Players assume the role of a young girl named Lyra as she travels through the frozen wastes of the North in an attempt to rescue a friend kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as The Gobblers. Travelling with her are an armored polar bear and her pet demon Pantalaimon (Pan). Together, they must use a magical golden compass and other items to explore the land and fight their way through confrontations in order to help Lyra's friend.