The game focuses on large-scale tactical fleet battles, situating itself between the micro-level of action shooters and the macro-level of
grand strategy games. Players command thousands of ships organized into fleets, maneuvering them in real time on two-dimensional battlefields. Victory depends on coordinating multiple fleets, outmaneuvering opponents, and exploiting enemy vulnerabilities. As in the source novels,
flanking and rear attacks play a decisive role, since capital ships are highly exposed from the sides and back. Each fleet consists of up to ten squadrons, with leaders assigned roles such as commander, deputy, and wing commanders. Characters from the novels, including
Reinhard von Lohengramm and
Yang Wen-li, serve as commanders, each with statistics such as leadership, mobility, firepower, space combat, and defense. Admirals also possess unique
special techniques, abilities triggered with a cut-in animation and quotes from the novels or anime, which can temporarily enhance performance or apply special effects in combat. Formations are another key mechanic, with offensive, encirclement, and defensive types such as column, spindle, line, crane wing, circle, and square. These have
rock–paper–scissors-style strengths and weaknesses. Characters differ in the formations they can use; Reinhard and Yang cannot employ defensive formations unless paired with suitable deputies, such as
Siegfried Kircheis or Patrichev. This design element encourages careful team composition. == Modes ==