Fryhtan Wars retain a great deal of concepts from its predecessors that distinguished it from other strategy games. As was in the original, players must manage the population of their kingdoms and the loyalty of subjects while sending armies against enemy kingdoms. The kingdom's population must be balanced among workers who run factories and conduct technological research, peasants who produce food, and soldiers. Each unit and town is given a loyalty rating that must be maintained. Units with low loyalties may betray the kingdom and disloyal towns may rebel. As was in the predecessors, the concept of espionage is a major factor in the game. Players can send spies into enemy kingdoms to steal technology, cause disloyalty and even assassinate enemy leaders. (Generals and Kings)
Fryhtan Wars also introduces several new gameplay elements. The amount of units and structures was greatly increased. For example, each human civilization now has three distinct units: civilian, infantry, and a special military unit (such as cavalry). Artifacts, which gives advantages to the bearer, can be found on the map or purchased from the Inn. In addition, there are heroes, units with high leadership or combat skills that can either be hired or attained when a hero decides to join the kingdom. Perhaps the greatest addition in Fryhtan Wars is the Fryhtans, fantasy-like beasts whose civilization are often at odds against the humans.
Both single player and multiplayer modes are available. The single player mode includes "random map" skirmishes, built-in scenarios, and a campaign game, which consists of a string of dynamically-generated scenarios.