Puzzle Blocks Ancient is a block-puzzle game. It features an old-world, ancient ruins travel theme. The player must place blocks on grids designed with various patterns in three locations (Egypt, Greece and Persia) across 20 levels per location. They earn points and up to three stars per puzzle. If they take too long placing blocks, they earn fewer points. That said, they can earn a bonus for completing a level quickly.
Unlike other block-puzzle games, the player doesn't use polyomino shapes or attempt to create lines. Instead, they receive a number of solid blocks similar to stones carved and shaped into different forms. The game places these shapes around or atop the grid. The background displays ruins or an archaeological spot. The player rotates blocks and then arranges the shapes onto the grid until all of the shapes cover it.
Puzzle Blocks Ancient helps the player with a lightbulb icon that provides up to eight tips. That said, the player earns bonus points for not using it. The game also allows them to reposition the shapes without any sort of fee or penalty. Many block-puzzle games lock a block into position once the player places it on a grid. In this game, the player can position a shape and then remove and reposition it if that doesn't work.