三国冰河时代 is a strategic city-building game set in a tumultuous era of the Three Kingdoms. Players assume the role of a city lord tasked with surviving a harsh winter while managing their city's resources and ensuring the satisfaction of their citizens. The game introduces a unique 'Civil Heart' system where players can enhance citizen satisfaction through effective management, unlocking special skills that aid in city development.

To defend their city, players can recruit troops and build barracks, ensuring their town is well-protected. The game features a variety of legendary generals from the Three Kingdoms, such as Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun, allowing players to strategize and create powerful combinations for defense. As players expand their territory by conquering more provinces, they must navigate the challenges of survival in a frozen landscape while becoming the strongest city lord.