Every mission in Advance Wars 1 and 2: Re-Boot Camp ends with a rank. From C to A, and at the pinnacle, S Rank. But what does it actually take to earn that coveted S Rank? If you’re trying to recruit every CO, optimize your Hachi shop progress, or just outscore your friends, understanding how this system works is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about the mission rating system—and how to consistently get top marks.
Understanding the Ranking System: Speed, Power, and Technique
Each mission is judged on three key categories:
- Speed
- Power
- Technique
Each one contributes to your overall score, which is out of 300. To earn an S Rank, your total needs to be 280 or more. That means there is flexibility. You don’t need a perfect score in all three categories, just a strong overall performance.
Speed: Win Fast, Win Clean
The speed score is the most straightforward. Finish the mission quickly and you score high. But the tricky part is that each mission has its own speed threshold—a target number of turns you need to finish within to earn full points.
Think of it like a par score in golf. For one mission, the S Rank time might be 7 turns; for another, it could be 10. These thresholds aren’t shared in-game, but typically they range over three to four turns. If you finish just outside that window, your speed score will start to drop.
Rule of thumb: Always aim to finish as quickly as your strategy allows. A good offense and focused objectives go a long way.
Technique: Minimize Your Losses
Technique is where the numbers start to matter. This score reflects how well you preserve your units. Specifically, you must lose no more than 20% of your total deployed units throughout the mission.
If it’s a pre-deployed map, you can count the number of units on the field (or check the status screen), then calculate what 20% of that number is. Always round up. For example:
- 20 units deployed = maximum of 4 losses
- 13 units deployed = 2.6 = 3 losses max
If you’re building your own army, every unit you produce counts toward that total. That means the more units you build, the more units you can afford to lose—but also the more you have to protect.
Pro tip: Damage is not destruction. A 1-HP unit still counts as alive. Fall back and repair instead of risking destruction.
Power: Strike Hard, Strike Fast
This one often confuses players. Power isn’t about overall kill count—it’s about how many units you destroy in a single turn. The benchmark is roughly 10% of the enemy’s total force, destroyed in one blow.
Just like technique, this number is rounded up. So if your enemy has 10 units total, taking down just one in a single turn is enough. If they have 50, you’ll need to take out 5 or more in one turn to score max points.
In missions with fog of war, unit creation, or large armies, timing your offensive push matters. Coordinate multiple attacks or activate a CO Power right before striking to maximize your destruction in one round.
Tactical reminder: Don’t rush the final capture or victory condition. If you’re just one turn away from winning, take a moment to wipe out a few more enemies to secure your Power score.
How Scores Combine: Flexibility Is Key
To get an S Rank, you need a combined score of at least 280. That means you can slightly underperform in one category if the other two are maxed. For example:
- Speed: 100
- Technique: 90
- Power: 90
- Total = 280 (S Rank!)
So, don’t stress over perfection. Focus on consistent performance and let the numbers balance out. You’re a strategist, not an accountant.
Example Application: Pre-Deployed Map
Let’s say you’re on a mission with 13 pre-deployed units. To stay within the 20% loss threshold, you can afford to lose no more than 3 units.
If the enemy has 10 units total, you only need to destroy one unit in a single turn to score a perfect Power ranking.
Assuming you stay within the map’s turn limit, you’ll nail all three categories and earn a flawless S Rank.
Extra Notes from the Field
- You can check enemy and friendly unit counts using the status screen—no manual counting needed.
- Units you build add to your total for Technique calculations. Be cautious if you’re spamming infantry or vehicles late-game.
- Don’t underestimate the power of saving before key turns. A good strike turn can make or break your Power rating.
S Rank Farming and Shop Unlocks
Getting S Ranks isn’t just for bragging rights. You’ll earn more currency for Hachi’s shop, and in some cases, unlockable content requires consistent high rankings.
If you’re struggling on a map, replay it after scouting. Once you know enemy positions and the turn window, you’ll find it’s much easier to clean up with purpose.
With this system demystified, you’re ready to take on Advance Wars with confidence. Whether you’re gunning for perfection or just want to maximize your rewards, understanding how Speed, Power, and Technique work together is your path to success. Now get out there, Commander—and earn those medals!




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