Team Fortress Classic is a team-based, multiplayer first-person shooter with nine distinct classes, each with their own abilities and weapons. Most of the matches consist of Capture the Flag-type maps, along with variations such as Assassination/Escort, Territory Control, and more.

Each player is armed with a melee weapon, a couple of firearms and one or two types of grenades. The exact choice of weapons depends on the class chosen. The chosen class also affects walking speed, maximum armor and health, and some special abilities.