Each stage is viewed from the side as a scrolling or fixed puzzle landscape. Lemmings enter from an entrance and must reach the exit, with the objective of saving the required number before the available population or time runs out.

The player assigns abilities such as climber, floater, blocker, builder, basher, miner, and digger. Skills alter the route through hazards and can also be used to control the movement of the group. Progression comes from solving increasingly demanding layouts with limited abilities.

Study the entire route before assigning scarce abilities, and pause the flow of lemmings when the interface allows it. Early builders, blockers, and diggers often determine whether the rest of the stage remains solvable.

Save a few flexible skills for the final section. Check the required rescue percentage before taking risks, because reaching the exit with too few survivors does not complete the level.