The game is viewed from a top-down perspective on maps representing towns, roads, ruins, and battlefields. Players select episodes from a chronological scenario map, then explore locations, talk to people, solve event objectives, and fight enemies.

Combat is turn-based and uses formations, weapon attacks, and arts. Characters can improve weapon skills and magical or elemental arts through use and battle results. The story advances through separate historical episodes, and the available party, locations, and objectives change as the timeline progresses.

Build parties around complementary weapon skills and arts rather than relying on one damage type. Keep several characters trained in different weapons, because the scenario structure frequently changes the available party.

Use formations deliberately: front positions are generally suited to durable fighters, while vulnerable characters benefit from safer positions. Save before major events, inspect new areas carefully, and maintain multiple save files because the historical progression can make earlier opportunities unavailable.