The game uses a first-person cockpit perspective. The player flies X-wings and other Rebel craft, completes mission objectives, manages speed, shields, weapons, and targeting, and engages Imperial fighters, bombers, capital ships, and installations.

The campaign is organized into training and combat operations with branching mission progression. Performance can affect later assignments, while successful missions advance the Rebel storyline. A separate historical mission mode provides additional scenarios outside the main campaign.

Learn the targeting and energy-management systems before attempting difficult combat missions. Keep an eye on shields, laser energy, and throttle rather than pursuing every enemy.

Follow mission orders carefully. Escort, reconnaissance, and attack objectives often matter more than the number of enemies destroyed, and ignoring transports or protected craft can cause failure.

Use wingmen and allied ships as tactical support, attack vulnerable targets in an organized order, and disengage when the mission objective is complete.