Defence Alliance 3 is played with one team vs AI controlled hordes enemies.

After a certain preparation time, enemy waves will start to attack. Each wave will be more difficult than the last one. Mechanics have the ability to build turrets, which other players can opperate.

Instead of classes, players will choose the gear they want to carry into the battle. Your gear also influences your stats. The player can choose the amount of health, armor and runspeed. So choosing a rocket-launcher will make you slower etc. Also, certain equipment prevents you from choosing other stuff. For example choosing a sniper or rocket/grenade launcher will prevent you from selecting a kit.

After a certain amount of waves, the player is rewarded with points. These points can be spend to get additional run speed, build speed, rof, etc.