Stages are viewed from a side-on perspective and contain entrances, exits, traps, gaps, walls, and other hazards. The objective is to save the required number of lemmings before the available population or time runs out.

The player selects a skill and assigns it to a lemming at the right moment. Climbers scale vertical walls, floaters survive long falls, blockers turn others around, and builders, bashers, miners, and diggers reshape the route. Levels become harder through tighter timing, limited skills, multiple routes, and more dangerous terrain.

Study the entire stage before spending skills, especially builders and blockers. A single misplaced assignment can seal the only route or send later lemmings into danger.

Use blockers to hold a group safely while you solve the route ahead, and remember that a blocker can usually be released by digging or blasting nearby terrain. Prioritize the minimum rescue requirement when a perfect result is impractical.