The game features two playable characters: Spyro and Cynder. Each has unique abilities - Spyro attacks with fire, electricity, earth, and ice, while Cynder controls poison, fear, wind, and shadow. Collected gems provide power-ups, including blue ones to upgrade moves, red ones to restore health, and green ones that make element attacks available through dragon magic.
Dawn of the Dragon has removed fury gems, replacing them with dark crystals that must be destroyed as they drain magic. The amount of fury is determined by a meter that fills up during attacks. Regular enemies have elite masks that require specific attacks to remove, after which regular attacks become effective.