Spore Hero Arena allows the player to move around an overworld with elements of exploration and puzzle solving.

On each planet there are four blue shards to collect by doing certain missions or jobs assigned to the player by the creatures that inhabit that world.

The player can set three different types of bio powers (special attacks) to be used in a battle, which can be used by pressing the L or R button and tapping one of three options using the stylus when the bio-power gauge is filled.

Items can be picked up to obtain powerups such as health restores, knock-back reducers, increased defense, and instantly gaining access to using a bio-power.

IGN panned Spore Hero Arena with a 3.8 out of 10 and Metacritic gave the game a 49% rating, indicating unfavorable reviews.