly effective, the fog of war and enemy AI can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Don't be afraid to adjust your tactics on the fly!
Normal Campaign: Orange Star's Awakening
The Normal Campaign serves as your introduction to the world of Advance Wars. Master the basics here, from unit interactions to terrain advantages and CO Powers, and you'll be well-prepared for the more intricate challenges ahead. Each mission builds upon previous concepts, gradually introducing new units, COs, and strategic considerations.
Mission 1: It's War! (m10.01)
Objective: Rout the enemy or capture their HQ.
Your CO: Andy (Orange Star)
Enemy CO: Olaf (Blue Moon)
Starting Units (Orange Star): 2x Infantry, 1x Tank, 1x Medium Tank (MTank), 1x Artillery
Enemy Units (Blue Moon): 2x Infantry, 1x Recon, 1x Tank
Map Overview: This mission is your first taste of real combat, designed to teach you fundamental unit interactions and basic map control. The map is bisected by a river, with a single central bridge serving as the primary choke point. Several neutral cities are available for capture on both sides of the river.
Strategy Guide:
This mission emphasizes defensive positioning and the combined arms approach. Your MTank will be crucial for holding the bridge, supported by your Tank and Artillery.
- Turn 1: Establishing Your Defense & Economy
- Infantry 1 (Northern): Move this unit onto the neutral city directly to its east (C3). Begin capturing. This city is vital for early income.
- Infantry 2 (Southern): Move this unit onto the neutral city directly to its east (C3). Begin capturing. This mirrors the northern capture, securing your initial economic base.
- Medium Tank (MTank): Position your MTank at the northern end of the central bridge (D5). This unit will act as your primary wall, blocking the enemy's advance and absorbing damage. Its high defense and firepower are ideal for this role.
- Tank: Move your Tank directly behind the MTank (D4). It provides crucial support fire and can step in if the MTank takes heavy damage. Keep it one space back to avoid being targeted by enemy indirect fire (though none are present in this mission).
- Artillery: Advance your Artillery unit to a position where it can shell enemy units attempting to cross the bridge, but keep it out of direct enemy attack range. A good spot is behind your Tank (D3), ensuring it has a clear line of fire over your direct combat units.
- Turn 2: Engaging the Enemy
- Infantry: Complete the capture of both cities. These cities will provide crucial income for future missions, and contribute to your score here.
- MTank: The enemy will likely advance an Infantry unit towards your bridge. Use your MTank to engage and destroy it. Prioritize eliminating enemy units that can capture your cities or pose a direct threat.
- Artillery: If an enemy Tank or Recon approaches within range, use your Artillery to soften it up before your MTank or Tank finishes it off. Artillery is excellent for weakening high-HP targets.
- Tank: Support your MTank. If the enemy Tank is within range and weakened by Artillery, finish it off.
- Subsequent Turns: Pressing the Advantage
- Maintain Bridge Control: Focus on maintaining control of the central bridge. Your MTank is vital here. Keep it repaired if possible (though you don't have repair facilities yet, Andy's CO Power helps).
- Artillery Dominance: Use your Artillery to systematically eliminate enemy units as they approach. Prioritize Tanks and other direct combat units that pose the biggest threat to your front line.
- CO Power Strategy (Andy's Hyper Repair): Andy's "Hyper Repair" (2-star CO Power) is excellent for healing damaged units. Use it strategically when multiple units are damaged or your MTank is at critical health (e.g., 5 HP or less). It restores 2 HP to all your units, which can significantly extend the lifespan of your key units.
- Advance and Conquer: Once the enemy's initial push is repelled and their main combat units are destroyed, consider advancing your Tank and Infantry units across the bridge. Your Infantry can capture the neutral cities on Olaf's side of the river, further boosting your income and map control.
- Target HQ: Gradually push towards the enemy HQ. Capturing it is often faster and safer than routing all enemy units, especially if Olaf has hidden Infantry units. Use one of your Infantry units, protected by your combat units, to capture the HQ.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips:
- Artillery Vulnerability: Always keep your Artillery protected behind your direct combat units. Its long-range attack is invaluable, but it's very vulnerable in close quarters. Never expose it to direct attack.
- Unit Placement: Avoid clumping units together, as this makes them vulnerable to potential indirect fire (though not a major threat in this specific mission). However, ensure your combat units are close enough to support each other.
- Capture Priority: Capturing cities provides income and contributes to your score. Always be capturing with your Infantry when they are not needed for combat or defense.
- S-Rank Focus: For an S-Rank, aim for high Power (destroying many units), high Technique (few units lost), and high Speed (completing the mission quickly). Capturing the HQ is often the fastest way to win.
Mission 2: Gun Fig (m10.02)
Objective: Rout the enemy or capture their HQ.
Your CO: Max (Orange Star)
Enemy CO: Grit (Blue Moon)
Starting Units (Orange Star): 2x Infantry, 1x Tank, 1x Medium Tank (MTank), 2x Artillery
Enemy Units (Blue Moon): 2x Infantry, 1x Recon, 1x Tank, 1x Artillery
Map Overview: This mission introduces you to Max's powerful direct combat units and the importance of indirect fire, especially against Grit, who specializes in it. The map features a central plain with a few choke points and neutral cities. Grit's Artillery will be a primary concern.
Strategy Guide:
Max's strength lies in his direct combat units, which receive a significant attack boost. Grit, conversely, boosts his indirect fire. Your strategy will revolve around leveraging Max's strengths while neutralizing Grit's long-range threat.
- Turn 1: Aggressive Advance & Economy
- Infantry 1 (Northern): Move to capture the neutral city directly to its east (C3).
- Infantry 2 (Southern): Move to capture the neutral city directly to its east (C3).
- Medium Tank (MTank): Advance your MTank aggressively towards the central choke point (E5), positioning it to engage the first enemy units. Max's MTank is a beast.
- Tank: Move your Tank directly behind the MTank (E4), ready to support or engage.
- Artillery 1 & 2: Position both Artillery units behind your direct combat units (E3, F3 or similar), ensuring they have a clear line of sight to the central plain where enemy units will converge, but remain safe from direct attack. Keep them out of Grit's Artillery range if possible, or at least prepare for a hit.
- Turn 2: First Engagements & Grit's Artillery
- Infantry: Complete city captures.
- MTank & Tank: Engage any enemy Infantry or Recon units that have advanced. Maximize damage output with your direct combat units.
- Artillery: Grit will likely have moved his Artillery. Identify its range and ensure your valuable direct combat units are not within its attack radius if possible. If they are, prepare to absorb the hit, but prioritize moving them out of range for subsequent turns if feasible. Use your Artillery to target any enemy units within range, especially Grit's Recon or Tank if they are exposed.
- Subsequent Turns: Neutralizing Grit & Pushing Forward
- Prioritize Grit's Artillery: This is the most critical step. Grit's Artillery units are his strength and can whittle down your forces. Use your own Artillery to damage it, and then finish it off with your MTank or Tank. Max's direct combat bonus makes his Tanks and MTanks excellent for quickly eliminating this threat.
- Maintain a Strong Front Line: Use your MTank and Tank to hold the line and absorb enemy attacks. Max's units excel in head-on combat.
- CO Power Strategy (Max's Max Force): Max's "Max Force" (3-star CO Power) significantly boosts the attack power of his direct combat units (+20% attack, -1 range for indirect units). Use it when you need to break through a strong enemy defense, quickly eliminate a high-value target like Grit's MTank, or clear a path to the HQ. The range penalty for Artillery is negligible if you're using them for close-range support or have already eliminated enemy indirect threats.
- Flanking Maneuvers: Once Grit's indirect fire is neutralized, consider using one of your Tanks to flank around the main engagement. This can allow you to target his weaker units (Infantry, Recon) or even make a direct run for his HQ, bypassing the main battle.
- Economic Expansion: Keep your Infantry capturing any available neutral cities to boost your income and unit production if needed. More funds mean more units or repairs.
- Advance to HQ: Once Grit's main combat units are destroyed and his Artillery is gone, push aggressively towards his HQ. Use an Infantry unit, protected by your Tanks, to capture it for a quick victory and an S-Rank.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips:
- Grit's Artillery Range: Be mindful of Grit's Artillery range (3-5 spaces). His CO power, "Sniper!," further extends this range by 1, making his Artillery a 3-6 range threat. Always check unit ranges before moving.
- Max's Indirect Penalty: While Max's direct combat units are powerful, his indirect units (Artillery) suffer a 1-tile range penalty during his CO Power. Plan accordingly; sometimes it's better to use Artillery before activating "Max Force" if range is critical.
- Terrain Advantage: Utilize terrain (woods, cities) for defensive bonuses. Moving into woods provides a +1 defense star, reducing incoming damage.
- S-Rank Focus: Speed is crucial for S-Ranks. Don't dally; aggressively eliminate threats and push for the HQ capture. Max's offensive power makes this easier.
Mission 3: Air Ace (m10.03)
Objective: Rout the enemy or capture their HQ.
Your CO: Andy (Orange Star)
Enemy CO: Eagle (Green Earth)
Starting Units (Orange Star): 2x Infantry, 1x Tank, 1x Anti-Air (AA), 1x Recon
Enemy Units (Green Earth): 2x Infantry, 1x Recon, 1x Tank, 1x Fighter, 1x Bomber
Map Overview: This mission introduces air units and the Anti-Air (AA) unit. Eagle, a master of air power, will challenge your ability to defend against aerial threats while managing ground forces. The map features a central landmass with a few neutral cities, and a large body of water that air units can easily traverse.
Strategy Guide:
Your AA unit is paramount in this mission. Protecting it and using it effectively against Eagle's air force is the key to victory. Andy's balanced approach allows for both strong ground defense and effective counter-attacks.
- Turn 1: Securing Ground & Preparing for Air
- Infantry 1 (Northern): Move to capture the neutral city directly to its east (C3).
- Infantry 2 (Southern): Move to capture the neutral city directly to its east (C3).
- Anti-Air (AA): Position your AA unit defensively near your HQ or your most valuable ground units (e.g., D4). It needs to be able to intercept Eagle's air units as they approach. Its range is 1, so it must be adjacent to attack.
- Tank: Advance your Tank towards the central plain (E5), ready to engage enemy ground units. It will also provide some protection for your AA.
- Recon: Use your Recon to scout ahead (F6). Its high movement allows it to quickly identify enemy positions, especially ground units. Keep it out of direct combat with Tanks.
- Turn 2: First Aerial Engagements
- Infantry: Complete city captures.
- AA: Eagle will likely send his Fighter or Bomber towards your forces. Position your AA to intercept. Prioritize the Bomber if it's within range, as Bombers can deal devastating damage to your ground units. If only the Fighter is in range, engage it.
- Tank: Engage any enemy ground units (Infantry, Recon) that have advanced. Protect your AA unit.
- Recon: Continue scouting, but be wary of Eagle's air units. If no ground units are in range, move it to block a capture point or provide vision.
- Subsequent Turns: Air Superiority & Ground Push
- Air Defense is Key: Your AA unit is your primary defense against Eagle's air units. Keep it healthy and positioned to cover your most vulnerable units or objectives. If your AA is damaged, consider using Andy's "Hyper Repair" to restore its HP.
- Prioritize Bombers: Bombers are extremely dangerous to your ground units. Always prioritize destroying them with your AA. Fighters are less of a direct threat to your ground units but can still deal damage and are required to be eliminated for a Rout victory.
- Ground Unit Synergy: Use your Tank to destroy enemy ground units and protect your AA. Your Recon can help scout and finish off weakened Infantry.
- CO Power Strategy (Andy's Hyper Repair): Andy's "Hyper Repair" (2-star CO Power) is invaluable here. Use it to heal your damaged AA, Tank, or any other unit that has taken hits from Eagle's air or ground forces. Timely repairs can save a unit from destruction.
- Counter-Attack: Once Eagle's air force is neutralized or significantly weakened, you can begin a more aggressive ground push. Use your Tank and Infantry to capture more neutral cities and advance towards Eagle's HQ.
- HQ Capture: As with previous missions, capturing the enemy HQ is often the fastest way to win. Use one of your Infantry units, protected by your remaining combat units, to secure the victory.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips:
- Exposed AA: Never leave your AA unit exposed to enemy air units without support, or to enemy ground units. It's relatively fragile against Tanks.
- Bomber Threat: Bombers can one-shot many ground units. Always be aware of their movement range and prioritize their destruction.
- Eagle's CO Power (Lightning Drive): Eagle's "Lightning Drive" (3-star CO Power) allows all his air units to move and attack a second time. This can be devastating. Try to keep your units spread out and anticipate this power. If he activates it, ensure your AA is in a position to counter-attack or that your units can survive a double hit.
- Fuel Management: Air units consume fuel. While not a major concern in this early mission, be aware that air units can crash if they run out of fuel.
- S-Rank Focus: Maintaining unit integrity (Technique) is crucial against Eagle's powerful air units. Use Andy's CO Power wisely to keep your units alive.
Mission 4: Blizzard Battle (m10.04)
Objective: Rout the enemy or capture their HQ.
Your CO: Sami (Orange Star)
Enemy CO: Olaf (Blue Moon)
Starting Units (Orange Star): 3x Infantry, 1x Mech, 1x Tank, 1x Artillery
Enemy Units (Blue Moon): 3x Infantry, 1x Recon, 1x Tank, 1x Artillery
Map Overview: This mission introduces Sami, a CO specializing in Infantry and Mech units, and the concept of weather effects. Olaf, your opponent, will periodically trigger blizzards, which significantly impact unit movement. The map is a snowy landscape with several neutral cities and forests.
Strategy Guide:
Sami's strengths lie in her enhanced Infantry and Mech units, which capture faster and deal more damage. Her CO Power, "Double Time," makes her Infantry/Mechs even more potent. The blizzards will force you to plan your movements carefully, especially for your slower units.
- Turn 1: Rapid Capture & Defensive Setup
- Infantry 1 & 2: Move these two Infantry units to capture the two closest neutral cities (C3, D3). Sami's Infantry capture faster, so these will be secured quickly.
- Infantry 3: Move this Infantry unit towards another neutral city (E4) or to provide forward scouting.
- Mech: Advance your Mech unit towards the central choke point (F5). Mechs are powerful against Infantry and can hold their own against Tanks, especially with Sami's boost. They also move well in snow.
- Tank: Position your Tank behind the Mech (F4), ready to provide heavy fire support.
- Artillery: Move your Artillery to a safe, elevated position (G3) where it can cover the central approach. Keep it protected.
- Turn 2: Adapting to Weather & Engaging
- Infantry: Complete city captures. Continue moving any unengaged Infantry towards other neutral cities.
- Mech & Tank: Engage any enemy Infantry or Recon units that have advanced. Use your Mech to absorb damage and your Tank to deal heavy blows.
- Artillery: Target enemy units within range, prioritizing Tanks or Mechs if they are exposed.
- Blizzard Anticipation: Olaf's CO Power, "Blizzard," will likely be used soon. Be aware that during a blizzard, all units (except Infantry and Mechs) have their movement reduced to 1 space. Plan your moves to ensure your Tanks and Artillery aren't stranded in vulnerable positions.
- Subsequent Turns: Sami's Ground Dominance
- Leverage Sami's Strengths: Your Infantry and Mechs are your most valuable assets. Use them to capture cities rapidly and to hold defensive positions. Sami's Mechs are particularly effective in combat.
- Blizzard Management: When Olaf activates "Blizzard," adjust your strategy. Use your Infantry and Mechs to advance or reposition, as they are unaffected. Your Tank and Artillery will be severely limited, so ensure they are in safe positions or can still contribute effectively (e.g., Artillery can still fire if in range).
- CO Power Strategy (Sami's Double Time): Sami's "Double Time" (3-star CO Power) gives all her Infantry and Mechs +1 movement and a significant attack bonus (+30%). Crucially, it also allows Infantry to capture properties in a single turn! Use this to quickly capture Olaf's HQ once you've cleared a path, or to rapidly secure multiple neutral cities.
- Artillery Support: Keep your Artillery providing long-range support. It's crucial for softening up Olaf's Tanks and Mechs before your direct combat units engage.
- Push for HQ: Once Olaf's main combat units are eliminated and you've gained map control, use your enhanced Infantry/Mechs to push directly for his HQ. "Double Time" can make this a very fast victory.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips:
- Stranded Units: The biggest pitfall is having your Tank or Artillery caught in an exposed position during a blizzard. Always consider where these units will be if a blizzard hits next turn.
- Olaf's Blizzard: Olaf's "Blizzard" (2-star CO Power) reduces movement for all non-Infantry/Mech units to 1. His Super CO Power, "Cold Front," does the same but also deals 1 HP damage to all non-Infantry/Mech units. Be prepared for these.
- Sami's Capture Speed: Remember Sami's Infantry capture properties faster (1.5x speed). This means a city that normally takes 2 turns might take 1, or a 3-turn HQ capture might take 2.
- Mech Power: Don't underestimate your Mech. With Sami, they are formidable combat units, especially in forests or mountains.
- S-Rank Focus: Speed is a major factor. Sami's "Double Time" for a quick HQ capture is often the best way to achieve a high Speed score.
Mission 5: Kanbei's Error? (m10.05)
Objective: Rout the enemy or capture their HQ.
Your CO: Max (Orange Star)
Enemy CO: Kanbei (Yellow Comet)
Starting Units (Orange Star): 2x Infantry, 1x Tank, 1x Medium Tank (MTank), 1x Recon, 1x Artillery
Enemy Units (Yellow Comet): 2x Infantry, 1x Recon, 1x Tank, 1x Medium Tank (MTank), 1x Artillery
Map Overview: This mission introduces Kanbei, a CO whose units are significantly stronger (higher attack and defense) but also more expensive. The map features a central bridge and a few neutral cities, similar to "It's War!", but with more powerful enemy units.
Strategy Guide:
You'll be facing Kanbei's superior units with Max's enhanced direct combat. The key is to use Max's offensive power to overcome Kanbei's defensive bonuses, and to use your Artillery to soften up his tough units before engaging directly.
- Turn 1: Defensive Line & Economic Base
- Infantry 1 & 2: Move to capture the two closest neutral cities (C3, D3).
- Medium Tank (MTank): Position your MTank at the northern end of the central bridge (E5), forming your primary defensive line.
- Tank: Place your Tank directly behind the MTank (E4) for support.
- Artillery: Move your Artillery to a safe position behind your Tank (E3), ensuring it has a clear line of fire over the bridge.
- Recon: Use your Recon to scout ahead (F6) but keep it out of direct combat range of Kanbei's powerful units. It can also be used to block enemy Infantry from capturing cities.
- Turn 2: Engaging Kanbei's Might
- Infantry: Complete city captures.
- MTank & Tank: Kanbei's units will likely advance. Use your MTank to engage his first unit (likely an Infantry or Recon). Your Tank should be ready to follow up.
- Artillery: Prioritize targeting Kanbei's Tank or MTank if they are within range. Weakening his strong units with Artillery before your direct combat units engage is crucial.
- Subsequent Turns: Max's Offensive Power vs. Kanbei's Defense
- Artillery Focus: Continue to use your Artillery to soften up Kanbei's high-HP units (MTank, Tank). This is vital because his units have higher defense, making them harder to destroy in a single engagement.
- Max's Direct Combat: Leverage Max's CO ability. Your MTank and Tank will deal significant damage. Engage Kanbei's units head-on, especially after they've been weakened by Artillery.
- CO Power Strategy (Max's Max Force): Max's "Max Force" (3-star CO Power) is incredibly powerful here. Use it when you need to break through Kanbei's fortified line, destroy a high-HP MTank, or clear a path to his HQ. The +20% attack boost for direct combat units will help overcome Kanbei's defense bonus.
- Protect Key Units: Your MTank and Artillery are critical. Keep your MTank healthy on the front line, and ensure your Artillery is always protected.
- Flanking & HQ Push: Once Kanbei's main combat units are destroyed, use your remaining forces to push across the bridge. Your Recon can be useful for quickly capturing neutral cities on his side. Use an Infantry unit, protected by your Tanks, to capture Kanbei's HQ for a swift victory.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips:
- Underestimating Kanbei: Kanbei's units hit harder and take less damage. Don't engage his full-health Tanks or MTanks with your own if you can avoid it, especially without Artillery support.
- Artillery is Key: In this mission, your Artillery is more important than ever. It's the most efficient way to deal damage to Kanbei's tough units from a safe distance.
- Max's Indirect Penalty: Remember Max's Artillery has -1 range during "Max Force." Plan accordingly. Sometimes it's better to use Artillery before activating the power if range is critical.
- S-Rank Focus: Max's offensive power allows for quick victories. Aim for a fast HQ capture, using "Max Force" to clear the path.
Mission 6: Tanks!!! (m10.06)
Objective: Rout the enemy or capture their HQ.
Your CO: Andy (Orange Star)
Enemy CO: Grit (Blue Moon)
Starting Units (Orange Star): 2x Infantry, 1x Mech, 2x Tank, 1x Medium Tank (MTank), 2x Artillery
Enemy Units (Blue Moon): 2x Infantry, 1x Recon, 2x Tank, 1x Medium Tank (MTank), 2x Artillery
Map Overview: This mission is a direct confrontation with Grit, who again specializes in indirect fire. The map is relatively open but features a central river with a single bridge, creating a choke point. There are numerous neutral cities to capture.
Strategy Guide:
You have a strong starting force, including two Artillery units, which will be crucial against Grit. Andy's balanced units and "Hyper Repair" will help you sustain your push against Grit's long-range attacks.
- Turn 1: Aggressive Setup & City Control
- Infantry 1 & 2: Move to capture the two closest neutral cities (C3, D3).
- Mech: Move your Mech towards the central bridge (E5), ready to support your Tanks or capture a city.
- Medium Tank (MTank): Position your MTank at the northern end of the central bridge (F5), forming your main defensive line.
- Tank 1 & 2: Place one Tank directly behind the MTank (F4) and the other slightly to the side (G5), ready to engage.
- Artillery 1 & 2: Move both Artillery units to safe positions behind your Tanks (F3, G3), ensuring they have clear lines of fire over the bridge and central plain.
- Turn 2: Countering Grit's Artillery
- Infantry & Mech: Complete city captures. Use your Mech to capture another neutral city or to provide forward defense.
- MTank & Tanks: Engage any enemy Infantry or Recon units that have advanced.
- Artillery: Grit will likely have moved his Artillery. Your primary objective is to identify and target Grit's Artillery units. Use both of your Artillery units to focus fire on one of his, aiming to destroy it in a single turn if possible. This will significantly reduce his threat.
- Subsequent Turns: Artillery Duel & Ground Push
- Eliminate Indirect Threats: Continue to prioritize Grit's Artillery units. Use your own Artillery and then finish them off with your Tanks or MTank if they get close enough. Grit's units are weaker in direct combat, so once his indirect fire is gone, you have a significant advantage.
- Maintain Front Line: Use your MTank and Tanks to hold the central bridge. Andy's units are balanced, so they can take and deal damage effectively.
- CO Power Strategy (Andy's Hyper Repair): Andy's "Hyper Repair" (2-star CO Power) is excellent for healing your damaged Tanks, MTank, and Artillery. Use it when multiple units are damaged, especially if your front-line units are taking heavy fire from Grit's Artillery.
- Economic Expansion: Use your Infantry and Mech to capture as many neutral cities as possible. This will give you a significant income advantage.
- Advance & Rout/Capture: Once Grit's Artillery units are destroyed and his main combat units are weakened, push aggressively across the bridge. Use your Tanks and MTank to clear the path, and your Infantry/Mech to capture his HQ for a quick victory. If you prefer a Rout, continue to eliminate his remaining units.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips:
- Grit's Artillery Range: Be extremely wary of Grit's Artillery and Rocket units (if he has any later). His CO power, "Sniper!", extends their range. Always check their maximum range before moving your units.
- Focus Fire: Against Grit's numerous units, focus fire is essential. Concentrate your attacks on one enemy unit at a time to destroy it, rather than spreading damage around.
- Andy's Versatility: Andy's balanced units and healing CO Power make him adaptable. Use his strengths to counter Grit's specialized indirect units.
- S-Rank Focus: A quick Rout or HQ capture is key. Eliminating Grit's Artillery quickly will allow you to push forward with minimal losses, contributing to a high Technique score.