Gameplay is a free roaming typical level-up based MMORPG. You fight monsters, level up, obtain new skills and equipment to better yourself for upcoming battles. You can travel to different planets and explore new environments as well as battle other players and declare wars against other clans. The game features its own in-game economy which is directly controlled by players. Supply and demand can change each day so it is up to the player to seize the opportunity. You can obtain one of 4 branches of jobs at level 10, and 2nd Advanced jobs at level 100. The max level currently is 210. At level 210 you do not get experience but you are able to refine [upgrade] your weapons and armor to increase your power for Player vs Player.

In addition to leveling through the method of acquiring experience points leading to a level after the defeat of a monster, a character may also aid their leveling experience with the use of Quests. Quests are initiated after speaking to a NPC. Some quests are given a time limit so the character must complete the quest to be eligible for a reward. A reward may be constituted of material items and is usually accompanied with an experience point reward. Rewards from quests are affected by the amount of charm a character has. There are three types of items, to which the Inventory is divided: Equipment, items characters may wear on their bodies; Consumable which consists of consumable items that may recover HP, MP or Stamina, or perform an effect (i.e. dance, learn a skill, shoot fireworks, socket items), and Material which covers general miscellany, such as materials for crafting, gems, and ammunition for weapons that need them.

There are a variety of weapons to use in ROSE Online. The weapons aren`t restricted by the player`s job, but their level and a specific stat. Some weapons have "slots" in them, which allows the user to put a jewel or gem into it and increase certain stats. Dealers can craft their own gem into their weapons when they learn the skill. A variety of "melee" weapons, including Axes, Swords, Bows, Katars, and Spears, exist in the game, along with guns and launchers, and also "magic" weapons, including Wands and Staffs.

Item Mall points are used to buy items in the Item Mall. Item Mall points can be earned when you pay the monthly subscription, and they can also be bought separately. Each provider has a different pricing for the Item Mall points.