DarkOrbit is a free to play game with an optional monthly subscription called Premium that adds various benefits.

An additional in-game currency called Uridium can also be purchased to buy Elite items.

The game was originally playable within a web browser and did not require any download, while in the wake of the discontinuation of Adobe Flash Player, it was made available on Mac/Windows/Linux platforms with a standalone launcher.

At the start of the game, the player chooses between three companies : Venus Resources Unlimited (VRU), Earth Industries Corporation (EIC) and Mars Mining Operations (MMO).

Some types of equipment and ammunition can be purchased using credits, however the most valuable or "Elite" items can only be bought with uridium; the term "Full-Elite" refers to players who have fully equipped their ship with Elite items.

However, certain valuable equipment such as Drone designs or Elite laser ammo are only available in the regular Store.

Uridium can be purchased in exchange for real money via PayPal, credit card, or another method of payment, and can't be traded.

Successfully destroying an enemy will result in a "cargo box" containing ore being dropped that the player can take.

Ships can be equipped with a variety of items, including shield generators, speed engines, laser cannons, rocket launchers, ammunition, and many other accessories.

The Skylab is a system used to produce and refine ores, such as Prometium, Endurium, and Terbium.

These basic ores can be refined to Prometid and Duranium, which when combined with Xenomit can make Promerium.

Seprom cannot be sold however the ore can give weapons and shields a great power boost.

The Pilot Bio is a very powerful skill tree designed to give players extra advantages in-game.

Pilot Points can be obtained by buying log disks from the shop, shooting down boss or uber NPCs for a small chance, or even by completing Galaxy Gates.

When certain skills are maxed out, they generate special effects, such as brighter lasers, rocket trails, etc.

Killing this extremely tough NPC awards the player the achievement "Falconer" and ejects them from the map.

Spaceball is an event that takes place in the map 4-4, with the objective of scoring goals by shooting an NPC ball to the player's x-5 portal.

After a goal has been scored cargo boxes are released around the portal containing assorted prizes such as uridium, ammunition, and jackpot dollars.

Games are 1 hour long, company with most points gets a 1-hour prize such as x% more experience, honor, bonus box rewards, etc.

To commemorate the date that DarkOrbit went online, every year on December 11, a gate appears on the home map, given free to all players.

In addition, DarkOrbit's support can be contacted via email by players wishing to report a bug or make a complaint.

Joystiq called it an "insane shooter" with a mix of Asteroids and EVE Online.