WipEout Fusion is a futuristic racing game with action elements. Players compete in the F9000 Anti-Gravity Race League, driving hovercrafts and sometimes using weapons against opponents to achieve victory.
The gameplay of WipEout Fusion features single-race and league modes, as well as two-player split screen gameplay. The single race mode (called Arcade) is used to unlock new tracks. A challenge mode, similar to that in WipEout 64 , requires players to complete challenges with a medal to progress.
New features in WipEout Fusion include hovercraft upgrades and an array of new weapons such as the proton cannon, flamethrower, gravity bomb, and super missiles. Players can also unlock unique super weapons after completing sufficient challenges. There are eight vehicles and teams available, each with their own set of abilities.
Players earn credits after races, which can be used to upgrade their vehicles. These upgrades include speed, thrust, weapon power, shield strength, lateral stability, and brake force. Upgraded vehicles can be used in any game mode except the Challenge mode.