The gameplay of The Humans has similarities to Lode Runner and Lemmings. Your job in this action puzzler is to help prehistoric man evolve by helping them discover tools, the wheel, weapons, or even fire. Each level in the game will have a given task to help in this, and you are allotted a number of characters who must accomplish the task.
Tasks can include finding objects on the screen, such as a spear, or trying to reach a specific destination which may require the use of objects you have discovered so far. Teamwork is essential to success, as you can switch between characters while moving them around each scrolling puzzle.