Sonic Dash is played as an endless runner, similar to the Temple Run and Subway Surfers. In the game, the player directs Sonic through levels, collecting rings and avoiding obstacles and enemies. Players are able to share and compete for accomplishments such as "fastest time" or "longest distance".

Rings can be collected throughout the levels or purchased via microtransactions. Accumulated rings can be used to purchase further content in the game, such as items, upgrades, or additional playable characters. Players are granted a permanent score multiplier increase for every set of three objectives completed.