Evony is a browser-based RTS game reminiscent of the Civilization series. Players begin as civilians with certain resource allotments and a small population. As in many strategy games, it is the player's job to expand, research, build armies, and collect resources. Players must then interact with neighbors, attack and sack other cities, or engage in diplomacy. The game is persistent and continues while the player is logged out, so upon login players may find themselves attacked, robbed, or worse. There are limited quests available for new players, who find themselves given seven days' of protection from attack upon account creation, but beyond this is pure strategy gameplay.

The game is free to play in its most basic form, but real money is charged via the item shop for many features, including the ability to chat with other players.