The galaxy is divided into quadrants, each containing a changing arrangement of stars, starbases, and enemy ships. The player enters commands to navigate, scan nearby sectors, fire phasers or photon torpedoes, raise shields, and request damage information.

The main objective is to eliminate the assigned Klingon fleet before the deadline. Energy and torpedoes are limited, starbases provide replenishment, and damaged systems can restrict available actions. Combat and movement advance the turn, so planning routes and conserving supplies are central to progression.

Use short-range sensors before moving or firing so that you know the local positions of enemies, stars, and starbases. Keep enough energy for shields and emergencies rather than spending every unit on phasers.

Plan a route through quadrants that contain starbases, and repair or resupply before entering prolonged combat. Photon torpedoes are valuable for decisive attacks, but navigation and sensor commands are equally important because the campaign has a time limit.