Matches take place on a side-view landscape made from destructible soil. On a turn, a worm can move, select a weapon, aim, adjust firing power, and attack before the timer expires. Explosions reshape the map and can bury, expose, or launch other worms.

The objective is to eliminate every opposing worm. Battles can use teams controlled by people or the computer, with victory depending on the selected rules and remaining worms. Weapons and movement options expand tactical choices, while limited turns and environmental hazards punish careless positioning.

Use high ground and cover, but avoid clustering several worms in one area. A single explosive attack can damage a whole team or collapse the terrain beneath them.

Account for wind and firing angle before committing to a shot. Conserve powerful weapons for clear opportunities, and use movement, digging, or defensive positioning when a direct attack is unlikely to succeed.