The player character is controlled from a first-person perspective, although since December 2021, switching to a third-person view is also possible.[9] Basic resources must be gathered or obtained using tools that can be crafted, found, or purchased.[10] For food, animals must be hunted, and/or plants gathered. As the player progresses, better materials become available, leading to more efficient and durable tools and weapons. Recruited villagers need basic provisions like housing and food. Through a detailed menu, the player assigns jobs to villagers and decides which materials they should produce. Each villager has their own personality and varying skills, so careful planning is required to manage resources efficiently.[11]
The game simulates seasons, each of which affects the environment and the player, such as temperature changes and the availability of seasonal plants.[12]
Several questlines and regular side quests introduce the player to basic game mechanics. Successfully completing quests increases "Dynasty Reputation," allowing more buildings to be constructed and more villagers to be recruited.[13] However, many game elements must be discovered independently, following a "learning by doing" principle, where players gain experience in various tasks and can unlock skill bonuses through ability points.[14]
A key aspect of the Dynasty series is ensuring not just the survival of the player's lifetime but also the continuation of the family line through an heir.[15] Players can interact with female villagers (or male villagers if playing as a female character on the Oxbow map) and gain, or lose affection points, depending on the character's personality, through flirting options and gifts.[16] Once enough affection is earned, marriage and spending a night together become options. If a child is conceived, and the heir grows old enough, the player has the option to continue the game from the heir's perspective.