Shadowgun Legends features a variety of different game modes that includes Campaign, PvP, and Co-Op. In the Campaign mode you complete missions. PvP mode features sub-modes such as Duel (1v1 player), The Team (4v4 player), and Arena. Whatever mode you decide to play you will be taking on hundreds of missions and quests that will involve raiding distant planets and earning rewards. As you play the game you will also be collecting and customising guns and armour pieces as you take your Shadowgun from rookie to Legend.
The game starts with a tutorial in which you learn the basics of the game, this includes amongst other things how to play, access features, quests, missions, and shooting. Then when you start the actual game itself you will visit Slade in The Hub where you will be presented with a list of missions which you must complete and then return to claim your reward. Once you start completing these missions and ranking up your profile other modes or centers will become unlocked.