Set in a cabin on the edge of the world, Hand of Fate thrusts players into a game of life and death with a dealer intent on their demise. Gamers start by building a deck of equipment, enemies, encounters, loot and surprises – then play it. Some cards present players with game-changing choices, reminiscent of a tabletop RPG. Other cards require gamers to fight for their lives against terrifying mythical creatures. When this occurs the title switches to third-person perspective and has an action-adventure combat system.