Pop Star is a block-matching game that shares similarities with Melodic Tiles, Monster Puzzle and Tiles of the Unexpected. The player attempts to meet various goals by matching colored blocks in sets.
The game has two modes (i.e., Classic and Levels). With Classic, the player must meet score and fire reward point goals and clear each play area of as many blocks as possible. When they pass the score goal, they unlock the next area. The fire reward doubles their score with each selection for 10 seconds. During Levels play, they need to collect a specific number of one or more blocks marked with gemstones, stars or other icons or meet a specific level score.
The player achieves their goals by creating adjacent sets of matching blocks across mixed-block columns. They remove a set by selecting one block that has one or more matching blocks next to it. All of the blocks merge into one at the selection point and then disappear from the screen. The remaining blocks drop down into gaps or shift left. If the player fails, they can revive their play with coins or an ad view.
Pop Star provides four boosters across both modes. The player can use a paintbrush to change the color of a selected block, double arrows to shuffle all remaining blocks, a rocket to remove a column, and a bomb to blast a 3x3 zone around a selection point. When they use boosters in a mode, the access updates in the other one. They can earn more boosters by collecting daily bonuses, opening ad-supported gifts, and watching ads in the shop area.
