A turn-based naval strategy game with special missions and customizable ships. Players can utilize a mix of battleships, destroyers, and submarines to conquer randomly generated maps. The game has a chess-like feel to its gameplay.

The game's classic naval maneuvers, such as destroyer against submarine, enable players to defeat the enemy and earn rewards from previous battles to build customized flagships with various unique abilities that give an edge in battles.
Players can conquer predefined and randomly generated maps and control many aspects such as map size, number of cities, resources, and length of the battle, among others. The game also offers the option to build custom warships and face surprises as the enemy fleet disposition gradually reveals itself.
The artificial intelligence of the game is a vicious opponent, offering 11 levels of difficulty to choose from. Players can learn the game through four short tutorials, which introduce them to the gameplay, tactics, strategy, and game interface.
Battles focus on capturing and defending vital cities, defeating the enemy warships in detail, and using the resources from conquered cities to construct reinforcements at key shipbuilding cities throughout the battle.
As players master the basics of the game, they can undertake the Save the Admiral Missions, which adds a variety of concurrent unique struggles in the background, such as keeping vital ships alive, destroying key enemy ships, or diverting ships to other war fronts.
The game records a comprehensive history of all battle victories, and progression through the ranks is displayed. Players can post and compare their scores online after each battle and gain bonus assets for their next battle. Lost Admiral Returns includes a built-in updater program and links to forums, FAQs, and more, ensuring that players never miss the latest new fun stuff.
Version 1.19: New instant battles for instant fighting: "Jutland" and "Wolfpack"