Dark Strokes Sins of the Fathers is a hidden object game. Players must help a gentleman named Ethan Black rescue his fiancé Clair from the Faceless Ones. The game takes place in a 19th century manor. At the beginning of the game, the couple travels via train to meet her father in a village. While in transit, a mysterious figure with a mask attacks their train carriage, which results in a crash. The two end up in a location just outside the village. They learn that the remaining people in the village have been captured by a masked group who is only known as the Faceless Ones. Clair then gets captured by the Faceless Ones and it is up to Ethan to save her.
In the game, players must find different objects in a scene. The list of objects to find is displayed at the bottom part of the game window. These objects are crossed out once they have been found. The game also has a hint system that helps users find a specific item they are looking for when they are stuck. Aside from the hidden object element of the game, players also get the chance to play different puzzles. The game provides clear instructions on the player’s goal in order to solve the mystery and save Clair.