The game uses a character-and-symbol display viewed from above. The objective is to explore dungeon levels, fight monsters, collect equipment, identify items, and improve the character through experience and better abilities.

Play proceeds one turn at a time. Dungeon layouts, encounters, treasure, and hazards are generated for each run, while deeper levels introduce stronger threats. Players may explore, rest, fight, use items, manage equipment, and retreat when a battle becomes unfavorable. A run ends when the character dies or completes the available objective.

Treat every unidentified item cautiously until its function is known, and keep reliable sources of healing and escape available. Avoid fighting when positioning, terrain, or supplies are unfavorable.

Explore methodically, monitor health and status effects, and retreat before resources are exhausted. Because death is permanent, survival and information gathering are usually more valuable than rushing toward deeper levels.