The story of Strider follows the titular character as he attempts to infiltrate a heavily guarded fortress. The player must control Strider, a secret agent, who is tasked with stealing top-secret documents from an enemy base.
Gameplay revolves around navigating through various levels, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. The player controls Strider as he moves left and right, jumps over pits, and fights against enemy soldiers. The game features side-scrolling action sequences, platforming elements, and a variety of weapons to use against the enemy.