The tides of war shift, and with them, the tools a commander must master. In the aquatic crucible of Advance Wars 1: Re-Boot Camp’s tenth mission, History Lesson!, the battlefield is not defined by rolling hills or dense forests, but by the deep, strategic blue of the sea. Here, a commander’s prowess is tested not by sheer force of arms, but by the silent glide of a Submarine and the steady purpose of a Lander. To secure the coveted S-rank is to orchestrate a symphony upon the waves, a delicate ballet of power and precision. Is the path to victory as elusive as a phantom beneath the surface, or can one chart a clear course through the enemy's fleet?

This guide, crafted for the intrepid commander, outlines a strategy forged on the Classic difficulty setting. Yet, the principles hold true for those navigating the gentler currents of Casual mode, for the fleet granted is identical. The objective is singular and clear: to dominate the seas, capture the strategic points, and achieve victory with the speed and efficiency that the highest rank demands. The journey begins with an assessment of the forces at one's disposal and the formidable enemy arrayed across the map.

🚢 The Fleet and the Foe: First Moves

The initial deployment is a careful puzzle. The player commands a mixed force, but the stars of this engagement are undeniably the naval units. The key assets include:

• Submarines: Your silent hunters, perfect for ambushing enemy Battleships and Cruisers.

• Landers: The vital transports, necessary for ferrying infantry to distant capture points.

• Battleships: The long-range artillery of the sea, capable of shelling coastal units and structures.

• Cruisers: Anti-air specialists and Submarine hunters.

The enemy, Orange Star, holds a strong defensive position with a formidable navy guarding key islands and ports. Their strength lies in a layered defense of Battleships, Subs, and airborne units. The first turns are not about reckless engagement but about positioning. One must ask: how can we use our Subs to control the sea lanes while our Landers begin their crucial logistical work?

🧭 Phase One: Securing the Sea Lanes

The opening strategy revolves around establishing naval superiority. This is achieved through aggressive but calculated use of Submarines.

1. Deploy Submarines Forward: Immediately move your Subs into positions where they can threaten enemy capital ships. Use the fog of war—represented by the deep sea—to your advantage. A Submarine lying in wait is a potent deterrent.

1. Lander Logistics: Concurrently, load infantry into your Landers. Their destination is the unoccupied islands housing neutral properties. The goal is to capture these to increase income and apply pressure. One Lander should head north, another south, escorted by Cruisers for anti-air protection.

2. Battleship Support: Use your Battleships to provide fire support from a distance. Target enemy units near shores to soften defenses for your landing parties. Remember, a Battleship's range is its greatest asset; keep it protected.

The enemy will respond, often sending their own Subs and air units to harass your fleet. This is where your Cruisers and tactical foresight come into play. Anticipate their moves. Is that patch of empty ocean truly empty, or does it hide a lethal threat?

⚓ Phase Two: The Amphibious Assault

With sea control contested or established, the focus shifts to the islands. This phase is about capture and consolidation.

Island Target	Recommended Force	Key Threat
Northern Island	1 Lander (Infantry), Cruiser escort	Enemy Infantry, possible Bomber
Central Islands	Direct infantry from mainland, Battleship cover	Enemy Tanks, Artillery
Southern Island	1 Lander (Infantry/Mech), Submarine screen	Enemy Battleship, Missile Units

Disembark your infantry onto the properties. Every captured city or base not only cuts enemy funding but boosts your own, allowing for the production of reinforcing units from captured ports. It's a virtuous cycle: control the sea to capture the land, use the land to fund the war for the sea.

💥 Phase Three: The Decisive Engagement

By the mid-game, the battlefield's shape will be clear. The enemy's main naval force, often clustered around their home ports, must be destroyed to achieve a swift victory. This requires a combined arms approach:

• Submarine Wolfpacks: Group your Subs to focus fire on high-value targets like the enemy Battleship. Their first strike from hiding is devastating.

• Air Power Management: If the enemy deploys Bombers or Fighters, your Cruisers must be positioned to intercept. Losing a loaded Lander to air attack is a severe setback.

• The Final Push: Once the enemy navy is crippled, use your Battleships to bombard the HQ directly or clear the path for a final infantry capture. Speed is of the essence for the S-rank.

🏆 Securing the S-Rank: A Checklist for Perfection

An S-rank evaluation is based on Speed, Power, and Technique. For History Lesson!, the primary driver is speed. Aim to complete the mission in 10 days or fewer. Here is a concise checklist to keep your campaign on track:

✅ Day 1-3: Deploy Subs aggressively; begin Lander movements.

✅ Day 4-6: Secure first island captures; establish naval dominance.

✅ Day 7-8: Engage and destroy the core enemy fleet.

✅ Day 9-10: Mop up resistance and capture the final objective.

❌ Avoid: Wasting turns repairing units far from the front. It is often better to sacrifice a weakened unit for positional advantage.

❌ Avoid: Letting your Landers sail without escort. A single enemy Bomber can ruin your timeline.

🎖️ The Reward: Beyond the Battle

As the last enemy unit surrenders and the waters grow calm, victory is sweet. But the campaign does not end there. With the History Lesson! mission completed, a new horizon opens at Hachi's Shop. The coveted Grit CO ticket becomes available for purchase. Priced at 900 coins, this ticket unlocks the long-range artillery specialist, Grit, for use in War Room, Versus, and Online modes. For the commander who has secured S-ranks in their campaign, this wealth should be well within reach. What new strategic possibilities does this dour marksman offer? That is a lesson for another day.

The sea, in its vastness, teaches patience and vision. History Lesson! is not merely a test of combat, but a test of understanding—understanding that true power often lies beneath the surface, in the unseen movement, the careful transport, the perfectly timed strike. It whispers that to master war, one must first master its environment. So, commander, take this knowledge, set your sails, and may your path to an S-rank be as clear as a calm sea at dawn. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp awaits your command on Nintendo Switch, its challenges eternal, its lessons profound.