Rain
A slick downpour that slows ground troops while sharpening the aim of long-range artillery.
Rain is one of the four primary weather conditions in the Advance Wars universe, serving as a dynamic environmental factor that drastically alters battlefield tactics. Unlike the static terrain features like forests or mountains, Rain shifts unpredictably across the map, often triggered by specific General abilities or natural cycles depending on the game title. It transforms dry landscapes into slick mud, creating a strategic puzzle where mobility and firepower must be carefully balanced against the elements.
- Type
- Environmental Weather Condition
- Primary Effect
- Reduces movement range for most ground units; increases artillery accuracy
- Visual Indicator
- Grey clouds with falling rain streaks over affected tiles
- Duration
- Variable (typically lasts until the next weather change or specific turn limit)
- Counter-Weather
- Sun, Snow, Fog (depending on game mechanics and General abilities)
Lore & Background
The strategic use of Rain is a hallmark of experienced Generals who specialize in weather manipulation. By summoning storms at critical moments, these commanders can neutralize enemy tanks and infantry that rely on speed, effectively freezing the battlefield. Conversely, artillery units thrive under the grey skies, as the damp air seems to stabilize their trajectories or perhaps simply provides cover for their crews to operate without fear of immediate retaliation. The rain creates a tense atmosphere where every move counts, turning the terrain itself into an active participant in the battle.
In Their Own Story
General Nana adjusted her visor as the first heavy drops began to hammer against the metal plating of her command tank. 'It's starting,' she whispered, watching the grey clouds swallow the horizon over the coastal plain. Within minutes, the dry dirt roads turned into a slick, brown sludge. The enemy column of tanks, previously charging with reckless speed, suddenly found their treads spinning uselessly in the mud, their advance halted by nature itself. Nana smiled behind her mask; while the ground forces were stuck, her artillery batteries were now operating at peak efficiency, their shells finding marks with terrifying precision through the falling curtain of water.
Reader's Guide
Rain significantly impacts unit performance by reducing movement range for most ground units, including tanks and infantry, often cutting their speed in half. This makes rapid flanking maneuvers difficult and forces commanders to plan routes around dry terrain or accept slower progress. However, Rain provides a massive tactical boost to Artillery units. In many iterations of the game, artillery gains increased accuracy or range during rainy conditions, making them deadly snipers that can pick off enemies from safety without fear of being caught out in the open. Weather manipulation is often tied to specific General abilities, such as those held by Nana or other weather specialists. These abilities usually have a cooldown period, requiring careful timing to summon rain exactly when an enemy charge begins or when friendly artillery needs protection. Players must weigh the cost of using these special moves against the potential gain in battlefield control.
Did You Know?
- Rain is one of the few weather conditions that benefits specific unit types (Artillery) while hindering almost all others.
- In some titles, Rain can prevent certain units from moving at all if they are stuck in deep mud or waterlogged terrain.
- Generals with weather control abilities often have unique strategies centered around denying enemy mobility rather than direct combat.
- The visual representation of Rain changes slightly between game entries but always features distinct grey clouds and falling streaks.