The game is turn-based, with the user given a certain number of points to be spent every turn, with various actions assigned different point values. The system in "Star Warrior" is similar to the one used in previous games like "Temple of Apshai". In the decoy mission the player selects their own time limit before being recalled to his or her ship, but in the assault mission the game ends only when the governor or player is killed. This differs somewhat from the other "Starquest" release, "Rescue at Rigel", which has a fixed time limit of sixty turns.