Scribblenauts Showdown's main mode, Showdown, has players versing opponents in different minigames. Prior to starting a minigame, players must select a noun which they will use to try to win the game. Before selecting a word, the game spins a wheel, which will decide what letter the player's words will start with.[5] In Showdown mode, players play on different boards, akin to Nintendo's Mario Party series.[5] The game also has a versus mode, which is similar to Showdown, except it's a 1v1 and doesn't take place on a board.[5]
The game's sandbox mode is more alike prior Scribblenauts installments and sees the player trying to solve NPC's issues by creating objects using a magical notebook. After solving an issue, players are rewarded with "Starites", which can be used to buy apparel in the customization menu.[5] The sandbox mode has 8 different worlds and supports up to 2 players.[6]
The game supports up to 4 players. Players can also verse CPUs. Players can customize their characters in the "My Scribblenaut" menu. Players can unlock customization options for their avatars by spending Starites, which are unlocked after winning in the versus or Showdown mode, or by clearing missions in the sandbox mode.[5]
