The game uses a side-view perspective over two-dimensional, destructible terrain. Teams take turns, and the active worm must usually act before the turn timer expires. Players can move, select a weapon, adjust aim and power, and fire while accounting for obstacles and environmental conditions.

The main objective is to eliminate every opposing worm. Matches may use different landscapes and team settings, while surviving worms can reposition and exploit holes, cliffs, and tunnels created by explosions. Victory depends on conserving useful weapons, controlling high ground, and judging risky shots.

Use the landscape as protection rather than immediately destroying every nearby obstacle. A shallow tunnel or a covered position can keep a worm safe from direct fire and make incoming attacks harder to calculate.

Save powerful weapons for clustered enemies or decisive eliminations. Check the wind before using explosive projectiles, and avoid ending a turn where an opponent can attack from close range. When possible, remove isolated worms first and force the enemy into exposed ground.