Return of the Obra Dinn is an adventure game in a monochrome graphic style. This project in its gameplay is closer to the quest genre than to others. The events take place in the 18th century on board the fictional ship Obra Dinn. It disappeared in 1803, and on October 14, 1807, washed up in Felmouth Harbor with the current. Players take control of an East India Company insurance inspector and board an empty merchant ship, armed with a notepad and a magical compass. The purpose of the investigation is to establish the causes of the incident, determine what happened to the crew and, if possible, find out where the missing ship drifted for four years.

Return of the Obra Dinn uses non-standard mechanics. In addition to a thorough examination of the deck, hold and cabins for evidence, the protagonist must find the remains of all crew members, and then, using the available arsenal, determine the preceding events. The magic medallion is capable of reproducing the last minutes of the life of the deceased, although only through the sounds surrounding him at that time. When finding another deceased person, the character turns to the object for help and the world around him darkens. A minute is allotted for data collection, and during this period it is advisable to remember important details, because a repeat session will not take place. After this, the hero fills out the notebook with the information received and begins to analyze the information. Both the reputation of the investigator and the ending of the adventure depend on the correctness of the conclusions.