The game presents battles from a top-down tactical perspective. The player directs a squad of BattleMechs and supporting units through missions involving combat, movement, reconnaissance, and defensive objectives.

Units can be selected and assigned orders while the battle continues in real time. Success depends on positioning, weapon use, heat management, target selection, and preserving valuable units. The campaign advances through linked scenarios, with available forces and equipment changing as the story progresses.

Use terrain and range to control engagements, and avoid exposing every unit at once. Concentrate fire on isolated targets before spreading damage across several opponents.

Monitor heat and ammunition during extended battles. Preserve damaged or specialized units when the mission allows, since later scenarios can depend on the strength of the available force.