Missions take place from inside the cockpit of a battle mech. Objectives include destroying opposing mechs, defending locations, escorting units, and reaching designated areas. The player manages movement, torso and leg direction, weapon groups, heat, armor, ammunition, and damage during combat.

Before deployment, a mech can be selected and configured with different weapons and equipment within its available tonnage. Campaign missions unlock progressively, and performance affects access to later assignments. Training, single missions, and multiplayer options are also available in the DOS release, depending on the installed version.

Use terrain and range to control engagements rather than charging directly into groups of enemies. Keep the torso aimed independently of the legs when possible, and concentrate fire on one target to remove threats quickly.

Watch heat and ammunition throughout every mission. Avoid repeated use of energy weapons when the heat gauge is high, and aim for exposed or damaged sections instead of spreading fire across the entire enemy chassis.