Headquarters: Cold War is a fast-paced turn-based strategy game set in a hypothetical conflict between NATO and the USSR in 1984. Commanders can play as either side across two plot-driven campaigns and a variety of skirmish missions. Build your force, assign heroes, level up units, and use powerful Headquarters skills to outsmart the enemy and change the course of modern history.
Face a true tactical challenge – The combat system follows the easy to learn, hard to master philosophy, offering depth and realism with every decision: Units feature detailed armor (front, side, back, top) where positioning is critical. Terrain and obstacles provide directional cover and shape the battlefield. Destroyed vehicles and buildings create new tactical opportunities. High ground and destructible environments add verticality and unpredictability.
Create and share your own battlefields – The in-game Map Editor lets you design custom skirmish and multiplayer maps from the ground up. Shape the terrain, place objectives, and craft unique tactical scenarios to challenge yourself and others.
Manage your forces – Between battles, upgrade and customize your units. Assign heroes with unique skills, level up troops, and adapt your force composition to overcome every scenario.
Keep your crews safe – Every unit has a crew, and each member matters. Lose a gunner and firepower drops; lose a driver and mobility suffers. Protect your crews if you want to maintain combat effectiveness.
Campaigns and multiplayer – Play through two campaigns (NATO and USSR) with 10 missions each, test your tactics in Skirmish battles against improved AI, or challenge friends in online multiplayer with up to 4 players. Cooperative 2v2 battles are supported, along with asynchronous play through Slitherine’s CombatHQ system.
Game Features
- Two full campaigns with 10 missions each, for a total of 20 story-driven operations.
- Six Skirmish maps designed for replayability and tactical variety.
- 58 highly detailed unit models and a wide range of 3D environment assets.
- Immersing atmosphere with 12 original music tracks, with high quality sound effects that heighten immersion.
- Play unique Unit classes: Utility and Attack helicopters. Take command of the first airborne units in the series, capable of transporting infantry, delivering pinpoint strikes, and dominating the battlefield with unmatched mobility.
- New HQ skills: adding devastating new abilities such as Resupply, MLRS, Air Strike, and even a Tactical Nuke.
- All-new Officer skill trees, offering powerful abilities like Close Quarters Battle, Field Interrogation, Camo Net, Modular Armor Panels, Enhanced Radar Systems, and more to customize your strategy.
- Rebalanced Cold War-era gameplay, with increased movement and attack ranges that reflect modern technology while keeping the tactical depth you expect.