Chex Quest is played from a first-person perspective across five levels on Bazoik. The main objectives are to explore maze-like areas, collect colored keys, activate doors and switches, find weapons and ammunition, and reach the exit while rescuing captured colonists.

Sergeant Schiesser begins with a basic Zorch weapon and gains stronger equipment during progression. Flemoid enemies occupy corridors and rooms, while secret areas reward careful exploration. The DOS version is a single-player campaign with selectable difficulty levels and no conventional multiplayer mode.

Explore each room carefully and check side corridors for keys, ammunition, and secret areas. Since the levels are maze-like, note locked doors and return to them after finding the matching key.

Use stronger Zorch weapons on durable Flemoids, keep moving around projectile attacks, and avoid wasting limited ammunition on weak enemies. Lower difficulty levels are useful for learning the level layouts and enemy behavior.