All things considered, the gameplay is rather shallow and encourages a lot of turtling due to how parries and dodges work. The game has a Story Mode, Arcade Mode, and full character customization that allows you equip items and change the attacks and supports characters have access to.

It is technically possible to beat opponents in one Bravery attack under such circumstances. Combat involves some cinematic chase moves here and there, but it's mostly about dealing enough damage to put the opponent into Bravery Break so you can earn enough Bravery points to deal significant real damage to the opponent's HP. Players lock on to each other with the L button and R acts as a parry for incoming attacks. Players can also interact with the environment in combat with triangle to run on walls and other such acrobatic stunts and jump with the X button. Players attack with the circle button to build up Bravery points that strengthens the damage of their Bravery attacks performed with the square button. Dissidia 012 Duodecim Final Fantasy is a 3D arena fighter similar to games like Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi.