The goal of Exist is to survive on a island using gathered or stolen materials. They must successfully manage their hunger, thirst, and health or risk dying. While there is harmful wildlife, the most important threat is other players. Combat uses firearms and weapons from the old age, such as bows and spears etc. The game features crafting, To stay protected, players must build bases or join clans with others to improve their survivability. with raiding being ordinary and done more oftenby other players or clans.