The player chooses a ruler and manages cities across a strategic map of China. Each turn involves issuing orders such as developing land, storing supplies, recruiting soldiers, appointing officers, negotiating with neighboring rulers, and moving armies.

Battles are resolved on separate tactical maps. Commanders deploy units, use terrain and supplies, attack enemy forces, and attempt to capture territory or force a surrender. Officers have different abilities and loyalties, while seasons, morale, resources, and changing alliances affect long campaigns.

Develop food production and rice reserves before launching major offensives. A large army without supplies can lose momentum quickly, especially when campaigns extend across several cities.

Recruit and retain capable officers, assign them according to their strengths, and watch loyalty carefully. Diplomacy can secure a border while you defeat a stronger rival elsewhere; attacking several fronts at once is usually inefficient.