Shaiya is an MMORPG with several gameplay levels. Start in Easy or Normal mode and unlock harder modes when leveling up.

The story concerns the warring factions of the Alliance of Light and Union of Fury. Players must choose a side even before creating a character. This selection limits their choice of race, and each race choice is limited to certain classes.

The game takes declaration of support to one side seriously - a player cannot even make a different character of the opposite faction on the same server, and chat between factions is barred. PvP mechanics are rich. One can secretly sell supplies to the other faction. Realm vs. Realm combat of up to 1500 vs 1500, guild vs. guild battles, arena fights, even duels with members of your own faction are all a part of the game.