Pit progresses through four areas, each divided into stages. Most early sections scroll upward, requiring careful jumps while enemies attack from multiple directions. Fortresses change the perspective to horizontal exploration and contain doors, shops, treasure rooms, and bosses.

The player uses arrows to defeat enemies and collects hearts as currency. Weapons, protective items, health upgrades, and stronger arrow power improve survival. Falling into pits costs a life, while special rooms and experience levels can restore or increase Pit's endurance. The final area uses conventional horizontal platforming and leads to the ending battles.

• Practice the timing of Pit's jumps before attempting fast progress; many pits are placed immediately after enemy encounters.
• Collect hearts consistently so shops and item rooms remain useful. Small enemies are often safer to defeat than to bypass.
• In fortresses, map the route mentally and search rooms for health upgrades, hammers, and boss-relevant items.
• Upgrade arrow strength and endurance whenever possible, but avoid unnecessary damage while farming hearts.