The game uses a side-view perspective and organizes combat around teams of fighters. Players select a group and defeat the opposing team one member at a time, managing health and choosing when to bring another fighter into the match.

Fighters use punches, kicks, special moves, super techniques, jumps, crouches, blocking, and throws. Progression is structured through tournament-style battles and story events, with the exact route depending on the selected team and mode.

Learn the distance and timing of each fighter's normal attacks before relying on special moves. Short attacks are useful for interrupting opponents, while heavier attacks are safer when used after a jump-in or a blocked mistake.

Preserve team health whenever possible. Use a character with strong reach to control space, save super techniques for confirmed openings, and avoid spending resources on attacks that can be blocked or punished.