Each player takes on the role of an overlord vying for the Throne of the Underworld.

A game of STYX is divided into turns called Audiences. During each Audience, 2 Emissaries from the Tribes of the Underworld are sent forth to pledge their allegiance to the Throne. Each player secretly chooses a token determining their chosen course of action toward the Emissaries. Depending on the players’ choices, they may gain the allegiance of the tribe, influence, gold, and the Elements they need to win the race to the Throne. They may also choose to betray the Emissaries, slaying them in order to harvest their souls and slow their competition down.