The game is viewed from a third-person perspective. Players guide Bugs through interconnected stages, searching for clock pieces, puzzle items, and other collectibles while reaching the exit or completing an era-specific objective.

Bugs can run, jump, attack, interact with objects, and use temporary abilities. Completing stages and collecting enough clock pieces opens later areas and time periods. The structure emphasizes exploration, platforming, and repeated visits to find items that were previously inaccessible.

Explore each stage before leaving and watch for branching paths, high ledges, and objects that suggest a hidden collectible. Clock pieces are more important than simply reaching the goal, because collecting them unlocks further progression.

Use Bugs's jump carefully around moving platforms and hazards. When returning to an earlier area, check previously blocked routes again; new abilities and story progress can make older collectibles reachable.