Reigen Doushi uses side-scrolling action stages. The exorcist advances through haunted environments, avoids environmental dangers, and defeats supernatural enemies before reaching the end of each stage.

Progress depends on learning enemy movement and choosing safe moments to attack. The game does not use a conventional role-playing party or character-level system; success comes from completing the stages and managing encounters with the enemies placed in them.

Watch the movement rhythm of the hopping jiangshi before committing to an attack, especially when an enemy approaches from the edge of the screen.

Advance slowly through unfamiliar sections. Keeping the character near the center of the visible play area gives more time to react to enemies and hazards.