Fate/Grand Order is a turn-based tactical RPG with few visual novel elements. The player takes the role of a “Master” and commands a group of individuals called “Servants”, who are typically historical, literary, and mythological figures from various cultures. The player commands a party composed of up to 6 Servants in each battle, 3 active members and 3 reserve members. In each turn, the player is given a set of 5 Command Cards and may use up to 3 of them in a turn to attack. Each Servant has 5 cards the player may use; the cards for all the Servants on the field are shuffled and dealt to the player each turn. The cards have three types: Buster (a heavy attack), Arts (a medium attack that charges a gauge for the Servant’s “Noble Phantasm”), and Quick (a light attack that generates Critical Stars that increase the probability of critical hits next turn). If three similar cards are used in one turn, they create a “Chain” which gives a bonus based on the cards’ properties. If three cards all corresponding to the same servant are selected, then a “Brave Chain” will ensue, resulting in an extra, more powerful, attack being added onto the end. Each Servant also has skills that can be used before drawing Command Cards; each skill gives effects in the battle, as well as a special command card called “Noble Phantasm” that appears when the gauge is full. The “Master” also has a separate set of skills and special abilities called “Command Spells.” Command Spells have a variety of effects and recharge based on real-world time.
Servants are obtained via a gacha mechanic. Saint Quartz, an in-game currency earned both by playing the game and via real money in-app purchases, is used to summon new Servants and acquire “Craft Essences” which give additional effects when equipped to a servant. This summoning is random, with some servants available commonly, and others rarely. Another currency is “Friend Points”, which are more easily acquired, but only can acquire common Servants with them. If multiple copies of the same Servant are acquired, that servant’s “Noble Phantasm” can be increased.
