The gameplay revolves around shooting through hordes of police and special forces, with the ability to carry two types of weapons to aid in combat. Players can also issue commands to Lynch, such as focusing his fire or trading weapons, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Kane & Lynch Dead Men features a cooperative multiplayer mode where a second player takes control of Lynch, allowing for local co-op gameplay. The online multiplayer introduces "Fragile Alliance," a game mode where players can rob a bank together, but with the twist that attacking teammates can lead to being marked as a traitor and respawning as enemy police.