X-Treme Quads is a single-player, keyboard-controlled racing game that can also be played with a joystick. The game features three main race modes: Tournament, Quick Race, and Time Trial. Players can compete in races around two courses, Outlaw Canyon and Vengence Viaduct. In the Quick Race and Time Trial modes, these courses are divided into stages, with only the stages of Outlaw Canyon available at the start. As players progress through Tournament mode, additional stages become unlocked.
Tournament mode is structured in a progressive format, starting from Amateur league, then Semi-Pro, and finally leading to the Pro league. All tournaments consist of four races.
Players can control their vehicle using keyboard or joystick controls. However, if they get stuck, such as behind an obstacle, they must press SPACE to reposition their vehicle.
The game offers a variety of quad bikes to choose from, including The Tiger, LaZer, Hawk, Phantom, Wasp, Falcon, Enforcer, and Xtreme 2. Players can also customize action keys and adjust the number of opponents they compete against (between zero and five).