The game uses an overhead perspective for towns, dungeons, and the world map. Players explore, speak with residents, buy equipment, find key items, and enter turn-based battles through random encounters.

At the start, the player selects four party members from six classes. Commands include physical attacks, spellcasting, item use, and defense. Victory grants experience and gil; accumulated experience raises character levels, while equipment and spell purchases improve the party's effectiveness.

The adventure follows a sequence of towns, caves, towers, and ruins linked by story objectives. New transportation and key items gradually expand access to the world.

Build a balanced party unless you specifically want a difficult challenge from a specialized lineup. Keep weapons and armor current in every major town, and buy useful spells before entering a long dungeon.

Record the locations of inns and healing points. Random encounters can exhaust spell charges and healing items, so return to town before the party is depleted. Use elemental weaknesses when they are known, but do not rely on a single damage type.

Explore side rooms carefully: treasure chests often contain equipment or key items needed for later progress.