Hand Meat Walker is an action-packed first-person shooter that merges retro aesthetics with intense gameplay. Players navigate through nostalgic, chunky maps filled with challenges and adversaries, while accompanied by a pet-like robot companion. The game emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving, all while engaging in frenetic battles against a variety of grotesque creatures. Players can utilize an array of unconventional weapons, each serving a strategic purpose in combat, such as using a giant sword to regain health or triggering explosive attacks for ammunition.

The robot companion adds a unique layer of strategy, executing simple tactics autonomously but requiring player commands for optimal positioning. As players progress, they unlock powerful abilities for the robot, which can be encouraged through rewarding interactions like throwing fruit. The game also incorporates an old-school manual save system, allowing players to save their progress at any point, enhancing the overall retro experience.