Battle Stations is a naval combat game that features both 1 and 2 player modes. In the 1 player mode, players can choose between Arcade or Campaign mode. The 2 player mode offers both Arcade and War Games mode.
The Campaign mode in Battle Stations consists of 50 missions with objectives such as eliminating enemy supply convoys or carrying out a full scale assault on an opponent's homeland. Players then select the admiral they want to fight in the battle, choosing from five opposing admirals each with their own set of skills.
The Arcade mode allows 1 or 2 players to choose their ship and engage in a 1 on 1 ship battle. Players earn points for sinking their opponent's ships, which helps them climb through the naval ranks from Ensign to Fleet Admiral.
In War Games mode, 2 players can compete against each other in 26 different locations. They can play in three different ways: war, capture the flag, or capture the harbor. In these modes, players also get to choose between playing as one of several countries or having a balanced or custom naval force.
Battle Stations features eight types of ships with varying ratings in categories such as top speed, target range, hull strength, main guns, special weapon, and defensive weapon. Players must move their ships strategically on an overhead map to maneuver a target reticule on their opponent's ship to attack them.
Gameplay involves trying to outmaneuver opponents while avoiding damage in the battle. Once one of the ships' health meters become empty, they are sunk. The game requires strategic thinking and skillful navigation to emerge victorious.