Single is identical to not having a team, Simul gives that side a computer-controlled partner who fights simultaneously, and Turns uses a different character for each round of play, varying through a set number (usually from 2 to 4) of different characters in a row. In Team mode, either side can use any of the team modes. A fourth mode, Tag, is listed in the EXE along with two related script controllers, but was never used. There are also three different kinds of Team modes: Single, Simul, and Turns.

The first gameplay mode is the Arcade mode, where a player controlled character encounters CPU controlled characters in a random or set order which can be entirely customized. In addition, several gameplay modes are available via the main menu. The default AI for the engine however, can walk around, jump around, rarely attack and guard the player's attacks when the AI Level is set to Hard. At most, two players can control characters, with others being controlled by the engine's AI (including Watch Mode, a demo mode where the computer controls all characters). However, characters do not necessarily use all seven buttons, nor need to follow a traditional six- or four-button format. The engine uses four directional keys along with seven buttons for gameplay (A, B, C, X, Y, Z and Start), in order to accommodate six-button fighters which use three punches, three kicks and a start button which is often a taunt. The lifebar used originates from Capcom vs. Original character Dragon Claw fighting Darkstalkers character Hsien-Ko in the RAW is WAR ring.

Mugen tag team patch