Players view each battlefield from a side-on perspective. During a turn, a worm can move around the terrain, select a weapon, aim, and fire before the turn timer expires. Explosions deform the landscape, so attacks can create paths, expose hiding places, or knock worms into hazards.

The main objective is to destroy every opposing worm. Missions and battles require different approaches, from direct attacks to defensive positioning and careful use of limited ammunition. Wind, weapon behavior, terrain, and the remaining health of each worm all affect the best shot.

Use terrain as protection, but avoid standing near thin ledges or deep water. Before firing, check whether the blast could damage your own team or destroy the ground supporting the target.

Save powerful weapons for clustered enemies or decisive attacks. Moving worms into safer positions early is often more valuable than taking a low-probability shot, especially when the turn timer and limited ammunition restrict experimentation.