Players in Dominant Species control a Mindlord on the planet Mur, in constant battle over the precious resource Anima. In the single player campaign, this battle is first against free roaming creatures, presenting a tutorial for the game. The campaign usually follows the player's hive rescuing and destroying the invading army of humans.

Dominant Species is a traditional real-time strategy game, with resource gathering (anima), production of battlefield units (with a bio-engineered theme), a single-player campaign and multiplayer mode. There is an emphasis on efficient unit tactics rather than base construction.