Is Advance Wars: Days of Ruin connected to previous Advance Wars games?

While it's part of the Advance Wars series, Days of Ruin features a standalone story set in a new, darker universe, unrelated to the continuity of the first three games. You don't need to play previous titles to enjoy it.

Does Advance Wars: Days of Ruin have online multiplayer?

Yes, Advance Wars: Days of Ruin supports online multiplayer via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing you to battle against players worldwide. It also features local wireless multiplayer.

Can I create my own maps in Days of Ruin?

Absolutely! The game includes a robust map editor that allows players to design and share their custom battlefields, adding immense replayability and community engagement.

Is the game difficult for newcomers to the strategy genre?

While Advance Wars: Days of Ruin offers deep strategic complexity, it features a comprehensive tutorial and a well-paced campaign that gradually introduces mechanics. Newcomers might find it challenging but rewarding to learn.

Advance Wars: Days of Ruin

In short: Advance Wars: Days of Ruin is a strategy game released in 2008 by Koei Corporation, available on Nintendo DS. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).

An epic real-time strategy game focusing on large-scale naval warfare and island conquest. Players manage fleets, build bases, and engage in strategic battles in a historical Pacific theater setting.

Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, known as Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon in Japan, is a turn-based strategy game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. Released in 2008, it marked a significant departure for the Advance Wars series, adopting a darker, more mature tone and a grittier art style in response to feedback on previous entries. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a catastrophic meteor shower, referred to as "The Great Destruction," which has wiped out 90% of humanity. Players take on the role of commanding officers leading various factions in a desperate struggle for survival amidst the ruins, scarcity of resources, and constant threat of a mysterious, deadly fog. The core gameplay retains the turn-based strategy elements the series is known for, with players commanding units on a grid-based map. The objective typically involves defeating all enemy units, capturing the enemy's headquarters, or achieving specific mission parameters. Days of Ruin introduces new units, such as the Bike and Flare, while rebalancing existing ones. The game also features a commander system where specific COs can join units, granting them stat boosts and powerful CO powers that can turn the tide of battle. The strategic depth is enhanced by terrain effects, varying unit strengths and weaknesses, and the crucial decision-making involved in unit production, positioning, and engagement. Beyond the engrossing single-player campaign, Advance Wa…

Game details

Developer: Koei Corporation
Publisher: Nintendo
Release year: 2008
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Category: strategy

Our review

Advance Wars: Days of Ruin revitalizes the beloved strategy series with a darker, more mature narrative and refined gameplay mechanics. The post-apocalyptic setting provides a fresh backdrop for tactical warfare, pushing players to adapt to new challenges and a cast of compelling characters. While the graphical shift might not appeal to everyone, the core strategic depth remains as engaging as ever, with new units and CO abilities adding layers of complexity. The robust multiplayer and map editor further enhance its longevity, making it a must-have for strategy enthusiasts on the DS.

Pros

Deep and engaging turn-based strategy gameplay
Darker, mature, and compelling story
Excellent unit balance and new unit types
Robust multiplayer options (local and online)
Extensive map editor for community content

Cons

Grittier art style might not appeal to all fans of the series
Some may miss the more lighthearted tone of previous games

FAQ

Is Advance Wars: Days of Ruin connected to previous Advance Wars games?: While it's part of the Advance Wars series, Days of Ruin features a standalone story set in a new, darker universe, unrelated to the continuity of the first three games. You don't need to play previous titles to enjoy it.
Does Advance Wars: Days of Ruin have online multiplayer?: Yes, Advance Wars: Days of Ruin supports online multiplayer via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing you to battle against players worldwide. It also features local wireless multiplayer.
Can I create my own maps in Days of Ruin?: Absolutely! The game includes a robust map editor that allows players to design and share their custom battlefields, adding immense replayability and community engagement.
Is the game difficult for newcomers to the strategy genre?: While Advance Wars: Days of Ruin offers deep strategic complexity, it features a comprehensive tutorial and a well-paced campaign that gradually introduces mechanics. Newcomers might find it challenging but rewarding to learn.

More about this game

Similar games

Last updated: 04/04/2026