Gone Home

The game then offers the player the ability to freely explore the rooms of the house in any order or direction. Clues are pieced together by examining items in the environment: notes, letters, bills, photographs, etc. These clues serve as a way to uncover the story and events that led to Sam's disappearance. The gameplay revolves around browsing through items, which may not have an immediate purpose, but can be examined closely.

Items in the house are scattered among typical household items, such as food in the refrigerator or buttons on a shelf. Most items serve no direct purpose, but they can be picked up and rotated to get a better look. Items can also be interacted with, such as playing music on a recorder. The player is encouraged to explore the house thoroughly to find as many clues as possible, which will help piece together the story. While there are some triggers to unlock certain sections of the house, the overall exploration is non-linear.

The game's movement and interaction mechanics use separate keys with the mouse to look around and a second mouse button to zoom in. There is also an inventory system for a few items that Kaitlin keeps with her, but it serves no puzzle-solving purpose. The player can store audio diary entries from Kaitlin's sister Sam in a separate menu for further review. A map of the house helps track the different rooms and floors, which expand as new locations are discovered.

The game features a dark and deserted atmosphere, so turning on lights sources is necessary to get a better look around the house.