Zoids: Battle Legends takes place in a world where giant robots modelled after animals and dinosaurs, known as Zoids, are used for battle. The player controls one of these Zoids, each with its own unique abilities, as they fight on behalf of either the Empire or the Republic. The game features four main modes: Mission, Zoids Battle, VS, and Zoids Fist.
The gameplay is fast-paced, allowing players to control their Zoid in various ways, including moving around, locking onto targets, and using boost for quick manoeuvres. Close combat is also possible, with wrestling-style moves available. Each Zoid can be upgraded with different armor, weapons, shields, and colors.
The environment is destructible, adding a new layer of strategy to the gameplay. Players can use buildings and other objects to their advantage, such as sniping from above.