There is no exploration; simply go fight to fight through three acts/areas. Forges you encounter at set moments during a run can be used to obtain higher rarity equipment.

Identical equipment can be merged together to increase its rank (which slightly increases the equipment's stats). Other than equipment, you can also find potions that help you or hinder the enemies.

In addition, choose between three different characters that each have their own unique quirks and skill trees. (Maximilian has the highest HP and benefits from Forges more, Liz can reroll equipment by trashing it and gets more potions, The Shadow has less restrictive equipment slots and finds rarer items).

Unlock new character skills the more you play them, and Corruption modifiers make future runs harder.