1.
capture, conquest, siege
The act of attacking and capturing a fortress, city, or position. A military term.
城を攻略する。
To capture a castle.
敵の拠点を攻略するために作戦を練った。
We devised a strategy to capture the enemy's base.
難しい試験を攻略するための本を買った。
I bought a book for tackling the difficult exam.
2.
strategy guide, walkthrough, tips for clearing
A guide or set of strategies for completing a game, challenge, or difficult task. Extremely common in gaming culture.
ゲームの攻略サイトを見る。
To look at a game walkthrough site.
ボスの倒し方が分からなくて、攻略動画を見た。
I didn't know how to beat the boss, so I watched a strategy video.
この攻略法を使えば、初心者でもクリアできる。
If you use this strategy, even beginners can clear it.
USAGE:
While sense 1 (military capture) is the original meaning, sense 2 (strategy guide / walkthrough) is far more common in everyday Japanese, especially online. The word has expanded to cover any kind of "how to conquer" guide — games, exams, travel, dating, etc.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 攻略法: strategy, method of conquering
- 攻略サイト: walkthrough site
- 攻略本: strategy guide (book)
- 攻略動画: strategy video
- 攻略情報: strategy information, tips