"Gauntlet is above all an action game, but it has a light RPG system to support that action," says Lead Designer Josh Sawyer. "Part of this is the item and the inventory system. Every character can specialize in one style of weapon, and learn two additional styles, which is very important because some arenas require you to switch out your weapons to deal with the current threat."

Because the game will be playable online, the developers have implemented two main gameplay modes. In the story mode, one or two players can head out on a quest much like you see in most single-player adventure titles, with lots of cinematics and a strong narrative. In advanced mode, a team of up to four players can tackle the same general game but without the story sequences slowing down the pace. This way, if four players are involved at the same time, those who care less about the story won't have to sit through cutscenes, and the online experience can be all about the gameplay.​