Valkyria Chronicles™

Gameplay overview

In a fictional continent inspired by 1930s Europe, the Empire invades the principality of Gallia for its natural resources. You lead Welkin and Squad 7, a militia unit fighting to defend their homeland.

Battles combine turn-based command decisions with direct, real-time control of each selected soldier: move across the battlefield, take cover, aim, and fire while enemies can shoot back. Deploy infantry and tanks, use terrain to your advantage, and complete mission objectives; soldiers can be lost permanently if they are not rescued.

Between missions, develop your squad by training classes, choosing recruits, and upgrading weapons and your tank. Orders provide battlefield effects, while chapters, skirmishes, and optional missions extend the campaign and offer additional challenges.

Review themes in more detail

Players who enjoy the game often highlight its unusual mix of turn-based command and direct movement and aiming, along with the watercolor-inspired visuals and memorable squad characters. The story and music also receive praise. Criticism commonly focuses on missions that can feel unclear or trial-and-error, rankings that reward finishing quickly, and enemy turns that take a long time.