The player explores a randomly generated, tile-based dungeon from a top-down perspective. The main objective is to descend to the bottom, obtain the Amulet of Yendor, and return with it while surviving monsters, traps, hunger, curses, and other hazards.

Players choose a role and race, move one turn at a time, fight or avoid monsters, search for hidden features, collect equipment, eat food, read scrolls, drink potions, and use magical or ordinary tools. Dungeon levels contain rooms, corridors, shops, altars, stairs, and special areas. Character attributes, experience, equipment, identification, and luck develop during the run, but death normally ends that character permanently.

Treat every action as potentially dangerous: the game advances when you move, wait, search, or use an item. Keep reliable food, identify equipment before trusting it, and avoid fighting when retreat or a doorway gives a safer option.

• Search suspicious spaces and use corridors or doorways to limit the number of enemies attacking at once.
• Protect valuable equipment from curses, and learn which items have been tested before committing to them.
• Save resources for dangerous levels and escape situations; reaching the objective is more important than clearing every room.