The game uses a third-person viewpoint, with optional first-person observation. Snake explores interconnected facility areas, avoids guards, gathers weapons and key items, and completes objectives that advance the story.

Players can crawl, hide in shadows or beneath objects, distract enemies, use surveillance equipment, and fight when necessary. Alert and evasion phases affect the immediate danger but do not create a conventional experience-level system. Progression comes from story events, equipment, access cards, and new abilities obtained throughout the mission.

Study guard routes before moving, and use the radar whenever the area is not in an alert state. Crouch-walking and crawling reduce detection risk, while knocking on walls or throwing empty magazines can redirect guards.

Save ammunition for boss fights and use rations before health becomes critical. Search rooms carefully for suppressors, body armor, key cards, and optional weapons. During alerts, break line of sight and change hiding places instead of trying to defeat every enemy.