Terminator 3: The Redemption features multiple gameplay styles presented from a third-person perspective across 14 levels, which are partially based on the film Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines while also expanding the film's backstory. The player assumes the role of a T-850 Terminator. Several levels are played on foot, where the player fights against other Terminators. The player can use various guns against enemies and engage in hand-to-hand combat. Additionally, the player can use detached road signs as weapons. The T-850's red-colored scan mode allows the player to deal increased damage to enemies, and points known as "Terabytes" can be collected throughout the game to upgrade this scan mode.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
The game also includes driving levels featuring various vehicles, such as a hearse, a pickup truck, and a police car. Additionally, there are rail shooter levels where the player is in a moving vehicle and must shoot at oncoming Terminator enemies. The T-X serves as the primary enemy throughout the game, as in the film. A two-player co-op mode is included, where players must defend against oncoming Terminators in a rail shooter format.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]