The game is set in the Three Kingdoms period in China and is based on the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Unlike its two immediate predecessors, Sangokushi IX always casts the player as a ruler. The player's goal is to bring every city on the map under his or her command; this is achieved by hiring other historical figures from the book, referred to as officers, and using them to cultivate cities, recruit armies, and fight or plot against enemy forces.
The game comprises 15 historical scenarios, 5 challenge scenarios, and 5 "if" scenarios; each with the possibility of having multiple story endings based on the gameplay.
With the Officer Development System points can be spent to increase officer abilities and skills as well as the option of gifting special items to raise officer stats.
Game map outlines all the important capitals, ports, forts, troop movements, geography, and enemy strongholds.
Personality Dependent System affects an officer's adherence to your commands or their decision making skills in battle.
There are 30 different march formations to choose from when deploying troops or combat units.
Through the Command Menu players can employ various war, political, or economic strategies.
Players may use save data from Dynasty Warriors 4, Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends, or Dynasty Tactics 2 to obtain new officers for the PlayStation 2 version.
Up to 8 players can play on turn-based plays.