Scene from Combat Mission Cold War. Tanks driving on a road, smoke rising.

Combat Mission Cold War scene: tanks firing, smoke rising, destroyed wall in foreground, a jeep exploding.

A tank in Combat Mission Cold War in a desert landscape. The tank has camouflage and dust is swirling.

An armored vehicle on a field in a strategy game. The sky is blue and the scene is peaceful.

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Enter an alternate history that explores the question: what if NATO and the Warsaw Pact turned the Cold War into a hot one? Combat Mission Cold War is a strategy simulator that pits the two forces into an armed conflict from 1979 to 1982.

The late 20th century has seen the advent of the digital form of warfare that we know today. You will be able to simulate the early versions of the US National Training Center as the US modernizes its concepts of AirLand Battles.

Experiment in a sandbox designed for military scenarios. Put squads of units against others in hypothetical combat—say, M-60A1 tanks against the T-64s. Who will prevail?

Combat Mission Cold War also offers a variety of scenarios to explore, happening across West Germany and beyond. Experience three full-length campaigns exploring this alternate history.

NTC campaign. Take control of the US Army Company Team as they fight in simulated combat against the Soviets’ NTC Opposing Force.

The US West German Campaign. Set in the area between Fulda and Hanau, fight in two versions of the campaign—one in 1979 and the other in 1982—to see how technology can alter the outcome of both time periods.

The Soviet Campaign. Play on the Soviet side as they race to complete strategic objectives in Fulda. Take command of your division and take control of the war in Combat Mission Cold War.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

: What is the core strategic loop of Combat Mission: Cold War, beyond simple turn-based combat?
Combat Mission: Cold War emphasizes a continuous cycle of planning, execution, and learning. Players must meticulously plan their actions in the WEGO (We Go) turn system, where both players plan simultaneously, and then witness the results unfold in real-time. The critical element is analyzing the outcome of each turn to adapt your strategy for the next, focusing on intelligence gathering, unit cohesion, and adapting to the fog of war.; How does the WEGO system in Combat Mission: Cold War differentiate itself from traditional turn-based or real-time strategy games?
The WEGO system is unique because both players plan their moves simultaneously and then execute them in real-time. This creates a dynamic where intended actions can be disrupted by the enemy's unforeseen moves, forcing constant improvisation and rewarding players who can anticipate enemy actions and react effectively to unexpected situations.; What is the significance of the 'Fog of War' in Combat Mission: Cold War, and how does it impact gameplay?
The Fog of War is a central mechanic, simulating realistic battlefield uncertainty. Units have limited vision, and what they can see and report is influenced by terrain, weather, smoke, and enemy deception. This means players must actively use reconnaissance, scout units, and intelligence gathering to understand the battlefield, rather than relying on a complete overview of enemy positions.; How does unit morale and fatigue influence combat effectiveness in Combat Mission: Cold War?
Unit morale and fatigue are critical. Units under heavy fire, experiencing casualties, or in prolonged combat will suffer from reduced effectiveness, potentially breaking and running. Players must manage their units' stress, provide support, and withdraw them from the front lines when necessary to maintain combat readiness.; What role do specialized units and their equipment play in the Cold War setting of the game?
The game features a wide array of specialized units, from infantry squads with anti-tank capabilities to sophisticated electronic warfare units and air support. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each unit, along with their specific equipment (e.g., RPGs, machine guns, TOW missiles), is crucial for effective tactical employment and countering enemy threats.; How does the detailed ballistics and damage model in Combat Mission: Cold War affect engagements?
Combat Mission: Cold War features a highly detailed ballistics and damage model. Projectiles travel realistically, taking into account range, velocity, and penetration. Armor is also modeled in detail, meaning where a shell hits and the type of armor it encounters significantly dictates the outcome, requiring players to aim for weak spots and consider armor types.; What are the implications of 'Command Control' and 'Line of Sight' for a player's forces?
Maintaining command and control is vital. Units must be within a commander's line of sight or have a clear path to receive orders. If units lose contact with their commander or are out of sight, they may revert to a less effective autonomous mode or even become immobile, highlighting the importance of maintaining unit cohesion and a clear command structure.; How does the game simulate the impact of terrain and weather on battlefield operations?
Terrain and weather have a profound impact. Dense forests can provide cover but limit visibility and movement. Open fields offer good lines of sight but expose units. Weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility, affect weapon accuracy, and alter movement speeds, forcing players to adapt their tactics to environmental factors.; What is the significance of 'Combined Arms' in Combat Mission: Cold War, and how should players leverage it?
Combined arms warfare is essential for success. Integrating infantry, armor, artillery, and air support synergistically allows players to exploit enemy weaknesses and overcome their strengths. For instance, using artillery to suppress enemy positions before an infantry assault, or using armor to punch through defenses supported by infantry.; How does the game handle the psychological aspects of warfare, such as troop panic and suppression?
Troops can become suppressed by enemy fire, reducing their effectiveness and accuracy even if they are not directly hit. Prolonged suppression or heavy casualties can lead to panic, causing troops to flee or surrender. Players must manage suppression by using smoke, flanking maneuvers, and providing covering fire to keep their troops in the fight.