Spec Ops: The Line

The game's mechanics include seeking cover, aiming from behind obstacles, vaulting, sprinting, and taking out insurgents. Team members can be given orders, such as engaging a specific target or moving to an area, but their actions are also influenced by the AI. Players can access various weapons, melee attacks, and executions, including mortars and static turrets. Health is regenerated automatically by staying behind cover.

The environment plays a crucial role in gameplay, with obstacles, sandstorms, and sunshine influencing the game world. Objects can be used for alternate attacks, such as shooting roofs or targeting windows to rain down glass on opponents. The game features linear corridor design, scripted sequences, and encounters that unfold into engagements. Interactions between squad members are a significant aspect of the game, often focusing on moral dilemmas and conversations.