The player controls a party of four members: Joro (a fighter), Syn (a rogue), Maz (a bard), and Nix (a wizard).

Players navigate, battle, and progress through the game by typing out a word describing an action or response.

Chests are opened by guessing their contents, and they provide multiple random letters that act as hints for what a party member's potential move or backstory may be.

[7] Living skulls pose riddles to the player – a correct answer will yield souls.

The Cryptmaster has the group ascend the crypt (which has since had multiple layers built atop it) so that he can break into the world of the living.

[6] As a result of being dead for so long, all four heroes have lost their memories and abilities; they regain their strength as the game progresses.

Initially, the first version gave players all skills at the start and attributes were upgraded as they played.

The duo cite Hangman, Wordle, and Wheel of Fortune as examples of games they drew inspiration from.

[18][13][6] Alex McHugh of PCGamesN enjoyed the game art style and graphics, touting the monochrome graphics and weird enemies, saying players battle "with bizarre monsters, giant wobbling eyes peering at you out of doors, and much more to greet you on your journey.

Purdy and Mollie Taylor of PC Gamer noted how the Cryptmaster particularly responds to profanity.

[4][10] Jerry Williams of RPGFan praised the pacing and Cryptmaster character's humor and personality.

[14] Noah Cochrane, in a review for GameTyrant, complimented the game's voice acting and sound design, noting the ambient music contributed to the atmosphere.