Gauntlet Dark Legacy adapts the arcade/console game of the same name to the Game Boy Advance, offering simpler gameplay reminiscent of early arcade entries in the Gauntlet series. Players take on the role of one of four characters - archer, wizard, warrior, and valkyrie - each with a unique weapon and abilities. Their quest is to defeat the evil sorcerer Garm.
The game is divided into five realms: Mountain Kingdom, Castle Stronghold, Desert Lands, Ice Domain, and Dream World. Each realm consists of five levels, culminating in a final boss battle. Along the way, players must fight through hordes of monsters, collect keys to unlock doors, gather food to replenish health, and find potions for an extra powerful magic attack.
The gameplay follows the classic Gauntlet formula: destroy generators and monsters to progress, while searching for the exit. Additional powerups can be found, including timed boosts that give triple or five-way shots, rapid fire, speed boosts, and a reflective shield. As players progress, they earn experience points, unlocking attributes and health upgrades.