Cadence of Hyrule combines the rhythm-based gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with settings, characters, and music from The Legend of Zelda series.

Whenever enemies are in an area, the player is required to move and attack in time to the music using the directional buttons, with bonus multipliers and extra rewards available for maintaining the beat.

Throughout the game, the player can find or purchase weapons and equipment, such as shovels for digging through dirt or torches that can reveal the contents of chests, as well as recurring Zelda items such as bows, bombs, and hook shots.

The project was described as a new entry in the Crypt of the NecroDancer series, while also taking care to make sure it works as a Legend of Zelda game as well.

Clark stated that he was excited to work with The Legend of Zelda soundtrack, due to the series' compositions as well as the use of instruments as gameplay mechanics.

The second, released on August 31, is a pack containing additional music tracks for the game arranged by Jules "FamilyJules" Conroy, Alex "A_Rival" Esquivel, and Chipzel.

[14] The Verge called the style of the game a "welcome shot of retro charm" when compared to the more realistic The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

[26] Eurogamer praised the way it adapted Zelda to Crypt's gameplay, saying that "it makes up for its smallish footprint with its sheer delight in discovery as you wander about, everything half familiar, every ultimately a surprise".

[27] Polygon liked the soundtrack, composed of remixes of traditional Zelda themes, commenting that "Baranowsky makes these classics his own without distracting from the game itself".