Brawl Stars is a fast-paced multiplayer online battle arena game played in portrait orientation. Players control a diverse roster of characters, called Brawlers, in short three-minute matches across various game modes. Each Brawler has a unique main attack and a powerful Super ability, charged by dealing damage.

Matches are played on compact maps designed for touchscreen controls, using a virtual joystick for movement and buttons for attacks. Core modes include team-based objective battles like Gem Grab, solo and duo survival in Showdown, and goal-scoring in Brawl Ball. Progression is centered on unlocking new Brawlers and upgrading their power.

The gameplay loop is built for quick, accessible sessions with an emphasis on team coordination and character mastery. Regular updates introduce new Brawlers, maps, and limited-time events to the core competitive experience.