Frontline Nation consists of two different gameplay levels, a strategic and a tactical. The strategic level is where the player manages production, diplomacy, research and coordination of military forces. The tactical level is where the battles take place. It offers the player full control of its military units in a dynamically created hexagon-based battlefield. The battles are fast-paced but different terrain types combined with a dynamic weather system and a day-night cycle adds an almost countless number of tactical possibilities. If the player wishes, the battles can also be resolved automatically.

Frontline Nation features include:
- A world-map consisting of over 500 regions and 90 cities.
- 45 playable countries, ranging from Malta to Russia.
- Multiplayer support for up to 9 players in concurrent and classic game modes. Supplementary hot-seat mode for multiplayer support on the same computer.
- Over 20 unit types, each with their specific advantages and drawbacks.
- Tactical combats on land, sea and air for complex but action-paced confrontations.
- A research system that let you develop missiles and different types of weapons of mass destruction.
- Diplomacy that let you use your full potential for persuasion and deceit.
- Spies that are used to infiltrate other countries and to perform covert operations.
- Special forces that can destroy vital structures without leaving a trace.
- Victory conditions to start anything from a total-domination campaign to a small skirmish.
- Optional missions that if completed, rewards your country greatly.