Advance Wars

Q: What is Advance Wars Series about?

**Advance Wars** is a turn-based strategy game series where players command military units on a grid-based battlefield. The core gameplay focuses on tactical positioning, resource management, and strategic decision-making, with commanders—called COs—providing unique abilities that influence each battle. Despite its colorful art style, the series explores the logic and consequences of warfare in a highly abstract, chess-like form.

Q: How many seasons, episodes, and chapters does Advance Wars Series have?

Advance Wars is **not an anime or manga series**, so it does not have seasons or episodes. Instead, it consists of **multiple video game titles**, released primarily on Nintendo platforms, including *Advance Wars*, *Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising*, *Advance Wars: Dual Strike*, *Advance Wars: Days of Ruin*, and the remake *Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp*.

Q: In what order should I watch Advance Wars Series?

Advance Wars is best **played**, not watched. For newcomers, the recommended play order is **release order**, starting with *Advance Wars* (2001), followed by *Advance Wars 2*, *Dual Strike*, and *Days of Ruin*. The remake *Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp* also serves as a modern entry point, combining the first two games with updated visuals and controls.

Q: What is the best starting point for beginners?

The best starting point is **Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp**, which includes tutorials, quality-of-life improvements, and polished visuals. For players interested in the original experience, *Advance Wars* (GBA) remains an excellent introduction thanks to its clear mechanics and gradual difficulty curve.

Q: Is Advance Wars Series suitable for beginners to anime?

Advance Wars is **not an anime**, but it *is* suitable for beginners to **strategy games**. Its bright presentation, clear rules, and turn-based structure make it approachable for players new to tactical gameplay, while still offering depth for experienced strategists.

Q: Why is Advance Wars Series so popular?

Advance Wars is popular because it combines **deep strategy with an accessible, charming presentation**. Its balance between simple mechanics and complex tactical outcomes, along with memorable characters and strong multiplayer design, has earned it a long-lasting cult following among strategy game fans.

Q: Does Advance Wars Series have any famous memes or internet jokes?

Yes. The series is known for community memes centered on **CO powers**, exaggerated character personalities, and the contrast between its cute art style and serious tactical gameplay. Characters like Andy and Sturm are often referenced in fan jokes and parody content within strategy gaming communities.

Overview Places & Experiences Collectibles Characters Weapons & Gear Media

Advance Wars is a critically acclaimed turn-based strategy game series developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. Known for its colorful cartoon-style graphics, engaging tactical gameplay, and memorable commanding officers (COs), the series has become a beloved franchise among strategy game enthusiasts. Players command armies across diverse battlefields, utilizing various units and CO powers to achieve victory.

Official Website

Jump to:Story·Impact·Characters·FAQ

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Advance Wars Series

Also Known As

AW, Wars Series, Famicom Wars

Format

Turn-based strategy video game series

Release Year

2001

Current Status

Active (Re-Boot Camp released 2023)

Country of Origin

Japan

Region

Japan

Creator

Intelligent Systems

Publisher

Nintendo

Original Work

Famicom Wars (1988) / Advance Wars (2001)

Genre

Turn-based Strategy, Tactical, Military, War Games

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Advance Wars.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

In a world of tactical warfare, the nations of Orange Star, Blue Moon, Green Earth, and Yellow Comet clash for supremacy. Advance Wars is not about grim realism, but about the strategic puzzle of war, where colorful Commanding Officers (COs) turn the tide with unique powers.

The story follows Andy, a young CO of Orange Star, as he and his allies uncover a mysterious threat known as Black Hole that seeks to consume their world. Through a series of campaigns, former enemies must become allies to defeat the technologically advanced and ruthless Black Hole Army.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

The Wars World is a bright, stylized military setting where tanks and infantry operate alongside super-powered commanders. Each nation has a distinct aesthetic and philosophy: Orange Star values direct combat and spirited leadership; Blue Moon excels in winter terrain and indirect fire; Green Earth dominates the skies and seas; and Yellow Comet relies on disciplined samurai traditions and subterfuge. It's a world where strategy reigns supreme.

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Strategy over strength; The importance of leadership; Friendship and rivalry; The cost of war; Resilience in the face of overwhelming odds

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Advance Wars's global influence.

1988

Original Famicom Wars released in Japan, establishing the Wars series foundation

2001

Advance Wars brings the series to international audiences on Game Boy Advance

2002

Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising expands the story and adds new COs

2005

Advance Wars: Dual Strike introduces dual-screen gameplay on Nintendo DS

2008

Advance Wars: Days of Ruin takes a darker, more realistic approach

2023

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp brings remastered versions to Nintendo Switch

Sales

Over 2 million copies sold across the series

Awards

Multiple strategy game awards, IGN Editor's Choice

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Advance Wars.

Andy

“I can fix anything!”

Optimistic mechanic CO who repairs units.View Profile

Max

“Let's blast 'em!”

Powerhouse specialist in direct combat units.View Profile

Sami

“Leave the heavy stuff to the boys!”

Infantry specialist and expert in capturing properties.View Profile

Nell

“Good luck out there!”

Strategic advisor offering guidance and luck.View Profile

Grit

“Keep your eyes open!”

Long-range sniper specialist.View Profile

Olaf

“Winter is coming!”

Winter warfare expert from Blue Moon.View Profile

Explore all Advance Wars characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Advance Wars Series about?▼

Advance Wars is a turn-based strategy game series where players command military units on a grid-based battlefield.

The core gameplay focuses on tactical positioning, resource management, and strategic decision-making, with commanders—called COs—providing unique abilities that influence each battle.

Despite its colorful art style, the series explores the logic and consequences of warfare in a highly abstract, chess-like form.

How many seasons, episodes, and chapters does Advance Wars Series have?▼

Advance Wars is not an anime or manga series, so it does not have seasons or episodes.

Instead, it consists of multiple video game titles, released primarily on Nintendo platforms, including Advance Wars, Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising, Advance Wars: Dual Strike, Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, and the remake Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.

In what order should I watch Advance Wars Series?▼

Advance Wars is best played, not watched.

For newcomers, the recommended play order is release order, starting with Advance Wars (2001), followed by Advance Wars 2, Dual Strike, and Days of Ruin.

The remake Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp also serves as a modern entry point, combining the first two games with updated visuals and controls.

Who are the main characters in Advance Wars Series?▼

The series features a rotating cast of commanding officers (COs), rather than a single protagonist.

Notable characters include Andy, Max, and Sami from Orange Star, as well as fan-favorite COs like Eagle, Olaf, and Kanbei.

Each CO has a distinct personality and gameplay style, which directly affects strategy and replayability.

Is Advance Wars Series finished, and when is the next season expected?▼

Advance Wars does not follow a seasonal release model.

While there has been no official announcement of a brand-new sequel, the release of Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp indicates Nintendo’s continued interest in the franchise.

As of now, there is no confirmed release date for a new Advance Wars title.

What is the best starting point for beginners?▼

The best starting point is Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, which includes tutorials, quality-of-life improvements, and polished visuals.

For players interested in the original experience, Advance Wars (GBA) remains an excellent introduction thanks to its clear mechanics and gradual difficulty curve.

Is Advance Wars Series suitable for beginners to anime?▼

Advance Wars is not an anime, but it is suitable for beginners to strategy games.

Its bright presentation, clear rules, and turn-based structure make it approachable for players new to tactical gameplay, while still offering depth for experienced strategists.

Why is Advance Wars Series so popular?▼

Advance Wars is popular because it combines deep strategy with an accessible, charming presentation.

Its balance between simple mechanics and complex tactical outcomes, along with memorable characters and strong multiplayer design, has earned it a long-lasting cult following among strategy game fans.

Does Advance Wars Series have any famous memes or internet jokes?▼

Yes. The series is known for community memes centered on CO powers, exaggerated character personalities, and the contrast between its cute art style and serious tactical gameplay.

Characters like Andy and Sturm are often referenced in fan jokes and parody content within strategy gaming communities.

What are the best episodes, arcs, or moments?▼

While Advance Wars does not have episodes or story arcs in the traditional sense, fans often highlight:

•Major campaign turning points in Advance Wars 2

•Large-scale, multi-front battles in Dual Strike

•The darker tone shift introduced in Days of Ruin

These moments are remembered for their gameplay impact rather than narrative twists.