Geometry Dash uses a touchscreen or keyboard/mouse to control different vehicles that react when a player presses anywhere on the touchscreen and can be held down to constantly interact with certain vehicles. Users cannot control the speed at which the icon is moving. The timing and rhythm of the in-game music are key parts of the game, often in relation to each other. The objective of the game is to complete a level by reaching its end.

If the player crashes into an obstacle, they will have to start over from the beginning. The player-character can take up to seven separate forms, which behave differently with each interaction. The vehicle the character takes is changed by seven portals, each of which is a different color. The behavior of these modes can be changed further, such as reversing the game view or adding a second player-character.