Yuri and Chelinka between them share a special mystical gift that allows them to control a magical crystal. When a mysterious robed figure appears in their small town, murders their father, and causes their two faithful friends to disappear, the pair must explore the countryside to rescue their friends. From there, it's a matter of confronting the sinister temple in the city which seems to be the center of all of this trouble.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates is an action adventure where the player can choose to play solo, or as part of a group. There are two different modes of play - Story Mode, where the player follows the adventures of Yuri, Chelinka and their friends, or Multiplay, where the player takes on the dungeons from Story Mode alone or with up to three friends.

There are four different tribes to play as - Clavat, Yuke, Selkie and Lilty. Each tribe has its own distinct look, as well as a special ability. Clavats can perform a special jump attack using the touch screen, Yukes can use 'Mage's Needles' to reveal hidden blocks and vines, Selkies can double jump as well as charge up a powerful arrow strike against one enemy, while Lilties can use their urns to roll over hazardous terrain, float, jump over gaps, or to create magical elements called 'Magicites'.

Each tribe can use Magicite. These special magical elements come in different types: fire, blizzard, thunder, cure, raise and clear. By holding the X Button, the player can use Magicite by dragging a circle out onto the game field, and positioning it over either themselves or an enemy. The other players can place all of their circles on top of each other and release X simultaneously to 'pile' their magic and create more powerful spells. It's even possible to combine different types of Magicite together in this way to create new spells.