WaxWorks uses a first-person viewpoint. The player explores rooms and museum exhibits, examines objects, collects items, solves environmental puzzles, and follows clues connected with the family curse.

The game is divided between investigation and more dangerous encounters. Progress depends on finding the correct objects and using them in the right locations; some areas also require combat, careful resource management, or avoiding hazards. The museum and its surrounding locations gradually reveal the story through exploration.

Examine every accessible object and keep track of items that appear unusual or historically significant. Many puzzles depend on combining clues from different rooms rather than on a single obvious interaction.

Conserve useful supplies before entering dangerous areas, and save frequently. If a route or action seems irreversible, preserve an earlier save because the game can punish experimentation.