Lode Runner is based on the old Broderbund Software computer game of the same name (Lode Runner), and was in fact designed by a Broderbund employee. The game contains eight different game boards of varying difficulty level - one of these is used for 2-4 players and two are recommended for 5-6 players, although the rulebook also shows configurations of four boards. ​Each player controls a runner and a guard and tries to have their runner collect as much gold as possible while eluding the other players' guards. Runners can dig much as in the computer game using hole tiles; players start with a few tiles and acquire more when they pick up gold. Guards attack other players' runners. Once all gold has been collected the runners escape from the top of the playing area, with additional gold awarded to the first three to exit.