Gameplay in Lost Planet 3 is divided into two distinct modes: on-foot exploration and piloting the Utility Rig. The on-foot segments lean heavily into the survival horror genre, featuring claustrophobic corridors and tense encounters with the Akrid—the planet’s hostile indigenous life. The inclusion of all DLC enhances this through various "Assault" and "Survivor" packs, which provide specialized weapons and tactical upgrades that allow for more varied combat styles. These additions help balance the difficulty curves and give players more tools to handle the increasingly aggressive Akrid variants.

Ultimately, Lost Planet 3 is an underrated gem that prioritized storytelling over the frantic action of its ancestors. For those looking to experience a gritty, sci-fi western set against an unforgiving icy backdrop, the complete edition offering the base game and its DLC is the definitive way to play. It transforms the experience from a simple shooter into a comprehensive saga of endurance, corporate greed, and the lengths a person will go to for their loved ones.

Visually and atmospherically, the "Incl. All DLC" version provides the most immersive experience. The game’s weather effects—vicious blizzards that obscure vision and freeze equipment—are central to the tension. The DLC maps for the multiplayer mode also expand the scope of the game, though the community primarily remembers Lost Planet 3 for its cinematic single-player campaign.