The main objective in Geometry Dash Meltdown is to guide a geometric character through a dangerous course filled with spikes, gaps, moving obstacles, and other hazards. The character moves forward automatically, so players must concentrate on timing their actions rather than controlling their movement directly.

In the standard cube form, tapping the screen, clicking the mouse, or pressing a key makes the character jump. Players must judge the distance between obstacles and choose the right moment to jump over them. As the level progresses, the challenges become more complex, introducing sequences that require quick reactions and careful coordination.

The game also features different movement forms, including the ship, which allows players to fly through narrow passages by controlling their upward and downward movement. Portals can change the character's form, requiring players to adapt to new controls as they progress. A single collision with a dangerous obstacle causes the attempt to end, sending the player back to the beginning in Normal Mode. This makes memorization, practice, and persistence important parts of the experience.