Players view the battlefield from an adjustable overhead perspective and build a base, extract metal and energy, research technology, and deploy combat units. Victory normally requires destroying the opposing Commander or eliminating the enemy’s operational force.

Campaign missions introduce objectives and units progressively, while skirmish and multiplayer matches support larger custom battles. Construction units create factories, defenses, power plants, resource extractors, and strategic structures. Orders can be issued to individual units or groups, and later technology levels provide stronger vehicles, aircraft, ships, and long-range weapons.

Protect the Commander, because its destruction usually ends the battle immediately. Establish metal and energy income before expanding production, and keep construction units active so the economy does not stall.

Use mixed forces rather than relying on one unit type. Scout before committing, exploit terrain and range, maintain anti-air coverage, and use aircraft or artillery to pressure exposed bases. In multiplayer, reclaiming wreckage and controlling forward resource sites can decide the match.