Starshot explores planets from a third-person perspective, moving through open-feeling areas connected to objectives and set-piece sequences. The main goal is to help rebuild the Space Circus by completing missions, finding items, defeating enemies, and progressing through the story.

The player can run, jump, use Starshot’s projectile weapon, interact with characters, and operate vehicles in selected sections. Exploration is supported by collectibles and optional tasks, while later areas introduce tougher hazards and more demanding combat or platforming. Progress is primarily structured through story objectives and access to new locations.

Explore each area before leaving and speak with available characters, since objectives and useful items are often distributed around the environment.

Use the projectile weapon from a safe distance when possible. During platforming sections, approach unfamiliar jumps carefully, and learn vehicle handling before attempting difficult routes.

Collect optional items and complete side objectives when practical; they can provide useful resources and extend progression beyond the main path.