Axiom Verge is a 2D metroidvania platform shooter centered around the protagonist Trace, a scientist who, after an experiment gone wrong, finds himself on the world of Sudra. By the time Trace arrives on Sudra he finds this world and his civilization collapsed due to the release of the "Pathogen". With help of the Russalki (giant war machines that guard Sudra), Trace has to fight back the invading forces and return back across The Breach to Earth.
The game is an open-world platformer where Trace can travel through various areas, but needs better gear and weapons to progress. Players can use items found along the way to unlock new pathways, including the Modified Labcoat, Grapple, Laser Drill, Address Disruptor, and Remote Drone. Some weapons can be used to access secret paths, while others consume health instead of ammo.
The world of Sudra is filled with different types of alien flora and fauna, each with its own respawning pattern. Enemies leave behind some health after being defeated, which can be collected by Trace to aid in his journey.