The game differs from other games in the genre by placing high importance on the players ability to buy and sell items to make money. Niji no Silkroad features turn based, first person combat, but enemies do not drop money or experience points. License points are earned after battles that grants the prince the ability to sell more goods in different places. The player moves the prince through towns and on the world map, where enemies can attack. The world map features different types of terrain, including deserts that deplete the prince's water supply, which will kill him if fully depleted.

Goods, such as clayware, can be purchased in a town and then sold in a town where the good is more valued. The player can purchase animals to increase the amount of goods they can carry and they can hire soldiers to aid the prince in battle.