In it, the player assists the residents of Heartlake City by completing different activities, developing their friendship with other characters and unlocking items as a result.

Lego Friends was criticized for its repetitive gameplay, loading times, and underutilization of minigames, but was complimented for its accessibility.

[9] Nintendo Life criticized Lego Friends for its repetitive gameplay, controls, frame rate, and loading times.

Though acknowledging its simplicity, they believed Lego Friends' gameplay offered more diversity than other titles for young girls, and complimented the game's accessibility.

[3] Nintendo Life and Nintendojo also expressed disappointment with the small role minigames played, feeling that they were easy but offered variety.