Much of the gameplay is similar to its predecessor, Metal Max. The game is open-ended and non-linear, with the player given the freedom to decide where to go and what missions to do in whichever order. The player can choose the character classes, such as a mechanic or soldier, for the player characters.

The battles are turn-based, with the characters able to fight either on foot or using tanks. The tanks can be created and customized by the player, who can modify and enhance each part of a vehicle, though there is a weight limit to each tank. In certain areas where tanks cannot pass, the characters must engage the enemies on foot. The game also features gambling machines where minigames can be played, including third-person shooter and racing games.

Metal Max 2 Reloaded, the Nintendo DS remake, added a shared inventory, option to play as a female, okama or reijin, new character classes, subclasses and skills from Metal Max 3, new characters, bounties, bosses, sidequests, locations, items and vehicles, expanded storyline and backstories of characters and monsters, increased difficulty over the SNES and GBA versions, the final boss of the game has a third form and a new game+ option has been added.