Alien Breed uses a top-down perspective. The objective is to explore enclosed facility sections, eliminate aliens, find access cards and other resources, and reach the exit before time or supplies run out. Rooms are connected by corridors, doors, lifts, and teleport points, making navigation part of the challenge.

Players move through each level, fire at enemies, collect ammunition and credits, and activate terminals or switches. Progression is based on clearing successive stages and managing resources rather than gaining character levels. Enemy groups can appear from several directions, so checking rooms carefully and avoiding unnecessary damage are important.

Search each room thoroughly before moving on. Access cards, ammunition, and credits are easy to miss, while locked doors often indicate that a key item remains in an earlier area.

Use narrow corridors and doorways to limit the directions from which aliens can attack. Conserve ammunition when possible, keep moving during large encounters, and learn the layout before spending valuable time on optional exploration.