You're the Stranger, a mysterious bounty hunter on a mission to bag the ultimate prize. And you need that money like no one else because there is something very wrong with your health and the only way to fix it is a very costly operation.
The protagonist wields a crossbow that fires a variety of living creatures as ammunition, each with their own special abilities. Players can use Chippunks to lure enemies into traps, Fuzzles to distract foes, or explosive Bolamites to incapacitate them. This live ammo system encourages experimentation, as players must find the optimal loadout for each encounter.
When using the crossbow, the game shifts to a first-person view, allowing for precise aiming and tactical shooting. However, when traversing the environment or engaging in melee combat, the camera shifts to a third-person perspective, providing better situational awareness and mobility. This dynamic camera system enables players to fluidly switch between ranged and close-quarters combat.
Players track down and capture various criminals and outlaws, either dead or alive, to earn "Moolah" (the in-game currency). Bringing in criminals alive earns a higher bounty, incentivizing players to use non-lethal methods and tactics to subdue their targets. This bounty hunting loop provides a structured progression system, where players can use their earnings to upgrade the protagonist's abilities and purchase new live ammo types.
Players can approach enemy encounters using stealth to isolate and incapacitate foes quietly, rather than resorting to all-out combat. The game's live ammo creatures enable various stealth options, such as using Chippunks to lure enemies into traps or Bolamites to ensnare them. Successfully capturing enemies alive, rather than killing them, adds an additional layer of challenge and strategy to the gameplay.
Players will encounter a wide variety of enemy types, from agile Outlaws to heavily armored Grunts, each with their own unique behaviors and vulnerabilities. The diverse enemy roster encourages players to experiment with different live ammo combinations to find the most effective solutions. The game also features several challenging boss encounters, where players must carefully manage their resources and devise creative strategies to overcome the formidable foes.