The game is viewed from a first-person perspective. The Stygian Abyss is a connected multi-level dungeon containing settlements, ruins, traps, puzzles, secrets, and hostile creatures. Progress depends on exploring, finding keys and objects, speaking with inhabitants, and learning how different factions and areas fit together.

The Avatar can fight with weapons, shields, and magic, while character statistics and skills improve through training and experience. Players can choose different approaches to obstacles, including combat, stealth, spell use, and item-based solutions. Food, equipment condition, light, health, and inventory management all affect expeditions.

Explore methodically and map each level. Mark locked doors, unusual walls, switches, ladders, and NPC locations; many solutions require returning after finding a key or learning new information.

Develop a small set of dependable combat skills instead of spreading training too thinly. Save often before unfamiliar encounters, keep healing and light supplies available, and talk to inhabitants more than once because dialogue can reveal objectives and passwords.