Like the previous installments in the series, the game involves exploring a large labyrinth with a player created party. Unlike previous installments, you can also explore the lands surrounding the city (the oceans surrounding Armoroad in this case) much like the Labyrinth, but with a few differences such as turn limits and no random encounters. Another addition that is made available after progressing past the 3rd Stratum is the ability to select a subclass for each character, this allows for more customization. Lastly, the game features a branching story that requires the player to use the "New Game+" feature in order to unlock both hidden classes.
This walkthrough will separate exploring the Labyrinth and the ocean by the stratum, and each stratum by the floor. Each floor will provide "details" regarding the floors such as what items can be unlocked, quests available, and items from gathering spots. Items listed in italics under "new items" for the floor details require materials gathered from FOEs/Bosses and as such, may not be "available" to lower level parties. In addition, it will attempt to cover all conditions for completing quests and the different missions based on the branch chosen. Considering the customization allowed in the game and the freedoms offered in exploring and quests, the guide will do its best in covering everything, but may miss a few trivial details.
The game uses a calendar that can be checked under the main menu by pressing 
. The days and months do not affect the game in any way other than for respawning FOEs/Bosses. The months are divided as follows: Emperor → Dormouse → Tiger → Lapin → Uroboros → Serpent → Stallion → Aries → Capuchin. Each month has 28 days.