Battles take place from an overhead tactical perspective on grid-based maps. The objective is usually to defeat enemy units, protect allied units, reach a target, or survive a mission-specific event.

Players move robots, select weapons, use support actions, and end turns while enemy forces respond. Units gain experience and can be upgraded between scenarios, while pilots and machines develop through the campaign. The game is structured as a sequence of story missions with intermission management and branching or mission-dependent events.

Prioritize enemy units that threaten weakened allies, and avoid ending a turn with important robots exposed to several attacks. Check weapon ranges and terrain before moving, because a strong unit can still be overwhelmed when isolated.

Concentrate experience on a balanced core team rather than spreading it across every available machine. Upgrade dependable weapons and make use of support attacks when they can secure a defeat without leaving the attacker vulnerable.