Secret of Evermore takes many of its interface and gameplay aspects from Secret of Mana.[4] The game consists mostly of an aerial view setting, where the boy and his dog negotiate the terrain and fend off hostile creatures. The player may choose to control either the boy or the dog, with the other being controlled by the game's artificial intelligence. Both characters can find refuge in caves or a town, where they can regain their hit points or purchase restorative items and equipment. Upon collecting enough experience points in battle, either character can increase in level with improved stats such as strength and evasion. Options including changing equipment or casting alchemy spells; checking status can be performed quickly by rotating through the game's Action Ring system.[5] Combat takes place in real-time. Located below the player's hit points is a percentage gauge that determines the amount of damage done to an enemy, as well as how far the player can run. Swinging a weapon or running causes the gauge to fall to 0%. It then quickly recharges, allowing the character to attack at full strength or to run at full sprint once it is full. The gauge may also fill up to allowing the player to use charged attacks with equipped weapons.[3][6]
The protagonist wields four different styles of weapons throughout the game: sword, spear, axe, and toward the end of the game, bazooka.[3] Repeated use of them can increase their skill levels to a maximum of three, unlocking a new charged attack[7] and increased range and power with each level; for instance, spears at a high enough level may be thrown at an enemy across the screen,[3] while the swords and axes can cut swathes of destruction around the boy's vicinity.[8] The sword, axe, and spear get replaced with a more powerful variant in each realm, resetting their skill levels.[3] Most swords, axes, and spears can cut through vegetation, while some weapons are required to break rocks and other barriers.[9]