3 COs vs. Sturm
Difficulty: ********
Days for Perfect S-Rank: 12 (Kanbei), 13 (Others)
Usable COs: All but Sonja
Left: Max, Olaf, Grit
Center: Andy
Right: Sami, Eagle, Drake, Kanbei
Enemy CO: Sturm
General Strategy: Be forewarned that the AI does not always act consistently and will not follow this day to day guide perfectly, but if you generally follow most steps, you can just go off the basic idea of the strategy.
Unlike in the original Advance Wars 1 game, you can select which COs you want on the left and right without having gone a certain path through the Classic Campaign. I recommend selecting Max on the left, and Kanbei (or Eagle) on the right. Their strong direct units will allow you to advance most quickly against Sturm.
Sturm has a lot of bombers, fighters, and medium tanks. You can lose more units than usual and get the maximum technique points. Therefore, the key is going to be taking out Sturm's advancing units quickly, then advancing your direct units as fast as you can towards Sturm. You'll also want to capture cities to allow for more production from all your bases. Always check enemy attack ranges before moving, and use the range preview to confirm safe tiles before committing your units.
When Sturm has his CO Power charged up, you'll want to separate out your units so that they aren't in a clump. Sturm's CO Power is Meteor Strike, and he'll drop all your units down to 1HP or 2HP within the Meteor Strike zone. Sturm's Meteor Strike will always target the most expensive clump of units. Do not let Sturm's Meteor Strikes hit Andy, because if Andy is eliminated, you'll lose and you'll have to start the mission over.
On day 1, move all your armies northward toward the river as far as possible, while keeping Andy's units outside of range of Sturm's bombers. Have Andy build two infantry and have your APC and transport copter to the south so that you can transport the two newly built infantry southward to capture those cities. Build an infantry and APC with Max (left) as well as Kanbei (right).
On day 2, your focus should be to follow the unit matchups in the Unit Guide. Have Andy target any fighters, battle copters, and tanks on the front lines. Meanwhile, have Max target any bombers that are in range, and have Andy build two mechs. With Max, use your anti-airs to destroy any bombers that get in range, and start moving your other units as far north as possible. With Kanbei, move your medium tanks and anti-airs north/northwest, taking out any fighters that get in range. With both Max and Kanbei, try to split up your units a bit so Sturm's Meteor Strike at the end of the turn only takes out part of Max's forces or Kanbei's forces.
On day 3, Sturm's units will be closing in on Andy's HQ. Use Andy's missile and anti-airs to take out battle copters first. It's fine if Sturm maintains air supremacy with his fighters anyway, unless you selected Eagle over Kanbei as the CO on the right. In the meantime, have Max's medium tanks, tanks, and anti-air forces keep advancing up the road towards the center. With Kanbei, move some units west to directly assist Andy's fight against Sturm, while moving the remaining tanks and anti-airs to attack Sturm's fighters and tanks.
On day 4 onward, focus on building direct units (e.g. anti-airs and tanks) and infantry to move quickly while taking properties. As you advance, capture cities, bases, and the airport whenever possible to improve income and expand production. If you can safely park units on Sturm's bases or airport, you can block his production and limit his reinforcements. Keep producing units from your bases whenever possible, even late in the battle, as this helps maintain your Technique score. As you advance, focus on taking out bombers, medium tanks, and artillery first, and then use your remaining units to mop up Sturm's forces as you advance past the river. Keep moving your units as far as you can, and eventually, you'll overwhelm Sturm to take the win.
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