Players assume the role of a hero character in The Last Guy, and their objective is to defend civilians from monsters that have overtaken the streets of major cities worldwide. The game aims to reach a particular number of individuals in the rescue zone within the allotted time to save as many people as possible.
The game is played top-down, with stages constructed from satellite photos of actual cities. Players are cautioned not to approach any of the numerous monsters stalking the streets too closely. They can switch to an infrared mode, allowing them to observe civilians hidden in buildings. When The Last Guy gets within striking distance of them, they form a line behind him. Players can give their hero character a short burst of speed or accelerate the pace of those waiting in line behind them. It is also feasible to quickly incorporate a whole structure into the bar by encircling it with a trail of people that is sufficiently extensive in length. Items that, for example, freeze the enemies for short can be picked up to assist the player.
