Aetherpunk is a steampunk, top-down shooter set in an alternate 1904, where aliens have invaded the Earth. Stepping into the shoes of an English country gentleman with a penchant for mad science, you have found your home to be the first landing zone of the alien invasion. Warned by prophetic dreams, you retreat to your fortified tool shed to defend yourself against the alien hordes.

The aliens themselves are equipped with weapons and implants powered by Luminiferous Aether, a fifth state of matter which can be used to violate the known laws of physics. Armed with a fully equipped laboratory and a trusty revolver, you must harvest the aether from the extraterrestrial attackers to create new and more powerful improvised weapons and hold off the alien onslaught as long as you can.

In addition to weapons, you may use a series of skills which carry over through multiple playthroughs. These include the ability to get more damage and range out of your weapons, faster reloads, more health and useful gadgets to boost your abilities.