The game uses an overhead, turn-based world map. Each player controls heroes who move through explored territory, collect resources and artifacts, defeat neutral armies, and capture towns or resource sites.

Towns build structures and recruit creatures. Heroes gain experience, learn secondary skills, and carry armies into combat. Battles switch to a separate hex-based tactical field where units move, attack, defend, and use special abilities. Campaign scenarios provide objectives, while single scenarios and multiplayer offer different maps and victory conditions.

Secure nearby mines and towns before expanding into contested territory. Prioritize wood and ore early because they support many essential town upgrades.

Use scouts or disposable heroes to reveal the map, but keep your strongest army concentrated. Match creature growth and town specialization to the hero’s skills, and avoid unnecessary battles that deplete rare units.

In combat, protect shooters and spellcasters, use terrain and unit order carefully, and exploit morale, luck, and creature abilities rather than attacking automatically.