Counterstrike uses a top-down, mouse-driven real-time strategy perspective. Players establish a base, place a construction yard and production buildings, harvest ore with miners, and create units to attack, defend, scout, and complete mission objectives.

The expansion adds scenario-based missions and multiplayer maps. Progression comes from expanding the economy, unlocking production through buildings and technology, preserving experienced forces where possible, and adapting the army to the mission's terrain and objectives.

Secure ore fields early and protect miners with defensive structures or mobile escorts. A steady economy is usually more valuable than rushing a large army.

Scout before committing to an attack, keep different unit types together, and repair or replace damaged forces. In missions with scripted events, avoid advancing too quickly until the base is prepared for reinforcements or counterattacks.