Each chapter presents a grid-based battlefield with objectives such as defeating an enemy commander, seizing a castle, or protecting an important unit. The player moves allied units during the player phase, then enemy units act during the enemy phase.

Units can attack, use items, open doors and chests, visit villages, recruit characters, and change classes when permitted. Weapons have limited durability, and defeated characters normally remain dead for the rest of the campaign. Chapters provide new recruits, equipment, and story events, creating a long-term resource and roster-management challenge.

Protect weaker units by controlling enemy approach routes and using terrain whenever possible. Check weapon durability before important fights, and avoid exposing units to several enemy attacks in the same enemy phase.

Recruitment is a major part of the campaign: talk to suspicious or neutral characters with Marth or the appropriate allied unit before attacking them. Preserve valuable healing, keys, and effective weapons, and remember that a defeated character is usually unavailable permanently.