The game uses a side-view perspective. Lemmings enter from an entrance and continue walking unless the player changes their behavior or path. The objective is to guide a required percentage of them to the exit while minimizing casualties.

The player selects abilities for individual lemmings, including climber, floater, bomber, blocker, builder, basher, miner, and digger. Levels are arranged across increasing difficulty classes, with limited skills, time limits, hazards, traps, and multiple routes creating the main challenge.

The SNES version is primarily a single-player experience. Progress depends on completing stages and meeting their rescue requirements; later puzzles demand precise timing and efficient use of every available ability.

Study the whole route before assigning a skill. A blocker can redirect a crowd, but it may also create an obstacle that must later be removed.

Reserve builders, miners, and bashers for essential sections, and check the remaining skill count before committing. When possible, create a safe landing or alternate route before releasing more lemmings.

Use the pause function to inspect timing and plan several actions ahead. Meeting the required rescue percentage is usually more important than saving every lemming.