Don Doko Don is a platform game for the Nintendo Entertainment System where players control bearded dwarves using mallets to defeat enemies. Stunned foes can be thrown at others for destruction, releasing fruit that grants points. Players progress through increasingly challenging levels, collecting power-ups to enhance abilities and access hidden areas to unlock additional gameplay elements.
The players are bearded dwarves who must defeat various enemies by using a mallet to stun them. Players can pick stunned enemies up and throw them at other enemies to destroy them. Destroyed enemies leave behind fruit which can be collected for points. Once all enemies are destroyed play proceeds to the next level which is generally more difficult.
Throughout the game, various power-ups can be collected, which represent potions, hammers, or books help the players' character speed up, receive more power, or kill in different ways. In certain screens various secret levels can be accessed.