Shadow Tactics is a real-time strategy game focused on tactics and stealth, set in Japan during the Edo period. Control a team of deadly specialists and choose your own approach as you infiltrate powerful fortresses, snowy mountain monasteries, or secret camps in the wilderness. Carefully plan your attack tactics – set traps, deceive and outsmart your opponents, and always stay in the shadows, as the enemy is overwhelming.

The team consists of very different characters, and collaboration seems almost impossible. However, after some joint missions, they begin to trust each other and even form friendships. They develop their own dynamics; each has their own story and must confront their personal demons to function as a team.

One of the leaders is Hayato, an agile ninja who moves mostly silently and eliminates his opponents quietly with sword and shuriken. The samurai Mugen prefers a more offensive method and can take down multiple enemies at once, but he lacks agility. Aiko is a master of disguise, and the street kid Yuki can set traps and lure enemies to their doom. The mysterious Takuma relies entirely on his sniper rifle and his four-legged companion, Tanuki Kuma.

The player must carefully weigh their strategy to master the challenging missions: How will the characters behave as a team? Who is best suited for specific actions? How can they best complete the mission? Develop your own ingenious tactics to defeat opponents and accomplish missions.