What is the best game similar to Advance Wars?

The closest game to Advance Wars is Advance Wars: Dual Strike, scoring 97/100 on our similarity scale. They share 8 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, turn-based strategy and single-player focus. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Advance Wars?

The three closest games to Advance Wars are: 1. Advance Wars: Dual Strike (97/100, 8 shared attributes) 2. Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri (93/100, 6 shared attributes) 3. Crusader Kings III (91/100, 6 shared attributes). All share Advance Wars's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 9 dimensions.

Is Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri similar to Advance Wars?

Yes, very much so — Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri scores 93/100 similarity to Advance Wars. They share 6 attributes, including turn-based strategy and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What Simulation games are similar to Advance Wars?

The best Simulation games similar to Advance Wars are Advance Wars: Dual Strike, Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, Crusader Kings III and Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI. All share the Simulation genre alongside other key Advance Wars attributes like deep simulation, turn-based strategy and single-player focus.

How is similarity to Advance Wars calculated?

We compare Advance Wars against every game in our catalog using 9 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Advance Wars experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

Are there free games similar to Advance Wars?

Yes — Crusader Kings II is free and scores well on similarity to Advance Wars. It's a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.

50 Games like Advance Wars that you should try

Games like Advance Wars · Find similar →

More about this game →

Few titles capture what makes Advance Wars unique: deep simulation, combat tactical and setting scifi. After measuring 9 attributes across over 6,700 games, these are the 50 most faithful alternatives. Advance Wars: Dual Strike, Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and Crusader Kings III top the ranking, with Advance Wars: Dual Strike at number one (97/100).

iRank92/ 100

Did you find what you were looking for?

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

Top games similar to Advance Wars

50 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Advance Wars. Each one has been evaluated across 9 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Advance Wars: Dual Strike

iRank91

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSci-FiIsometric2D

IGDB91· 3

Year 2005Dev Intelligent Systems · Nintendo

✓ Nearly identical: deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical.

≠ Missing: visual pixel.

Details →

Nintendo

#2Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

iRank91

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerSci-FiIsometricSpace

Steam👍 91%· 581IGDB91· 1

Year 1999Dev Firaxis Games · Electronic ArtsOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Like Advance Wars, it's known for turn-based strategy, deep simulation and setting scifi

≠ Its own twist: setting space, post-apocalyptic world and visual first person, while skipping combat tactical

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerTacticalIsometricCozy

Steam👍 90%· 140KRAWG👍 89%· 465MC86IGDB91· 3OC90· 94

Year 2020Dev Paradox Developement Studios · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~12hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Advance Wars, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, sandbox freedom and real-time strategy, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam

#4Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

iRank88

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerTacticalIsometricHistorical

Steam👍 86%· 374KRAWG👍 88%· 1.4KMC88IGDB87· 20OC89· 95

Year 2016Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Like Advance Wars, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: historical setting, fantasy world and base building, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam Epic Xbox

#5Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth

iRank71

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 60%· 23KIGDB83· 11OC81· 67

Year 2014Dev Firaxis Games · 2K GamesOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Shared with Advance Wars: turn-based strategy, deep simulation and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and setting space, while skipping visual 2d

Details →

Steam

#6Sid Meier's Civilization® V

iRank92

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 209KRAWG👍 91%· 2.0KMC90IGDB87· 5

Year 2010Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~27hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Advance Wars, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: ranged combat, historical setting and fantasy world, while skipping visual 2d

Details →

Steam

#7Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution

iRank81

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerTacticalIsometricFantasy

IGDB81· 8

Year 2008Dev Firaxis Games · 2K GamesOn PlayStation 3

✓ If you enjoyed Advance Wars, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world and historical setting, while skipping setting scifi

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerSci-FiThird Person

IGDB60· 1

Year 2000Dev HAL Laboratory · Gradiente

✓ Like Advance Wars, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and setting scifi

≠ Where it differs: brings visual third person, while skipping combat tactical

Details →

#9Crusader Kings II

iRank81

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

MultiplayerSoloIsometricSandbox WorldHistorical

Steam👍 91%· 74KRAWG👍 64%· 755MC82IGDB84· 2

Year 2012Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Advance Wars, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and multiplayer gameplay

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, sandbox freedom and sandbox world, while skipping combat tactical

Details →

Steam GOG

#10Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

iRank80

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerIsometricHistoricalFantasy

Steam👍 87%· 1.5KRAWG👍 69%· 163MC83IGDB77· 3

Year 2008Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · iOS · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Advance Wars, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, historical setting and fantasy world, while skipping combat tactical

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloTacticalIsometric2DPixel Art

Steam👍 95%· 8.2K

Year 2020Dev Jake the Dev · Jakob de LavalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Advance Wars, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with sandbox freedom, survival mechanics and vibe casual, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam GOG itch.io

#12Travellin Cats in China

iRank92

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloTactical2DNarrativeOpen World

Steam👍 92%· 1.0K

Dev KremlingamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Advance Wars, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, strong narrative focus and open world exploration, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam

#13Turmoil

iRank86

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerTactical2DCo-op

Steam👍 93%· 16KOC72· 11

Year 2016Dev Gamious · PlaydigiousOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Like Advance Wars, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe relaxing, historical setting and co op, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#14Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)

iRank96

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloIsometricPixel ArtHistoricalFantasy

Steam👍 96%· 1.1K

Year 2014Dev MicroProse Software · Nightdive StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Advance Wars, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, historical setting and fantasy world, while skipping combat tactical

Details →

Steam

#15Your Only Move Is HUSTLE

iRank96

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

Tactical2DPixel ArtMeleeNarrative

Steam👍 96%· 42K

Year 2023Dev Ivy SlyPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Like Advance Wars, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with sandbox freedom, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping setting scifi

Details →

Steam

Complete list of Advance Wars alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Advance Wars, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville

Simulation · Survival

Gnomoria

Simulation · Sandbox

Ultimate Arena

Turn-Based Strat · Simulation

MASSIVE CHALICE

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Dwarf Fortress

Simulation · Survival

Shelter

Simulation · Survival

Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising

Turn-Based Strat

Homeworld

RTS · Adventure

StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void

RTS

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm

RTS

Command & Conquer: Generals

RTS

World in Conflict

RTS

Total Annihilation

RTS

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade

RTS

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

RTS

Star Wars: Empire at War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Command & Conquer

RTS

Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time

RTS · Adventure

Pikmin 3

RTS · Adventure

Stellaris

RTS · Simulation

Command & Conquer: Red Alert

RTS

Stronghold HD (2012)

Simulation · RTS

Oxygen Not Included

Simulation · Survival

Duelyst

Deck Builder · Turn-Based Strat

Worms

Turn-Based Strat

Victoria II

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

RTS · Simulation

Master of Orion

Turn-Based Strat

Impossible Creatures Steam Edition

RTS · Simulation

Stronghold 2: Steam Edition

RTS · Simulation

Football Club Simulator - FCS #21

RTS · Sports

Cossacks: European Wars

RTS

Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun

RTS

StarCraft

RTS · Tower Defense

Gratuitous Space Battles

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Explore games similar to Advance Wars by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best Grand Strategy Games Best Strategy Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Advance Wars?: The closest game to Advance Wars is Advance Wars: Dual Strike, scoring 97/100 on our similarity scale. They share 8 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, turn-based strategy and single-player focus. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Advance Wars?: The three closest games to Advance Wars are: 1. Advance Wars: Dual Strike (97/100, 8 shared attributes) 2. Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri (93/100, 6 shared attributes) 3. Crusader Kings III (91/100, 6 shared attributes). All share Advance Wars's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 9 dimensions.
Is Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri similar to Advance Wars?: Yes, very much so — Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri scores 93/100 similarity to Advance Wars. They share 6 attributes, including turn-based strategy and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Simulation games are similar to Advance Wars?: The best Simulation games similar to Advance Wars are Advance Wars: Dual Strike, Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, Crusader Kings III and Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI. All share the Simulation genre alongside other key Advance Wars attributes like deep simulation, turn-based strategy and single-player focus.
How is similarity to Advance Wars calculated?: We compare Advance Wars against every game in our catalog using 9 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Advance Wars experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.
Are there free games similar to Advance Wars?: Yes — Crusader Kings II is free and scores well on similarity to Advance Wars. It's a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.