The game is similar in play to the original. Up to four players at a time can explore the different worlds, face hordes of monsters, search for treasure, avoid traps, pick up and use magic, and make their way to the exits. In addition, players also have to contend with boss enemies, solve puzzles, discover power-ups, and follow the stroyline. The game has four worlds and each world has a different boss enemy: the Dragon, the Djinn, the three-headed Chimera, and the Spider Queen.

A new aspect of the Gauntlet series is established in Legends: the ability to level up the player's character(s) as the game is played, increasing their abilities through experience earned by slaying enemies and acquiring treasure, similar to the character progression methods in many role-playing video games. The four primary attributes are

Strength - Determines damage dealt by physical attacks.

Speed - Determines character movement and attack rates.

Armor - Determines amount of damage character takes from enemy attacks.

Magic - Determines the range and effectiveness of magic potion attacks