# Advanced Strategic Command

> 1998 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q16321470](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16321470)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Strategic_Command)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/advanced-strategic-command

## Summary

Advanced Strategic Command (ASC) is a turn-based strategy video game first released in 1998, developed as free and open-source software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0. Originally designed for the Linux operating system, it has since been ported to multiple platforms and remains actively maintained, with its latest stable version 2.6.1 released in December 2015. The game allows players to command military units in tactical combat scenarios using a computer mouse as the primary input device.

## Key Facts

- **Release Year**: 1998
- **Genre**: Turn-based strategy video game
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0
- **Platform**: Linux (primary), also available on other platforms
- **Input Device**: Computer mouse
- **Stable Version**: 0.73.1 (released October 24, 2001)
- **Latest Version**: 2.6.1 (released December 6, 2015)
- **Website**: https://www.asc-hq.org/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/ValHaris/asc-hq
- **Wikipedia Title**: Advanced Strategic Command
- **Wikipedia Languages**: German (de), English (en), Chinese (zh)
- **MobyGames Game ID**: 40047
- **Internet Game Database ID**: advanced-strategic-command (63246)
- **Giant Bomb ID**: 3030-43057
- **Game Classification ID**: 16894
- **Libregamewiki ID**: Advanced_Strategic_Command
- **Repology Project Name**: asc
- **Distribution Format**: Digital distribution
- **Flathub ID**: org.asc_hq.ASC
- **Debian Package**: asc
- **Ubuntu Package**: asc
- **openSUSE Package**: asc
- **TV Tropes ID**: VideoGame/AdvancedStrategicCommand
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/155rlkfl

## FAQs

### What type of game is Advanced Strategic Command?

Advanced Strategic Command is a turn-based strategy video game where players control military units in tactical combat scenarios. The game emphasizes strategic planning and resource management, allowing players to deploy and command various military assets against opponents in detailed battle environments.

### What platform was Advanced Strategic Command originally released for?

Advanced Strategic Command was originally released for Linux in 1998. It has since been made available through multiple package managers and distribution channels, including Debian, Ubuntu, and openSUSE, as well as through Flathub for Flatpak users.

### Is Advanced Strategic Command free software?

Yes, Advanced Strategic Command is free and open-source software released under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0. This allows users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute the software and its modified versions.

### What is the latest version of Advanced Strategic Command?

The latest stable version of Advanced Strategic Command is 2.6.1, which was released on December 6, 2015. The previous stable version, 0.73.1, was released on October 24, 2001.

### Where can I find the source code for Advanced Strategic Command?

The source code for Advanced Strategic Command is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/ValHaris/asc-hq. The project welcomes contributions from the community and allows developers to examine, modify, and improve the codebase.

### How is Advanced Strategic Command distributed?

Advanced Strategic Command is distributed digitally through multiple channels. It is available as packages for various Linux distributions including Debian, Ubuntu, and openSUSE. It can also be installed via Flathub as a Flatpak package. The game is available for download through the official website and various software repositories.

### What are the system requirements for Advanced Strategic Command?

Advanced Strategic Command runs on Linux operating systems and requires a computer mouse for gameplay. Specific hardware requirements may vary depending on the version and desired graphical settings, but as a turn-based strategy game from 1998, it is designed to run on relatively modest hardware.

### What is the development history of Advanced Strategic Command?

Advanced Strategic Command was first released in 1998 as a turn-based strategy game for Linux. The project has maintained active development over the years, with version 0.73.1 achieving stable status in October 2001 and version 2.6.1 being released in December 2015. The game has been ported to multiple platforms and continues to be available through various Linux distribution channels.

## Why It Matters

Advanced Strategic Command represents an important entry in the history of free and open-source gaming on Linux. As one of the earliest turn-based strategy games developed specifically for the Linux platform, it helped demonstrate that the open-source operating system could support sophisticated gaming experiences beyond simple utilities and server applications.

The game's release in 1998 came at a critical time in Linux history, when the operating system was gaining traction among enthusiasts and beginning its transition from a niche hobbyist system to a viable desktop alternative. By providing a commercially viable-style strategy game under open-source licensing, Advanced Strategic Command contributed to the growing ecosystem of Linux gaming and helped validate the platform for more demanding applications.

The decision to release Advanced Strategic Command under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 exemplifies the principles of free software, ensuring that users have the freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute the game. This approach has allowed the game to persist across decades of technological change, remaining available through modern package management systems and continuing to be playable on contemporary Linux distributions.

The game's continued availability through repositories for major Linux distributions including Debian, Ubuntu, and openSUSE, as well as through Flathub, demonstrates the enduring value of open-source development. Players and developers interested in the history of Linux gaming can still access and play Advanced Strategic Command, using it as a window into the early days of gaming on the platform.

For the strategy gaming community, Advanced Strategic Command offers a classic turn-based experience that emphasizes tactical thinking and strategic planning. Its longevity and continued availability make it a notable example of how open-source games can endure beyond their initial release periods, providing lasting entertainment value and historical significance.

## Notable For

- **Pioneering Linux Gaming**: One of the earliest turn-based strategy games developed specifically for Linux, released in 1998
- **Open-Source License**: Released under GNU General Public License version 2.0, ensuring user freedoms
- **Cross-Distribution Availability**: Packaged for multiple Linux distributions including Debian, Ubuntu, and openSUSE
- **Modern Distribution Support**: Available through Flathub for Flatpak installation
- **Long-Term Development**: Maintained and updated over nearly two decades, with latest version in 2015
- **Multi-Language Wikipedia Presence**: Articles in German, English, and Chinese Wikipedia
- **Active Repository**: Source code hosted on GitHub with ongoing community access
- **Classic Genre**: Turn-based strategy gameplay with tactical military combat focus

## Body

### Overview and History

Advanced Strategic Command (commonly abbreviated as ASC) is a turn-based strategy video game that was first released in 1998. The game was developed specifically for the Linux operating system, making it one of the pioneering titles in the Linux gaming ecosystem during a period when commercial-quality games for the platform were rare. The project has maintained its free and open-source nature throughout its existence, being released under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

The development of Advanced Strategic Command began in the late 1990s, a time when Linux was establishing itself as a viable desktop operating system but lacked the gaming support that Windows enjoyed. By choosing to develop a strategy game for Linux, the creators helped demonstrate the platform's potential for more demanding applications beyond system administration and server roles.

Over its development history, Advanced Strategic Command has undergone multiple version updates. The stable version 0.73.1 was released on October 24, 2001, representing a significant milestone in the game's maturation. The project continued to be actively developed, culminating in the release of version 2.6.1 on December 6, 2015, which represents the latest official release as of the available source material.

### Technical Specifications

Advanced Strategic Command is designed as a turn-based strategy game, meaning players take turns making moves rather than real-time action. The primary input device is a computer mouse, allowing players to select units, issue commands, and navigate the game interface. The game runs natively on Linux operating systems and has been packaged for compatibility with various Linux distributions.

The game is distributed through multiple channels to ensure broad accessibility. Users can install it via package managers on Debian-based systems (using the "asc" package), Ubuntu systems (using the "asc" package), and openSUSE systems (using the "asc" package). For users preferring containerized applications, the game is available through Flathub with the identifier "org.asc_hq.ASC".

The source code for Advanced Strategic Command is publicly available on GitHub at https://github.com/ValHaris/asc-hq, allowing developers to study the implementation, report issues, and contribute improvements. This transparency is consistent with the game's open-source nature and GNU General Public License.

### Classification and Categorization

Advanced Strategic Command falls under multiple classification categories that help define its nature and scope. As a video game, it is categorized within the gaming industry and specifically within the turn-based strategy subgenre. The game is classified as free and open-source software, reflecting its licensing under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

The game's primary platform is Linux, though it may have been ported to additional platforms over time. This places it within the Linux gaming ecosystem and connects it to the broader movement of bringing commercial-quality games to open-source operating systems.

### Distribution and Packaging

Advanced Strategic Command has been packaged for numerous Linux distributions to maximize accessibility. The Debian package system includes "asc" in its stable repositories, allowing Debian users to install the game through the standard apt package manager. Similarly, Ubuntu users can install the game through the Ubuntu package repositories using the same package name.

For openSUSE users, the game is available through the openSUSE package repositories under the "asc" package name. This cross-distribution availability ensures that players using different Linux distributions can easily obtain and run the game without needing to compile from source.

The game is also available through Flathub, the central hub for Flatpak applications, using the identifier "org.asc_hq.ASC". This modern packaging format allows the game to run consistently across different Linux distributions that support Flatpak, providing another accessible installation option for users who prefer this approach.

### Online Presence and References

Advanced Strategic Command has a notable presence across various online platforms and databases that track video games and software projects. The game has Wikipedia articles in three languages: German (de), English (en), and Chinese (zh), indicating international interest and coverage of the project.

The game is indexed in multiple gaming databases including MobyGames (ID: 40047), the Internet Game Database (ID: advanced-strategic-command, reference 63246), and Giant Bomb (former scheme ID: 3030-43057). These listings provide additional information about the game and connect it to broader gaming databases that enthusiasts use to discover and track games.

For Linux-specific software tracking, the game is listed in Repology under the project name "asc", which tracks package versions across different distributions. The Libregamewiki, a wiki dedicated to free and open-source games, also has an entry for Advanced Strategic Command (ID: Advanced_Strategic_Command).

The game has a TV Tropes page (ID: VideoGame/AdvancedStrategicCommand) documenting its tropes and conventions, and a Fandom article (ID: tropedia:Advanced_Strategic_Command) providing additional coverage. These community-driven reference sites indicate sustained interest in the game from the gaming community.

### Development and Community

The source code repository on GitHub (https://github.com/ValHaris/asc-hq) serves as the central location for the project's development. This platform allows version control using Git, issue tracking for bug reports and feature requests, and collaborative development through pull requests.

The game's official website at https://www.asc-hq.org/ provides a central hub for information about the project, including downloads, documentation, and community resources. This web presence has helped maintain the game's visibility and accessibility over the years.

The Google Knowledge Graph ID "/g/155rlkfl" indicates the game's integration into Google's knowledge panels, making information about Advanced Strategic Command readily available through Google searches. This visibility helps new users discover the game when searching for turn-based strategy games or Linux gaming options.

### Version History

The development of Advanced Strategic Command has produced several notable releases over its history. Version 0.73.1, released on October 24, 2001, achieved stable status and represented a mature version of the game with established gameplay mechanics and features. This version remained the stable reference point for many years.

The subsequent development led to version 2.6.1, released on December 6, 2015. This version represents the latest official release and includes updates and improvements accumulated over nearly fifteen years of development. The gap between these versions demonstrates the long-term commitment to maintaining the project, even with irregular release schedules common in open-source projects.

### Related Projects and Context

Advanced Strategic Command exists within the broader context of Linux gaming history and the free and open-source software movement. Its existence helped demonstrate that Linux could support sophisticated gaming experiences, contributing to the growth of the Linux gaming ecosystem that has expanded significantly since 1998.

The game's classification as a turn-based strategy video game places it within a genre that has maintained popularity across decades of gaming history. This genre emphasizes strategic thinking and planning over reflexes and reaction time, offering a different gameplay experience than real-time strategy games.

As free and open-source software, Advanced Strategic Command follows the principles established by the Free Software Foundation and the GNU project. The GNU General Public License, version 2.0, ensures that users retain the freedoms to run, study, modify, and distribute the software, contributing to the broader open-source ecosystem.

### Installation and Availability

Players wishing to install Advanced Strategic Command have multiple options depending on their Linux distribution and preferences. For Debian and Ubuntu users, the game can be installed through the terminal using the command "sudo apt install asc" or through graphical package managers by searching for the "asc" package.

openSUSE users can install the game through YaST or zypper by requesting the "asc" package. For users preferring Flatpak, the game can be installed from Flathub using Flatpak-compatible software centers or through the flatpak command-line tool.

The official website provides additional download options and information for users who prefer to obtain the game directly from the source. The GitHub repository provides access to the source code for users who wish to compile the game themselves or examine the implementation.

## References

1. [ASC 2.6.1 Released. 2015](https://sourceforge.net/p/asc-hq/news/2015/12/asc-261-released/)
2. [Release 0.73.1. 2001](https://github.com/ValHaris/asc-hq/releases/tag/version-0-73-1)
3. Game Classification
4. Holarse
5. Q124398839