Dark Age of Camelot is a 3D medieval fantasy MMORPG that revolves around war between three realms following King Arthur`s rule. DAoC includes both Player vs Environment and Realm vs Realm combat. Players can choose to adventure alone or join groups. Players may also join battlegroups, which are formed so all members can get completion credit in large scale PvE encounters and for communication purposes in RvR.

Player vs player combat takes the form of Realm vs Realm. RvR restricted to a limited number of zones where action ranges from massive battles to one vs one fights. Players are awarded points, which are used to purchase additional abilities, by killing enemy players. Participating in RvR combat is strictly voluntary in DAoC and free for all PvP only exists on a dedicated server.

PvE focuses on defeating monsters found in dungeons, the open world, and RvR zones. Players earn experience points towards obtaining levels by killing both monsters and enemy players. Gaining levels yields new skills, abilities, and access to expansion areas. The current maximum level is 50. Expansions to the game offer alternative advancement type levels that grant additional abilities to level 50 players.

Dark Age of Camelot offers players a choice of three realms to choose from: Albion, Hibernia, and Midgard. Albion is based on Arthurian legend, with such notable real-world places as Hadrian`s Wall, Stonehenge, and other locations in Great Britain. Albion`s races include Britons and Highlanders. Hibernia is based on Celtic folklore and the landscape includes lush green rolling hills typical of Ireland. Playable races include Celts and Elves. All Hibernian classes use magic to some degree. Midgard is based on Norse mythology and its landscape includes misty fjords and gorgeous pine forests. Playable races in Midgard include Norsemen and Dwarfs. Midgard`s classes are more melee centric than the other realms` classes.

The tank classes are pure close ranged fighters and have virtually no ability to deal ranged damage, but they wear the heaviest armor and have abilities to reduce the effectiveness of crowd control spells used on them. Melee classes in DAoC are divided into heavy and light tanks. Heavy tanks wear the heaviest armor in the game and often specialize in high damage two handed weapons for RvR or the one handed weapons and shield for PvE. Light tanks have higher damage output, dual wield weapons, and wear the second heaviest type of armor. Light tanks also have extra abilities to avoid crowd control in RvR. Heavy tanks include the Armsman, Hero, and Warrior. Light tanks are the Mercenary, Blademaster, and Berserker. Casters have the highest damage output in DAoC. Casters have the lowest hit points and lowest level of armor in the game, but every caster has a form of crowd control spell to restrain enemies. Their spells can be easily interrupted and they are targeted quickly in RvR. Casters usually specialize in either the use of pets, damage over time spells, ranged direct damage spells, or point blank area affect spells. The caster classes include the Wizard, Sorcerer, Necromancer, Eldrich, Enchanter, Spiritmaster, Runemaster, Warlock, and Bonedancer. Rogue classes are the primary intelligence gatherers in RvR and often remain invisible until they attack. DAoC`s rogues are divided into archer and assassin subclasses. Their ability to become invisible allows them to spy on enemy activity and ambush unsuspecting players or monsters. Rogue classes include the Infiltrator, Scout, Minstrel, Shadowblade, Ranger, Hunter, and Nightshade. Priest classes in DAoC speciale in healing and enhancing the combat effectiveness of group members. DAoC`s Priest classes have the lowest damage output of all classes, but are always in high demand. Priest classes include the Clerics, Druids and Healers.