Mega Man moves through single-screen and scrolling side-view stages, jumping across platforms, avoiding hazards, and firing his arm cannon. Enemies respawn when the screen scrolls or when the player moves away and returns.

Six Robot Master stages are selectable from the opening screen. Defeating a boss grants a special weapon, and each weapon is particularly effective against one other boss. After all six victories, the game unlocks Dr. Wily's fortress stages, which form a fixed final sequence.

Learn the layout and enemy timing of each stage before attempting speedier runs. Small enemies can often be bypassed, but careless movement near pits and ladders is costly.

Use boss weaknesses to conserve health and ammunition. A common efficient route is Guts Man, Cut Man, Elec Man, Ice Man, Fire Man, then Bomb Man, though the opening order can be adjusted to match your comfort. Search for hidden pickups and refill health or weapon energy before entering difficult encounters.