The game uses a top-level map and menu-driven city screens. Each turn, the player governs cities, assigns officers, develops resources, recruits troops, negotiates with neighboring rulers, and decides whether to attack, defend, or wait. Several rulers and scenarios provide different starting positions and political challenges.

Campaigns progress through alternating player and computer turns. Battles are resolved through tactical commands on a battlefield grid, while overall success depends on officer loyalty, food, troop strength, finances, and geography. Victory generally comes from defeating rival forces and bringing the realm under the player’s control.

Build a stable economic base before launching a long campaign. Assign capable officers to administration, keep enough food for both cities and armies, and avoid spreading troops across too many exposed borders.

Diplomacy can buy time while you recruit and develop cities. In battle, protect supply lines, use terrain carefully, and concentrate force against isolated enemy units rather than attacking every position at once.