Kirby inhales enemies, copies their abilities, flies, slides, and attacks through platforming stages. A helper can be created from many copy abilities and controlled by a second player or the computer. The collection includes short story campaigns, boss-focused challenges, exploration, and timed or endurance-oriented modes.

Choose a copy ability that matches the stage rather than keeping the first ability found. Create a helper when an extra body or a different attack angle will make a room safer, and use the pause menu to understand unfamiliar modes. Explore for switches and hidden exits, but remember that each sub-game has its own completion conditions.