A sequel to Bit.Trip Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, Runner3 is part of the Bit.Trip series, starring the character CommanderVideo.

[2] Similar to the previous two Runner games, CommanderVideo runs forward automatically and the player controls actions such as jumping, sliding, and kicking to overcome obstacles and collect items.

One of the more important collectibles is the Mode-Ups, a less common object across all three games in the series that progresses the level's music while also allowing the player to attain a higher score.

The game also features side-quests, called Hero Quests, in which CommanderVideo stops to interact with non-playable characters[3] that, for example, might task him with collecting specific items in certain levels.

Runner3's retro challenges are much more different than the regular game, giving the player full control over CommanderVideo's movement, making it play as a more traditional platformer.

Choice Provisions' co-founder Alex Neuse emphasized that many games rewarded only hardcore players and offered a lesser experience for playing on lower difficulties.

[9] Following the release, Choice Provisions announced upgrades to the game, which will include such features as enemy density, more checkpoints, stair assist, bonk counter, and gold bars and gems.