The game uses a side-view, horizontally scrolling format. Cotton moves through linear fantasy stages, firing at airborne and ground-based enemies while avoiding projectiles, terrain hazards, and collisions.

Defeated enemies and items support weapon growth and magical attacks. Players advance by clearing each stage and confronting its boss; the main challenge comes from maintaining power, learning enemy patterns, and managing limited resources rather than exploring alternate routes.

Protect the weapon power gained during a stage, since taking damage can make later enemy waves substantially harder. Learn where enemies enter from and keep firing while positioning Cotton near safe lanes.

Save magic for dense projectile patterns, difficult enemy formations, or bosses. Repeated attempts are useful for memorizing stage rhythms and identifying when it is safer to prioritize survival over collecting every item.