Players select a fighter and battle through a sequence of one-on-one matches. The objective is to deplete the opponent's vitality before the round timer expires, with the first fighter to win the required number of rounds taking the match.

Each character has normal attacks, command attacks, special moves, and three selectable Super Arts. Players can block, throw, jump, crouch, and parry incoming attacks by tapping toward the attack at the correct moment. The arcade mode progresses through character-specific battles before a final confrontation with Gill.

Learn one reliable normal attack, one anti-air option, one special move, and one Super Art before expanding your toolkit. Street Fighter III rewards deliberate timing more than constant attacking, so practice blocking and parrying against predictable attacks.

Choose a Super Art that fits your plan. A stock with good reach can punish mistakes, while a shorter or more damaging option may be stronger after knockdowns. Maintain distance when your character has better pokes, but avoid repeating unsafe specials that can be blocked and punished.