This is the first Spyro game that allows a player to fly at any time they want, with free-fly mode. The game also features a co-op mode with Cynder. The co-op feature allows players the option of completing the game as either Spyro or Cynder, along with the ability to switch between the two dragons. In previous Legend of Spyro titles, Spyro must travel through the level and defeat enemies in a linear fashion. However, this time players will explore larger areas and collect items in order to progress through the game.
Spyro retains his command of fire, electricity, ice and earth (all of which he now has access to from the start), while Cynder controls poison, fear, wind and shadow - all powers that were granted to her when she was controlled by the Dark Master. Spyro is stronger but has slower movement, while Cynder is weaker, with faster movement.
Along with the standard power-ups that gems can grant, Spyro and Cynder can both equip pieces of Dragon Armor that they can find. They also have another feature called melee combos - the more times the player hits the enemy, the more Gems the players will earn. Blue Gems will power up Spyro and Cynder, allowing them to upgrade moves. In addition, there are also red Gems, which restore lost health. The green gems will give the dragons their magic, allowing them usage of their elemental attacks.
The Fury Gems from previous titles have been replaced by dark crystals, which can drain magic if they're not destroyed. The Fury Meter now increases depending on the number of times Spyro or Cynder land attacks on enemies.
In addition to standard enemies, there are also elite enemies - which are stronger than standard ones. Their masks grant them invincibility to normal attacks. The player must use an element of a designated color (that which matches that of the enemy's mask) in order to knock the mask off. Once kicked off, normal attacks and other elemental powers can be used.