Bedlam uses a first-person perspective. The player advances through hostile areas, fights enemies with ranged weapons, searches the environment, and completes mission objectives while looking for the route to the next section.

Progression is organized around separate combat areas rather than an open world. Success depends on movement, aiming, ammunition management, and recognizing enemy placements. Exploration is important because supplies and usable paths may not be immediately visible.

Move carefully through unfamiliar rooms and avoid exposing yourself to several enemies at once. Check side passages and corners for supplies before committing to a longer fight.

Conserve ammunition when a threat can be bypassed, and use cover or doorways to limit the number of opponents attacking at the same time. Revisit nearby areas when an objective does not appear immediately obvious.