Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War similar games & best alternatives
Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War
2023
Related articles
Quick resume
Black Ops Cold War, the direct sequel to Call of Duty®: Black Ops, will drop fans into the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s.
Global score
80/100
Genres
Action, Shooter
Pros
- Engaging campaign with multiple endings
- Strong zombies mode with co-op and progression
- Classic and satisfying multiplayer gameplay
- Good customization and weapon variety
- Active player base with crossplay support
Cons
- Requires constant internet connection
- Multiplayer can be clunky or unbalanced
- Some technical issues and crashes reported
- Campaign is relatively short
- Grind for unlocks can be tedious
Motivations
-
Autonomy3
"Players have control over campaign choices, loadouts, and playstyles, but multiplayer and zombies modes follow established FPS structures."
-
Competence4
"Game offers skill-based multiplayer, challenging zombies mode, and a campaign with varied difficulty; players report mastering mechanics and strategies."
-
Competition4
"Multiplayer features ranked modes and skill-based matchmaking; players engage in competitive matches and leaderboards."
-
Continuation3
"Many players report long play sessions, habitual engagement especially in zombies mode, and continued interest years after release."
-
Cooperation4
"Zombies mode and some multiplayer modes emphasize teamwork and co-op play; players enjoy collaborating with friends."
-
Creativity2
"Customization of weapons and characters is present; zombies mode includes loadout customization and some creative map design, but core gameplay follows FPS conventions."
-
Domination2
"Competitive multiplayer includes elements of dominance, but no strong evidence of toxic or authoritarian behavior beyond typical competitive trash talk."
-
Escapism4
"Players use the game to relieve stress, escape real life, and immerse in Cold War era fiction and zombie survival."
-
Expectation-3
"Most players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or pressure."
-
Experimenting3
"Players explore different campaign choices, weapon loadouts, and zombie strategies, indicating experimentation within game systems."
-
Exploration2
"Campaign and zombies modes offer new areas and secrets; exploration is present but within structured levels."
-
Expression3
"Players customize characters, weapons, and skins, expressing personal style especially in multiplayer and zombies."
-
Fantasy4
"Game immerses players in Cold War espionage fiction and supernatural zombie scenarios, providing strong imaginative experiences."
-
Fellowship3
"Players form communities around zombies and multiplayer modes, sharing experiences and collaborating."
-
Growth4
"Players develop skills in multiplayer combat, zombies strategies, and campaign tactics, showing learning and improvement."
-
Health-4
"Game is a sedentary FPS experience with no physical activity elements."
-
Idle-3
"Requires focused attention and active engagement; not suited for passive or background play."
-
Intimacy2
"Social interactions occur mainly in cooperative modes; some emotional sharing among friends but limited evidence of deep relationships."
-
Leadership1
"Some players take leadership roles in co-op zombies or multiplayer teams, but no strong emphasis on leadership."
-
Progression4
"Strong progression systems with weapon upgrades, unlocks, and leveling in multiplayer and zombies modes."
-
Relaxation2
"Some players find zombies mode relaxing and enjoyable; multiplayer can be tense but campaign offers balanced challenge."
-
Sensation3
"Game provides sensory stimulation through graphics, sound design, and intense action sequences."
-
Status3
"Players seek recognition through ranks, achievements, and cosmetic unlocks visible to others."
-
Story4
"Campaign offers narrative immersion with multiple endings and character development; zombies mode has its own storyline."
-
Strategy4
"Players engage in tactical planning in multiplayer and zombies, including loadout choices and map control."
-
Thrill4
"Game delivers suspense and excitement through tense combat, surprise zombie encounters, and campaign twists."
-
Value3
"Players generally perceive good value especially when purchased on sale; content variety adds to perceived return."
-
Violence4
"Enjoyment of combat and destruction is central to gameplay across all modes."
-
Survival4
"Zombies mode and some multiplayer modes emphasize survival against threats and resource management."
Similar games
Where to buy
Last update: 06/03/2026