Rise of the Ronin is an open-world action RPG set during a turbulent period of feudal Japan, following a masterless samurai caught between rival political factions. Combat blends sword fighting with a grappling hook and firearms, allowing for both close-quarters duels and more mobile approaches to combat.

Choices made throughout the story affect relationships with historical and fictional factions, shaping how the narrative unfolds. Its open world mixes main story missions with side content, letting players explore the setting at their own pace between major conflicts.