The player views submarine instruments and tactical displays while guiding Red October through mission areas. Objectives involve reaching designated locations, avoiding or defeating hostile vessels, and managing encounters without exhausting the submarine’s resources.

Actions include changing course and speed, using sonar to identify contacts, selecting weapons, and launching torpedoes. Missions emphasize cautious positioning and timing. Progression comes from completing the available scenarios rather than from a persistent character or upgrade system.

Use sonar before committing to an attack, and avoid broadcasting your position unnecessarily. Track contacts by bearing and distance instead of reacting only when a target becomes visible.

Conserve torpedoes and choose a favorable firing angle. When the objective is movement or escape, disengaging and maintaining a safe course is usually more useful than pursuing every contact.