Silent Hill: Downpour is a survival horror game set in the town and its surroundings. The protagonist, Murphy Pendleton, has been incarcerated for many years after stealing a police cruiser. After a riot at the Ryall State Corrections Facility, he is transferred to the Wayside Maximum Security Prison during a transport near Silent Hill. When the bus crashes through barriers, Murphy regains consciousness and escapes from his captors, looking for a way out.
The game combines exploring abandoned surroundings, talking to characters, and solving puzzles, set against a slow, psychological horror theme. Unlike its predecessor, Shattered Memories , combat is back in the series. Murphy must fight off monsters using various weapons, but can only carry one melee and one ranged weapon, which deteriorate over time. He also fights creatures when unarmed, but cannot block their attacks.
The player's decisions have a significant impact on the game's story, leading to different endings. There are also optional sidequests that complement the main storyline. A new weather system is introduced, with a day and night cycle and rain warnings for approaching danger. The game features a mix of natural environments and locations in the city, as well as the series' infamous Otherworld dimension.