The game uses an overhead, grid-based perspective. Players move allied units across maps, defeat enemy forces, seize objectives, protect characters, and occasionally complete special tasks such as visiting villages or recruiting units.

Each unit has a class, statistics, weapons, and a movement range. The weapon triangle gives swords an advantage over axes, axes over lances, and lances over swords. Units gain experience through combat and other actions, while promotion items can advance eligible classes. The campaign is divided into story chapters, with optional side chapters and support conversations affecting relationships and battle bonuses.

Protect fragile units until they gain enough experience to survive enemy phases. Use the weapon triangle, terrain bonuses, and chokepoints to control engagements rather than sending every unit forward at once.

Check enemy ranges before ending a turn, keep healers out of danger, and inspect villages before enemies can destroy them. Train a balanced group, but avoid spreading experience so thinly that no core units become reliable. Save promotion items for units whose improved class will fill a clear tactical role.