An Advance Wars heir that pushes the concept further: a hefty campaign, sharply distinct factions and a full editor for maps and scenarios. The turn-based combat is exemplary in its clarity. A few missions impose somewhat rigid objectives, but the package's generosity impresses.
Your verdict
Category
Turn-Based Strategy4 players7+
Co-op
Description
Four warring kingdoms raise their armies, led by commanders with special powers. Published by Chucklefish, released worldwide in 2019. Turn-based tactical battles, a narrative campaign, a full map editor and clashes for up to four players.
Wargroove review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Easy"
Lifespan
"Massive"
The campaign tells a desperate flight across maps chiseled like puzzles, but the spread reaches much further: a map editor, puzzles, an arena and challenges turn the strategy tool into a lasting sandbox. Multiplayer and community creations extend the experience endlessly. That generosity of content around a limpid core explains its persistent appeal.
Turn-based strategy obliges, the decisive battle hinges on the enemy commander, a unique hero who can trigger a special power capable of breaking a front line. The Groove system makes each commander a centerpiece to guard or topple, and felling one often seals victory. Readable maps and the tactical weight of every move give these duels a chessboard intensity.
Better with friends
Turn-based strategy lends itself here equally to confrontation and mutual aid: you can cross blades in biting tactical duels or join forces to conquer a campaign. The map editor stretches the rivalry endlessly, each player cooking up their own traps. Matches can drag out, so it's wise to set aside the time, but the depth rewards the kind of minds that love scheming together over a battlefield.
Is Wargroove still worth playing in 2026?
Wargroove pays clear homage to Advance Wars while asserting its own identity, and the result holds up remarkably. The turn-based tactical battles are readable and demanding, the commanders with special powers spice up strategy, and the colorful pixel art pleases the eye. Its lasting strength remains a wildly generous map and campaign editor that multiplies longevity. The occasional imbalance of critical hits can frustrate purists. But as a dependable grid-based tactics game, its appeal stays complete today.
