Considering the amount of content, gameplay is pretty fluid. Experienced RPG players will find that the user interface is relatively quick to learn, and that it has been designed with some very helpful elements. One of these is the bank of five hotkey buttons that can be linked to just about anything - spells, weapons, items, etc. If you use a slot for an item of which you have more than one, it will be automatically replaced when you use it. Working in conjunction with this are two buttons that track your last two actions, allowing for quick and easy repetition.
Inventory is based on a square grid system plus encumbrance.
It includes a useful auto-pack feature that would be even more so if it were available for the NPC followers as well as for the player character. Movement is simple point and click, with the option of always running. The auto-journal records quests and their results plus other information such as rumors, notes and character information like number and type of kills. Conversation is initiated either automatically or by clicking on an NPC, and it uses a response menu. Visually, Arcanum is a 2D isometric game, with 3D support having been implemented to provide colored lighting, improve spell effects, etc.