Battalion Wars contains the elements of both a third-person shooter and a real-time tactics game. In the midst of battle, the player will have control over a variety of units, including infantry, armored vehicles, and aircraft. Separate units or unit groups can be given commands by the player, such as to follow the player, hold their positions, man gun turrets, or attack certain targets. A map screen can be used to check the mission region, location of enemies and objectives. At any time, the player may transfer control from one unit to another. Much of the game's missions focuses on the nation of the Western Frontier, which the player controls, though in some bonus missions unlocked, the player can control the other nations of the Tundra Territories, the Solar Empire, and Xylvania.