"Cloning Clyde" is a side-scrolling platformer, and as with most games of this genre, the goal is to reach the end of each level. However the game diverges from standard platformers by giving the player the ability to switch between multiple Clyde clones at any time in order to progress/solve increasingly complex puzzles. The puzzles mainly involve dropping rocks on switches, getting clones to stand on switches, or getting clones to stand in front of rockets and being fired across the level.