Profound Red is the twelfth installment in the Carol Reed series, offering players an immersive mystery adventure. In this game, players join Carol as she investigates a troubling suicide note received by her friend Stina's hotel. The narrative unfolds in Norrköping, where players will explore the connections surrounding the enigmatic Louise Elliot. The gameplay is characterized by a first-person perspective, utilizing real photographs that create a unique visual experience.

Players will encounter various puzzles that require interaction with items stored in an accessible inventory. The game features a journal to help track objectives, and players can choose to activate hints or reveal all hotspots for assistance. With a mix of new and familiar characters, Profound Red invites both newcomers and series veterans to unravel its intriguing storyline without prior knowledge of earlier titles.