Players take turns selecting a leader, choosing targets, and launching missiles or other weapons. The objective is to destroy opposing populations while preserving enough of one's own population to remain in the game. Weapons, retaliation, and political reactions create an escalating sequence of attacks.

The game is structured around repeated turns rather than a conventional campaign. It supports play against computer-controlled opponents and local multiplayer, with outcomes affected by available weapons and chance. The rules are intentionally simple, emphasizing timing, retaliation, and the consequences of escalation.

Do not launch every weapon immediately. Keep enough of your arsenal to retaliate after an opponent attacks, and consider whether a target is already weakened before spending a valuable missile.

Watch the overall exchange rather than focusing on one rival. A poorly timed attack can cause several leaders to turn against you, while patience may let other opponents damage one another first. Because chance affects results, preserve options and avoid relying on a single attack.