Merge Dale is an adventure merge game that features business, career, community, crafting, farming, and renovation elements. A young woman named Jane needs the player's help with restoring an island farm she inherited from her Uncle Joe that was severely damaged from a storm. Although other characters help out, such as a neighbor named Granny and Joe's former assistant Alex, the player primarily directs all actions.
The player uses merge board mechanics, transactional play, and other methods to clear different island landscapes, acquire raw materials, produce building materials and new products, restore the farm and attached flower business, plant and harvest crops, manage animals, and explore neighboring islands. Their actions make Jane a supportive community member liked by her island neighbors and others.
Merge Dale doesn't make completing these tasks difficult. It often provides a floating white glove and pop-up bubbles as onscreen guides. The player merely needs to follow the directions. For example, the game prompts them to select a fallen tree and use blue energy points to remove it. It also prompts them to drag one item toward its match on the merge board to create a new related item.
The player uses energy, stars, coins and gems to craft materials and complete rebuilding and other tasks. They acquire more currency when they complete merges and various actions and open gifts, mystery boxes and treasure chests.