The 80s sitcom The Goldbergs features a caretaker character. The player must perform regular activities related to taking care of the character in order to unlock new activities. Additionally, this game features a non-renewable resource called "cool points." Many ways to use these points are introduced in the game, including unlocking new activities and becoming influential. In the game, the environment is presented in a two-dimensional format. You can touch or swipe specific elements to access different areas of the game. Some locations are only accessible through certain mechanics, which reward players with additional points. The game lets you explore the lives of many characters through their stories. Playing these stories also introduces you to new systems that you can’t ignore. You’ll notice changes in places you touch by playing the game.

Unlocking The Goldbergs: Back to the 80s's first activity, Computer Class, happens quickly once the game begins. Then, many cool points are generated quickly and when the total limit is reached, they should be collected to increase the total number of points held. Upgrading a location's number of cool points can speed up the process and also increase the total number of points generated. By earning cool points, you're able to unlock new areas in the game. Each time you upgrade your phone, the amount of points you can get by tapping increases. This is an important resource for any idle game— and it makes sense why this mechanic would be present in this game. Unlocking new locations unlocks additional points toward unlockables. Each of these unlockables is the same as the computer class you unlocked earlier. Unlocking new activities is necessary to achieve game goals. Doing so grants additional points and the ability to upgrade these activities in the future.

Each episode of The Goldbergs: Back to the 80s has a different number of goals needed to complete. These goals function like quests; they require players to complete specific requirements in order to pass the next stage. Players also need to meet these requirements by completing development tasks based on the characters' interests. Additionally, they can assess how many goals remain to be completed and how many are still needed. Each number differs from episode to episode. Before you start a new episode, take note of any past habits that you developed. Some of your previous progress will be reset, forcing you to develop new habits again. The new activities may be more challenging than what you previously accomplished, but they won't be the same type of challenge as before. Because new episodes continue to release with new goals, players need to keep working to complete them. This ongoing goal increases the length of episodes and makes them more interesting. Characters in the game encounter each other and learn about their daily routines. By earning cool points and participating in different activities, players hope to become influential. New things can be obtained by raising each activity to a higher level. Doing so increases the number of points earned in one go. Unlocking certain activities grants you similar goals to achieve. Next episodes require completing goals in a similar fashion to the tasks needed to achieve your goals. Difficult challenges appear in each episode. The number of goals needed to complete also increases with each one. ———