Hexcite is an original strategy game in which players attempt to outscore the competition by placing 18 randomly assigned geometric shapes atop a board consisting of seven hexagons. Two players (human or computer) alternate turns placing trapezoids, triangles, rhomboids, and other shapes of various sizes on the flower-shaped board. The goal is to accumulate as many points as possible by playing the right pieces in the most strategic locations. Positioning a piece so it touches at least one side of another shape will earn players five points, with each additional side worth an extra five points. Bonus points are awarded if a piece completes a hexagon shape.

Once there are no more remaining moves (the shapes must all fit within the board's layout), points are deducted for each remaining piece. The winner is the player with the most points at the end of a round. Other game modes include a "Level Game," which has players trying to advance through four skill classes by beating the computer, and "Practice," which offers specific scenarios to solve. Players can adjust the computer difficulty, time limit, number of rounds, and background music, or they can view previously completed game's last 30 rounds. Hexcite also features in-game help as well as battery backup to save personal statistics and round progress.