The game uses a side-scrolling stage structure where players pick one of the four turtles and fight through waves of enemies to clear each area. Each character can attack, jump, throw, and use special moves, with chaining hits and positioning being important for survival. Stages mix street combat, vehicle sections, and boss encounters, with hazards and breakable objects adding variety. Progress is linear, and completion depends on advancing through each era and defeating the stage bosses.

Use jump attacks and throws to control crowds, and try not to stay surrounded. Learn each boss's patterns and punish safely after their attacks finish. In co-op, spread out to avoid friendly chaos and assign one player to crowd control while another focuses on bosses. Breakable objects often hide helpful pickups, so check each area before moving on.