The game is played over a series of three eras, tracked by the Raven on the Era Mat. Each era consists of three phases:

Phase 1. Drafting Cards: Players are given a hand of Viking Cards. They select 1 card to keep, and then pass the remaining cards (see Phase 1: Drafting Cards).

Phase 2. Performing Actions: Players play their cards to take actions, such as Sail, Build, Battle, and Harvest.

Phase 3. Cleanup: All Viking Cards in play are discarded and placed in the discard pile, and the era is finished.

After the third era is complete, the game ends and proceeds to final scoring. Players gain Victory Points from the Island Runes and Favor Cards they have acquired.