Eastward focuses on action RPG gameplay mechanics, combining combat with puzzle solving and exploration. Players make use of two characters, each with different abilities and roles in the game: John, the main protagonist, is focused on offensive skills, can utilize a variety of weapons as well as bombs, and is capable of moving heavy objects; Sam, the second protagonist, makes use of support skills, can stun enemies and clear away hazardous fields with an energy ball, and squeeze into small spaces. While both characters can help each other in overcoming enemies and dealing with puzzles, players will sometimes be required to use each character separately to make progress, such as clearing a way to an exit.
The game itself is divided into chapters, with each chapter featuring a variety of goals that need to be completed to progress in the game, and a set of map areas to explore with fast travel available at times to move around locations quickly. Players may encounter non-player characters to talk with when not in combat, can save their progress at specialized fridges, and use ingredients found in the game to create food items that can not only restore health, but also provide a combination of bonus effects, such as increased damage power.
In addition to the main game, players may also play a second game accessible in Eastward called "Earth Born" - a homage to the Dragon Quest series, which plays like a traditional role-playing game with some rogue like elements. The story is classic fantasy role-playing game abstraction of the story of Eastward. While having no bearing on the main game, it can only be played in game until chapter 7, after which it is accessible as an extra when the game is completed. Players can during the main game, acquire tokens to unlock "pixballs" for Earth Born, which unlock additional features.
