The goal for vampire survivors is to stay alive as long as they can, even though they are being attacked by waves of monsters that hurt them when they touch them. The player's weapons will sometimes attack on their own. The player can kill enemies and look around the stage for "floor chicken," which heals them, experience gems, which are needed to level up, and other helpful things. The phrase "floor chicken" refers to an item in the game. Once a player has collected and fully upgraded six weapons and six passive power-ups, the only way to get gold coins or floor chicken is to play more levels. At the start of each level, the player can choose from three or four different weapons and passive power-ups. You can also improve your weapons and power-ups by opening chests. These chests are dropped by very strong enemies and can hold anywhere from one to five different items. When very powerful enemies beat them, chests can be opened.