The player guides Master Higgins from left to right through short, obstacle-filled stages. Objectives include reaching the goal, defeating enemies, collecting fruit to maintain stamina, and finding better weapons or temporary items.

Stages contain pits, moving platforms, hazards, and boss encounters. Players can run, jump, crouch, attack, and use special equipment such as a skateboard when available. Checkpoints and item pickups provide limited recovery, while the life and stamina systems make careful movement important.

Keep Master Higgins fed by collecting fruit and avoid unnecessary collisions, since stamina is central to survival. Learn the placement of pits and moving hazards before rushing through a stage.

Use ranged weapons to remove enemies from a safe distance, but do not sacrifice control for a temporary power-up. Save reliable equipment for difficult enemy groups and boss approaches.