Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a strategic shooter that takes place in the 1980s. The player will control a character known as the "Shadow", who is on a mission to destroy the world and start a new one.

The story begins in the 1980s, during the Cold War. The player will fight against various enemies, including the Soviet Union, the United States, and other nations. They will also fight in various locations, including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America.

The gameplay is based on action missions, which will have different enemies that will need to be defeated. Each mission will also have a specific objective, which will need to be accomplished in order to advance to the next level.