Most of that time is spent gaining enough gold to buy food and supplies to survive, along with getting enough experience from killing monsters in order to qualify to acquire the time machine and complete the game. This is all XP is good for – character levels are otherwise irrelevant in this game.

Hit Points are gained through killing monsters inside of dungeons and then escaping, or by giving money to one of the eight kings that inhabit the world (one of which is the famous Lord British, Garriott's alter ego). Attribute scores are improved by locating and interacting with signposts spread throughout the world, with bonus points rewarded for going to these signposts as a quest for four of the kings. Doing quests for the other kings involves killing monsters in the dungeons you would go into anyway, and you can also try to rescue captive princesses from castles.

Combat itself is very similar to Akalabeth, but you have a time limit to act, or you'll lose your turn. And now there are random enemy encounters on the overworld map as well, not only inside dungeons.

Towns and castles are one-screen areas where most of the game's solutions are uncovered via jesters talking out loud, or by spending money in bars. Items and food can be bought – or stolen, though that may anger the tough guards. As the player progresses, the technology of the world advances, and various new weapons and armour begin showing up in the stores, going from swords and bows to pistols, energy swords and even a “phazor”. That also includes vehicles, such as a hovercraft with lasers and a space shuttle.

Ultima allows you to play a Human, Elf, Dwarf or “Bobbit”, as either a Fighter, Cleric, Rogue or Wizard. Those mostly just change your initial attributes, as anyone can use any equipment, but only the Wizard can cast some of the spells.