The game uses a top-down operational map divided into sea areas and movement spaces. Players receive objectives, deploy naval forces, launch searches, move task forces, and coordinate carrier aircraft, surface ships, submarines, and land-based air units.

Scenarios are played in turns. Orders are issued before the opposing side acts, then movement, detection, air strikes, and combat are resolved. Victory depends on scenario objectives, fleet preservation, successful attacks, and control of important areas rather than simply destroying every enemy unit.

Reconnaissance is central: use search aircraft and patrols before committing valuable carriers. Keep task forces separated enough to cover likely approaches, but close enough to support one another.

Protect carriers from unnecessary exposure, conserve aircraft for decisive strikes, and pay attention to fuel, damage, weather, and sortie capacity. Read each scenario’s objectives carefully; a cautious withdrawal can be more valuable than a costly tactical victory.