GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Combat Mission Cold War session
Our independent guide breaks down the core elements of Combat Mission Cold War, helping you extract the most insight from its sandbox design. By comparing equipment eras, campaign structures, and multiplayer setups, you can develop a nuanced understanding of Cold War tactics without relying on hidden shortcuts.
01 / THE GUIDE
Era Comparison Drill
Run the same US West German scenario twice – once with 1979 gear and once with 1982 gear. Note differences in armor survivability and firepower, then adjust your tactics accordingly.
- Compare outcomes when using 1979 versus 1982 equipment to notice doctrinal shifts.
- Use the sandbox nature to test unconventional unit pairings for insight.
02 / THE GUIDE
Air‑Ground Coordination Test
Deploy an F‑4 Phantom strike before a ground assault. Record how the air strike influences enemy armor positions and compare it to a run without air support.
- Play the 1979 and 1982 US campaign versions back‑to‑back to spot equipment evolution.
- Follow the Soviet “Ride of the 120th” to experience early‑war offensive tempo.
03 / THE GUIDE
Soviet Offensive Timing
Play the Soviet “Ride of the 120th” campaign and time how quickly you can reach the first divisional objective. Experiment with different unit mixes to see which yields the fastest advance.
- Mix M‑60A3s with T‑80s to gauge Cold War armor balance.
- Experiment with the M150 TOW for anti‑tank support in small engagements.
04 / THE GUIDE
Multiplayer Latency Check
Set up a LAN match and a remote online match. Observe any differences in unit response times and adjust your command cadence to maintain effectiveness.
- Use the F‑4 Phantom’s strike capability to soften Soviet armor before a ground push.
- Observe how cluster munitions alter battlefield dynamics compared to conventional shells.
05 / THE GUIDE
Cluster Munition Impact Study
Use Single‑Purpose and Dual‑Purpose Improved Cluster Munitions in identical artillery scenarios. Compare area damage patterns and how they affect enemy formations.
- Try split‑screen PvP to compare your tactics directly with a partner on the same map.
- Use LAN mode for low‑latency matches when playing locally.
