Limit Load is a cockpit flight game featuring modern military jets. It is more an arcade game than a simulation, as the level of realism has been adjusted to provide action-packed gameplay. While the main theme is generally set in modern times, the game is not meant to be shy of near-future military tech or even light sci-fi elements. Anyone with sufficient knowledge can add new content, such as new campaigns or playable jets, or improve the game core.

The main focus is on the single-player experience, and the story is an important part of the game. There is a number of scripting interfaces for making in-game cutscenes, dramatic dialogues with event triggers, and theater-like content between the missions.