The first three "Pro Skater" games centered around an arcade mode, in which the player is tasked with achieving a high score, perform certain tasks and collect a number of objects in a limited amount of time. If the player completes enough of these objectives in one level, they unlock other levels and acquires currency, with which they can improve their character. Also, there are competition levels, in which the player does not have to collect any objects, but perform an excellent score with minimal bails in order to progress. Starting with "Pro Skater 2", it was also possible to create a custom character and design individual skateparks. Furthermore, all games until "Pro Skater 5" featured local multiplayer, while it was possible to compete in online multiplayer since "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3". From the first "Pro Skater" onward, it was possible to access all levels without having to perform tasks and without a time limit. This concept was later used in career mode from "Pro Skater 4" onwards. Non-player characters give tasks to the player, who could otherwise freely explore the levels without time constraints. Starting with "Underground", the series replaced the career mode with a proper story mode. In "Underground", "Project 8", and "Proving Ground", the story centered around the player character turning into a professional skateboarder. In "Underground 2", the only direct sequel in the series, on the other hand, the player embarks on a destruction tour around the world, orchestrated by Tony Hawk and Bam Margera. In "American Wasteland", which was the first entry to feature one consecutive open world instead of separate levels, the player character intends to rebuild an old skatepark in Los Angeles.