When items are unlocked they start to appear in levels. There are also prize pods that can provide puzzle pieces to unlock costumes. Tokens need to be bought with real money and a small amount can be earned through achievements, by logging in daily or by participating in events. Some of them can only be unlocked with tokens, the premium currency.

Bananas are used to buy and upgrade items (up to ten times) and power-ups. At least one fruit is required to advance to the next level, but a large amount to move on to the next area. Levels have up to three objectives that can be completed, rewarded with one piece of fruit for each objective, used in the story to power the jelly machines of the jelly lab. Along the way the minion can collect bananas, the basic currency in the game. Levels need to be completed in one go unless tokens are spent to continue. Dave has access to more costumes that affect his abilities, Carl can run faster and for Jerry power-ups last longer. There are two other runners, Carl and Jerry, that need to be bought and sometimes can be tried for free for a single level. Some levels have gliding sections where the minion can be steered without using lanes. Swiping up performs a jump and down a slide.

By tilting the device (mobile platforms) or swiping left or right Dave can be moved between lanes as he runs automatically and dodges obstacles.

The player controls Dave through different levels with gameplay typical for the genre. Despicable Me: Minion Rush is an auto-run platformer starring the minion characters from the 2010 animated comedy film Despicable Me.

Despicable me despicable me minion rush