Worms 2 uses a side-on 2D perspective. Each team takes turns moving one worm, selecting a weapon or tool, aiming, and firing before the turn timer expires. Players must account for projectile arcs, wind, destructible ground, explosive objects, and the danger of falling or drowning.

Matches are organized around teams and configurable rules rather than a fixed campaign structure. Victory generally requires eliminating every opposing worm. Experience, weapon familiarity, and map knowledge improve performance, while digging, hiding, teleporting, and manipulating the terrain can create safer firing positions or ambushes.

Use the landscape as cover and avoid clustering worms, since one explosion can damage several members of a team. Before firing, consider wind strength, projectile bounce, blast radius, and the safest escape route for the attacking worm.

Conserve powerful weapons for situations where they can secure a kill or break a defensive position. In close quarters, prioritize mobility and terrain control; on open maps, patience and accurate indirect fire are usually more valuable than rushing into exposed positions.