Cita:Exist Archive takes place in present day Tokyo and also on a different planet called Protolexa. 12 youths have acquired the gift of immortality from the spirit of an evil deity dwelling within them, and the youths end up getting themselves in trouble with the gods.
 
Dungeon exploring in Exist Archive will feature super-deformed chibi characters in side-view-style. The dungeons will let you perform actions such as jumping and dashing, while battle start in symbol encounter fashion. Attacking enemies first will result in preemptive strikes.
 
The battle features an ÔÇ£Active Chain BattleÔÇØ system, where youÔÇÖll get to control up to four characters at a time. The members will correspond to the circle, X, square, and triangle buttons, and theyÔÇÖll attack accordingly when you press the button.
 
ThereÔÇÖs a strategic element in the battles of Exist Archive, where youÔÇÖll need to think of the orders of the characters and how theyÔÇÖll attack. Doing so will give you a better score, which results in better drop-rates for items.
 
Formations are also another thing worth considering during combat. Front row characters will do more damage but theyÔÇÖll also be hit more often. Back row characters will have their attack decreased but wonÔÇÖt be targeted as often.