Set in the fantasy world of Elanthia, DragonRealms is a massively multiplayer text-based roleplaying game. Players can choose from eleven races (Human, Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Gor’Tog, Elothean, S’Kra Mur, Gnome, Kaldar, Prydaen, Rakash) and ten guilds (Barbarian, Trader, Bard, Thief, Paladin, Ranger, Cleric, Empath, Warrior Mage, Moon Mage) as well as a huge number of facial features when creating their character.
Advancement is skill-based—though combat is a large component of the gameplay, performing other tasks (skinning, climbing, alchemy, etc.) may also be required for a character to advance. Some classes (Empath and Trader, for example) feature little to no combat to advance. In addition to the primary advancement path, the game also features a multitude of puzzles, quests, and mini-games.