Events Earth Defense Force 5 occur in 2022. A fleet of aliens looming over the Earth, or more precisely Japan, are not at all inclined towards diplomacy. A swarm of giant insects bursts out of the ships, wiping out the civilian population from the face of the planet. Moreover, the invasion is controlled by the aliens Primers – superintelligent humanoids, who occasionally also enter into battle. They are armed with advanced equipment and only the EDF forces located nearby, on the outskirts of Kanto, are capable of fighting back. One of their soldiers comes under the control of the player.

Earth Defenses 5 offers fighting for 1 of 4 classes:

• Ranger. An ordinary fighter using standard weapons, such as machine guns, shotguns and rocket launchers. He can also ride tanks and motorcycles.
• Artilleryman. Receives points for the help of his teammates, for which he calls for air support, combat robots and other bombing equipment. By itself, it quickly dies in battle.
• Flyer. A girl with a jetpack, focusing on one target. Its weapons have a common charge with the jetpack, and if it is depleted, quick demise is guaranteed.
• Swordsman. Instead of bladed weapons, it is controlled with an exoskeleton in which heavy weapons are mounted. Slow and clumsy, but has impressive firepower.

The passage is divided into several missions. Completing them unlocks subsequent tasks, as well as classes – initially only the ranger is available. The essence of most missions comes down to the banal extermination of waves of enemies on a wide open map. Their enemies drop weapons and armor that only lasts for the current run. But you can run missions not only alone, but also in the company of up to 4 friends in co-op or together in split-screen.