Advance Wars
Advance Wars is a 2001 handheld turn-based strategy game developed by Intelligent Systems for the Game Boy Advance. Players command armies of tanks, infantry, artillery, aircraft and ships across grid-based maps, capturing bases and cities to fund production while outmaneuvering opponents.
The game paired accessible, colorful, cartoon-styled presentation with deep tactical systems, including distinct commanding officers whose unique special powers, or "CO Powers," could dramatically reshape a battle when charged. Terrain effects, unit type matchups, fog of war and fuel management added layers of consideration, while a lengthy campaign, war room challenges and multiplayer made challenging strategy approachable on a portable screen.
Advance Wars earned wide acclaim and launched a beloved series, introducing many Western players to accessible turn-based war gaming. It has been collected in a modern remake compilation with updated visuals, and its influence endures across the broader tactics genre it helped popularize.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Advance Wars, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wargroove 2 Indie | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, Switch |
| Into the Breach Indie | € 14,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, Switch |
| Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp | € 59,99 | Not on Steam | Switch |
Wargroove 2 Indie
€ 19,99A turn-based tactics game clearly inspired by Advance Wars.
Wargroove 2 runs on PC, Mac, Linux, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
Into the Breach Indie
€ 14,99A compact turn-based tactics game of mech-versus-kaiju puzzles.
Into the Breach runs on PC, Mac, Linux, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
€ 59,99Remakes of the first two Advance Wars games with rebuilt visuals.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
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