Strike Gunner S.T.G uses a top-down, vertically scrolling view. The objective is to survive each stage, destroy enemy formations, and defeat the end-of-stage boss while avoiding bullets, aircraft, ground targets, and other hazards.

Players move their gunner craft freely within the screen area and fire a standard weapon continuously or repeatedly. A selected special weapon provides a stronger or more specialized attack, but its limited availability makes timing important. The game supports one-player and two-player play, with progress following a fixed sequence of stages and increasing enemy pressure.

Stay near the lower center of the screen so incoming formations remain visible and leave room to dodge. Use short horizontal movements instead of crossing the entire screen when possible.

Choose special weapons according to the next stage's enemy patterns, and save them for dense waves or bosses rather than spending every charge on ordinary targets. In two-player mode, coordinate movement so neither ship blocks the other's escape route.