Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X is a game concerning air flights and is about the future where military armies run by private companies have built enough power to attack countries. The main character, David Crenshaw, is a former US Air Force armyman who joins one private military corporation (PMC). Soon, he goes back to the US Army to prevent the PMC from attacking the U.S. The game features an in-game technology called ERS. ERS, or Enhanced Reality System is the foundation of the player's flight in the sky. It has radars that detect planes in range, a missile detection system, a system for controlling the aircraft's damage, and also navigational items like a map and trajectory controls. The player can fully control an aircraft with all the controls at his disposal. The player may also play with the "assistance mode" turned on. When it is turned on, some of the controls will be automatic, allowing for a relatively easier battle.
Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X features various modes for playing. In the “campaign mission”, the player has to complete the game's main story. These missions can also be completed in “co-op mode” where the player can team up with others in the game. In the deathmatch mode, 15 players can fight with other players to earn experience points. Experience points can unlock new arms and other weapons. The game features around 50 aircrafts.