Ready or Not's missions feature five game modes that vary in difficulty, with different rules of engagement (such as only killing a suspect if they are attempting to kill the player or others) that have penalties for violating them. As the player is part of a police unit, apprehending suspects alive is greatly encouraged therefore, a variety of less-lethal weapons such as tasers, riot guns, and pepper spray are available as alternatives to lethal force, and players are awarded more points for arresting suspects instead of killing them. Equipment such as stun grenades, stinger grenades, fiberscopes, ballistic shields, and breaching devices are key items available for the player and their team to equip and use.

The player is given a wide selection of rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, and handguns to choose from, with extensive customization options for sights, rail attachments, suppressors, and other attachments. As a tactical shooter, realism is a central pillar of gameplay, with both players and enemies being killed in only a few shots therefore, tactical strategies and careful planning is emphasized.

In Ready or Not, the player takes the role of player character 'Judge', the leader of a police tactical unit pitted against criminals. Much of Ready or Not's gameplay consists of close-quarters combat, where the player is required to clear rooms of hostiles.

Police officer steam