Most versions of the game will be an action-adventure game played from a third person perspective. In contrast, the Nintendo DS version will be a 3D side-scroller. Apart from the main game, minigames including multiplayer sword dueling, the card games Hearts, Texas hold 'em-style Poker and Liar's dice, which features prominently in the second film, have also been revealed.

The Wii version of the game will feature sword fighting moves that utilize the motion sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote. It will also feature interactive scripted sequences called "Jackanisms". The DS version will utilize the stylus and touch screen for inventory management, a lock picking minigame and the dueling minigame.

In addition, the PlayStation 3 version will also support the SIXAXIS controller to control the player's balance during certain portions of the game.

The game will follow the events of The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest and At World's End, but will also feature additional events and locations not depicted in the films.