The Cold War was a very tense period in modern history, during which the United States and the Soviet Union were involved in politics of flexing muscles, threatening world peace by funding various proxy wars and participating in a series of informal technological races to prove to the world who’s the strongest superpower.

Considering that both sides had access to enormous supplies of nuclear weapons, people were genuinely concerned about a potential nuclear war that could’ve led to wiping out the entire human civilization.

GameReleaseGenreDeveloperVideo
Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater 2023-10-24 Tactical & Shooter Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
Phantom Doctrine 2018-08-14 Adventure & Tactical CreativeForge Games
Tropico 5 2014-05-23 Simulator & Role-playing (RPG) Haemimont Games
Twilight Struggle 2016-04-13 Simulator & Strategy Playdek, Inc.
Wargame European Escalation 2012-02-22 Simulator & Tactical Eugen Systems
Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War 2023-03-08 Shooter Treyarch
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2010-11-08 Action & Shooter Treyarch
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater 2025-08-28 Tactical & Shooter Konami

As terrifying as it may sound, it’s a very potent choice for a setting in movies, books, and other works, so it’s only natural that game developers often explore this theme and build their games around it.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best video games set during the Cold War.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Release date:2010-11-08
Genre:Shooter
Developer:Treyarch

Playing the role of an SOG and CIA agent tasked with carrying out special missions behind enemy lines fits the theme perfectly.

In CoD: Black Ops you’ll be able to directly support the US by sabotaging operations backed by the USSR.

Even though, judging by the tile, the game may appear to be stealth-focused, don’t be fooled; it’s packed with action and encourages a more direct approach, resulting in more dynamic gameplay.

You may like it because
  • A first-person shooter with lots of action and explosions
  • Satisfying shooting mechanics and a solid selection of weapons to utilize during play
  • Addictive multiplayer and an optional “zombie” mode

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Release date:2023-10-24
Genre:Shooter & Tactical & Adventure
Developer:Konami Computer Entertainment Japan

MGS 3 is considered by some the greatest video game of all time and it’s not without a reason.

If you’re looking for espionage games or games where remaining undetected while carrying out the task is a number one priority, you should give this one a try. Set in a Soviet jungle, MGS 3 provides players with a story that could be considered absolute cinema. You’ll have a good laugh, too.

You may like it because
  • An action-adventure game focused on stealth and keeping a low profile
  • A techno-thriller with a captivating story and sci-fi elements
  • Lots of humor and occasional fourth-wall-breaking

Phantom Doctrine

Release date:2018-08-14
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator & Strategy & Turn-based strategy (TBS) & Tactical & Adventure
Developer:CreativeForge Games

On a more strategic side of spy film-inspired Cold War games, we’ve got a cool, turn-based one.

In Phantom Doctrine you’ll have quite an important mission to accomplish, as you’ll be trying to save the world by sabotaging a huge conspiracy initiative. Build and upgrade your headquarters, hire and train new agents, and participate in a series of difficult missions to thwart the plans of a secret organization that plans to take over the world.

You may like it because
  • A tactical game where you need to combine the unique strengths of your characters to succeed
  • Alternative Cold War setting focused on the global conspiracy
  • A certain degree of randomness that improves replayability

Tropico 5

Release date:2014-05-23
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator & Strategy
Developer:Haemimont Games

Usually, Cold War games focus on showing the conflict from the perspective of the US side. As such, the Tropico franchise may be considered a breath of fresh air in that regard.

Tropico 5 is a management game that gives you a unique opportunity to become a dictator and rule a remote island nation. Maintain your dynasty, research new technologies, explore the surroundings, send the army to stop the rebels, and meet the needs and expectations of the inhabitants to build a prosperous city.

You may like it because
  • An entertaining dictator sim focused on planning, building, and developing a city
  • Several eras to play through, including the Cold War
  • Relaxing atmosphere, fantastic music, and casual-friendly gameplay

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Release date:2023-03-08
Genre:Shooter
Developer:Treyarch

Even though we already mentioned Black Ops, there’s one more Call of Duty game that perfectly fits the list.

Black Ops Cold War is a direct sequel to CoD: BO and will take you to a believable setting in the 1980s, featuring real historical figures, such as the U.S. President, Ronald Reagan. The game expands on the idea of Perseus – a code name given to hypothetical Soviet spies who were involved in the Manhattan Project.

You may like it because
  • More stealth-oriented, compared to the original Black Ops
  • Sacrifices a portion of realism for more engaging gameplay
  • Shines even brighter in multiplayer

Twilight Struggle

Release date:2016-04-13
Genre:Simulator & Strategy
Developer:Playdek, Inc.

Based on a board game of the same name, Twilight Struggle can be played on a PC as well.

Twilight Struggle is a strategy game where the USSR and the US are fighting for dominance and influence. Use your cards to alter the level of influence in countries across the board and avoid triggering a nuclear apocalypse.

You may like it because
  • A simple board game that’s perfect for short gaming sessions
  • Relatively easy to learn
  • Significant replayability value

Wargame: European Escalation

Release date:2012-02-22
Genre:Real Time Strategy (RTS) & Simulator & Strategy & Tactical & Indie
Developer:Eugen Systems

Finally, a strategy where you’ll be able to control your army and issue orders in real time.

The situation on the battlefield in European Escalation can change in an instant, which requires players to be on their toes at all times and pay close attention to enemy movement. Being able to adapt to different scenarios on the fly and employ appropriate tactics to counter hostile actions is the key to victory here.

You may like it because
  • Large-scale battles on huge maps
  • A spectacular choice of different units to utilize during play
  • Requires good multi-tasking skills

Conclusion

The Cold War was a stressful period marked by anxiety and fear, where one wrong move could’ve led to an absolute nuclear disaster. Because of that, it’s also considered to be highly valuable as a source of inspiration, as it allowed countless artists to create works based on it.

For your convenience, we’ve selected several historical and spy games that are set in the Cold War era and, in our opinion, are worth playing. Have you tried them all yet?