The game uses a first-person perspective. Each stage contains objectives such as activating machinery, rescuing prisoners, collecting keys, defeating bosses, and reaching an extraction point. Levels include branching routes, hidden areas, switches, underwater sections, and platforming challenges.

Joshua can move, jump, aim, fire, switch weapons, use items, and interact with certain devices. Progression comes from finding weapons, ammunition, keys, chronoscepter pieces, and other mission items. Some completed objectives open new paths or make previously visited areas worth revisiting.

Explore every branch before leaving a level. Keys, switches, prisoners, and weapon upgrades are often placed away from the main route, while the map and objective markers help track unfinished areas.

Conserve powerful ammunition for heavily armored enemies and bosses. Use the environment for cover, keep a reliable mid-range weapon ready, and save health and armor pickups when a difficult encounter is clearly ahead.