In nail'd , the player takes the place of a driver participating in an off-road racing tournament. The only vehicles allowed are ATV and MTX.
The events take place at breakneck tracks in settings like Greece or Yosemite National Park, featuring extreme turns, trampoline jumps, and various ways to ride through. To navigate this hazardous environment, players must upgrade their vehicle by installing better spare parts, unlocked after winning certain leagues.
Each league consists of numerous events, including basic races and stunts challenges, where the winner is decided by the amount of points received for performing tricks, such as perfect landings or jumping through rings in the air. Sometimes, "mutators" are turned on, altering game conditions like unlimited nitro.
Besides the default tournament, players can create their own custom one, and quick and multiplayer races are also available, supporting up to 12 contestants. The game also features a time trial mode with ghost racing, where results are tracked on online leaderboards.