The game uses a vertical falling-block playfield viewed from the side. Pairs of Puyos fall from the top, and the player moves and rotates them to create groups of four or more matching colors. Clearing groups causes nearby Puyos to fall, producing chains that attack opponents with nuisance Puyos.

Story and free-play modes offer standard battles and Great Transformation battles. In Transformation mode, building a special gauge allows the board to change size, giving access to different chain layouts and timing. Victory comes from causing the opponent's field to overflow, while solo progression advances through a sequence of character encounters.

Build chains rather than clearing isolated groups whenever the position allows it. Keep a workable supply of colors and avoid filling the center columns, since a blocked center usually ends the game quickly.

Use nuisance-Puyo attacks to disrupt the opponent before starting a large chain. In Great Transformation battles, watch the gauge and choose the board size that best fits the current shape; a smaller field can reward compact chains, while a larger field allows more preparation.