The game uses an isometric-style viewpoint over a scrolling landscape. The main objective is to lead your followers to victory against an opposing demigod, usually by growing your population, improving territory, and destroying or converting the enemy settlement.

Players raise and lower land, guide settlers, and spend accumulated mana on powers such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and creature attacks. Campaign progress moves through a sequence of mythological battles, while divine abilities become more varied as the demigod advances.

Expand safe, fertile land before spending heavily on offensive miracles. Keep followers connected by roads or usable terrain, and avoid reshaping the landscape so aggressively that your own settlements become isolated.

Watch the enemy population and mana supply. A timely terrain change can be more useful than a spectacular attack, while earthquakes or other area powers are strongest when several enemy settlements are concentrated together.