GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is a first-person shooter, played across eight levels. The player can use various types of handheld weapons throughout the game, as well as the GoldenEye, which has four abilities: MRI vision, allowing the player to see through walls; EM hack, allowing the player to hack electronic systems, machines, and enemies' weapons; a polarity shield, which deflects incoming bullets; and a magnetic field, which allows the player to send enemies flying to their deaths. Each ability is granted to the player as the game progresses. Each ability requires a certain amount of energy, seen on a meter. After using an ability, the meter slowly recharges itself. There are various weapons to collect, allowing the player to fight with a single one-handed weapon, dual wield two of such weapons, or use powerful two-handed weapons. The player's free hand can also be used to throw grenades or take hostages, using them as human shields to make it difficult for enemies to hit the player.