Taking place after the events in John Carpenter's 1982 film, The Thing is a survival horror game set in an abandoned base somewhere in the Antarctic. As part of the team sent to investigate what happened, players are pitted against a powerful monster that can morph into the people it preys upon. The game offers elements of action, puzzle solving, and exploration as players learn more about the creature that's hunting them down.

Various characters can be interacted with as the game progresses, and their reaction may depend on how well players respond to their tension. Weapons such as flamethrowers and machine guns can be used on enemies, or players can build their own weapons from parts found throughout the base. Encountered puzzles can be solved using more than one method, setting this game apart from others in the genre.