Night in the Woods is a single-player adventure video game
Like Mae, players run, jump, and learn from other mechanics who allow them to explore Possum Springs, a city populated by various anthropomorphic animals. Benson describes the key actions for the player are "exploring, conversing, seeing and touching," while Holowka describes their approach as "narrative-oriented" rather than "gameplay-first." Players will also make decisions that will affect the story, although Benson said, "It's more like you're in a relationship with that person? This person might not know you as well at the end of the game, but that person with whom you were going out, you will be able to see their plot.