Apparatus is a puzzle game similar to the Incredible Machine series. The goal of each level is to guide one or multiple marbles into the goal. The way to achieve this is by using the limited amount of tools - e.g. planks, motors or ropes - to build contraptions and chain reactions. Especially later in the game, the player is required to experiment in order to beat the levels. The chain reaction can be started at any time to see what happens and there is an undone feature. Unlike similar games, there is no time limit and no points to earn by using less items.
The included editor can be used to experiment without boundaries or to create new puzzles. Those can be uploaded on the community site for other players to try. It is also possible to edit already beaten levels.