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The Cold War turns hot.
Command the forces of the USSR in Headquarters: Cold War – Operation Pacify, the first DLC for Headquarters: Cold War on June 18th.
Set in Northern Germany near Hamburg, Operation Pacify places you at the center of a rapidly escalating conflict. Soviet intelligence has uncovered the existence of a secret NATO nuclear missile launch facility, and what begins as a suppression mission quickly evolves into a desperate race to locate, secure, and control a weapon capable of shifting the global balance of power.
Fight through five challenging missions featuring evolving objectives, diverse battlefields, and the constant threat of escalation.
Take command of Soviet forces in a new 5-mission narrative campaign featuring:
Hunting down classified NATO intelligence
Assaulting heavily defended research facilities
Holding the line against relentless counterattacks
Breaking through fortified defenses to seize a nuclear missile silo
Every mission introduces new tactical challenges, including urban warfare, river crossings, defensive operations, and large-scale assaults against entrenched enemy positions.
Expand your arsenal with 16 new units — 8 for NATO and 8 for the USSR — introducing new tactical opportunities and battlefield strategies.
FIM-92 Stinger – Anti-air infantry
M202A1 FLASH – Long-range incendiary infantry
LAV-25 – Recon vehicle
Challenger 1 – Main battle tank
M270 MLRS – Rocket artillery
MIM-104 Patriot – Advanced AA system
M3 Bradley (ITOW) – Infantry fighting vehicle
Sikorsky MH-53 – Heavy helicopter
9K34 Strela-3 – Anti-air infantry
RPO Rys – Long-range incendiary infantry
BRM-1K – Recon vehicle
T-80B – Main battle tank
BM-27 Uragan – Rocket artillery
Buk missile system – Advanced AA system
BMP-2 (ATGM) – Infantry fighting vehicle
Mil Mi-26 – Heavy helicopter
Portable missile-equipped infantry squads capable of ambushing enemy helicopters from forests and urban terrain, bringing mobile anti-air tactics directly to the frontline.
Armed with devastating multi-shot incendiary rocket launchers, these units excel at area denial and close infantry engagements.
New 5-mission USSR campaign
16 new NATO and USSR units
2 new infantry classes
New environments and mission-specific assets
Expanded strategic depth and replayability
The T-80 shines when leading coordinated assaults, especially when supported by other units on the battlefield.
Watch the video to see it in action:
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The M1 Abrams is a playable unit in the NATO campaign, serving as a decisive asset for breaking enemy defenses and securing key objectives.
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In v. 1.01.06 we have worked on some fixes:
1. Fixed an issue with the Rapid Fire skill. It could be used multiple times, which could cause the game to crash.
2. Added template text for Workshop.
3. Fixed an issue with the Helicopter level-up skill Aerobatics. After learning it, helicopters could lose the ability to land.
4. Fixed incorrect text in some officer skills.
5. Fixed an issue with leveling up skills for some AI units.
6. The placement of quest units on NATO Map 6, "Assault on Nora Base," has been changed. Previously, they were difficult to spot due to the surrounding forest; they are now positioned at the edge of the forest.
Thank you for support!
In Headquarters: Cold War, the Mi-24 enables aggressive Soviet tactics by blending air assault, fire support, and rapid deployment. Its durability, mobility, and firepower make it a key asset for breaking enemy defenses and securing contested areas.
Watch the video to see the Mi-24 in action and learn how to use it effectively on the battlefield!
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We’ve just released a small update addressing a few important issues reported by the community:
Fixed a critical crash on NATO map 8.
Fixed a bug with the Officer skill "Upgraded Transmission" that allowed ground units to move through previously blocked terrain, such as water, forests, etc.
Several localization issues have been fixed.
Thank you for your continued feedback and support, please keep it coming!
In Headquarters: Cold War, the USSR campaign features the Mil Mi-8 helicopter.
It provides unmatched operational flexibility, allowing you to reshape the battlefield through superior mobility.
Headquarters: Cold War is out now
Step into a new chapter of the Headquarters series and experience tactical warfare in a hypothetical Cold War conflict between NATO and the USSR in the early 1980s. Command modernized armies, deploy powerful new units, and fight across a wide range of battlefields set in West Germany.
The game features two campaigns, allowing you to experience the conflict from both perspectives.
NATO Campaign: Command NATO defenders as they hold the line, wait for reinforcements, and launch a counteroffensive to reclaim lost territory.
USSR Campaign: Lead Soviet forces as they push westward across Germany in a large-scale offensive.
Each campaign contains 10 missions, for a total of 20 operations across diverse battlefields including cities, river crossings, mountain passes, and key strategic corridors.
Expanding tactical possibilities with new unit types and battlefield mechanics:
Modern main battle tanks
Utility and attack helicopters
Recon and support units
Advanced artillery and air support abilities
Helicopters make their debut in the series, enabling rapid troop deployment, aerial strikes, and highly mobile battlefield tactics.
New systems:
Officer skill trees to customize battlefield abilities
New Headquarters skills including air strikes, MLRS support, and tactical nuclear options
Improved AI and rebalanced combat reflecting Cold War technology and doctrine
Destructible environments and terrain-based tactics
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To celebrate this release, the entire Headquarters: War War II franchise is now on sale on a special price:
In today’s Dev log, we discuss the NATO campaign in Headquarters: Cold War and how it follows up on the USSR campaign we reviewed in the previous Dev log. I will not go into too much detail to allow you to experience the campaign without too many spoilers, but I will outline some key moments and historical background.
Allied forces ready to take on the Red threat
A new beginning
The NATO campaign starts right at the end of the events covered in the USSR campaign, several weeks after the active war broke out. By that time, the Red Army had achieved most of its operational objectives and occupied most of West Germany. However, it started to lose its pace, and its further advances slowed down greatly. This presents NATO forces, reinforced by additional troops, with an opportunity to finally stop the enemy advance and start pushing the enemy back towards Berlin, where it all started.
The battles are heavy, but the enemy has finally started to show the first signs of weakness
Protect the Ramstein Air Base
Your first order of the day is to stop the enemy advance by holding the defenses in and around the city of Mannheim. It is vital to stop the enemy there, as if they break through, they would come dangerously close to the Ramstein Air Base, which plays a key role in the logistics of NATO's entire war effort in West Germany. If you manage to stop the enemy advance, that will finally signify the perfect moment to start the long-awaited counterattack.
Hold the line!
Retaking the Fulda Gap
After the initial success in the counteroffensive, the time has come to take the Fulda corridor back from the Soviets, allowing Allied troops to continue the counteroffensive. Taking control of the strategic paths is vital for the war effort and is a key element for ensuring the continued advance. The Reds will not spare any resources to prevent your troops from taking the city. So, it will be up to your tactical prowess to overcome their stubborn resistance.USSR troops are putting up desperate resistance in the face of advancing NATO forces
Assault on the Nohra military base
Another key moment of the NATO campaign is the attack on the USSR military base near Nohra. Taking over the base and denying the Soviets control over it is critical for relieving the pressure on the southern front. It also allows the operation aimed at retaking the German capital Berlin.NATO troops are about to get themselves a new base of operations
Battle for Berlin
It is quite symbolic that the USSR campaign starts in Berlin, while the NATO campaign ends in Berlin. It is the last push to restore the pre-war border and possibly even reunite Berlin under the West German banner. Will that be possible? It depends entirely on your tactical prowess and the well-trained troops you have accumulated under your command over the course of the entire campaign.
NATO forces are liberating Berlin
See you on March 19th!
Headquarters: Cold War will release in just a few days - on March 19th. Our entire development team eagerly awaits the release and looks forward to your feedback. We hope that you will have a great time playing the game.Tear down this wall!
In Headquarters: Cold War, the NATO campaign features the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.
Watch this video and become an expert at deploying this versatile helicopter on the battlefield:
Headquarters: Cold War is coming on March 19th:
In today’s Dev log, we will talk about the USSR campaign in Headquarters: Cold War and discuss its historical background, key features, and important battles.
I will not go into too much detail to allow you to experience the campaign without too many spoilers, but I will outline some key moments and historical background.
The Berlin Wall is not an obstacle in the USSR tank’s way
The historical background
The game’s events are set in 1984, where the storyline becomes an alternative history, and the Cold War turns into a full-scale war. It happened right at the very end of the Cold War era, when the tensions were still running high, just before Gorbachev came into power and started to gradually lower the hostility between the USSR and the Western countries. This timeframe makes sense historically, while also conveniently allowing us to use a wider array of units, which includes all models introduced by 1984.A fragile peace is one Berlin Wall away from being shattered
The war plan
The invasion was planned as a relatively quick takeover of West Germany, followed by the negotiations, and the reluctance of the NATO countries to enter a nuclear war for the sake of West Germany. Thus, putting USSR in a stronger position diplomatically and allowing them to dictate its terms in Europe. The dev team was drawing inspiration from various military exercises of the time, including “Seven Days to the River Rhine”, as well as other sources - there are quite a lot of speculations as to how the Cold War might have gone really hot.That is exactly the nukes that were supposed not to happen…
Starting with Berlin
As many of you know, during that time, Berlin was split between West and East Germany, separated by the Berlin Wall. So, the first order of the day for the USSR troops was to cross the border and capture the historical center of Berlin, including the ex-Reichstag building. Then, occupy the rest of the city.USSR troops are taking the ex-Reichstag building once again
River crossing at Hann. Münden
One of the battles will take you to the town of Hann. Münden, where you will be tasked with crossing the river and taking control of the strategically important town. One of its iconic locations is a Tillyschanze Tower.USSR troops locked in combat with NATO forces next to the Tillyschanze Tower
Battle for Cologne
One of the crucial targets for the Soviet invasion is undoubtedly Cologne. The large city is also a major industrial center. Its location near the western border also signifies the near completion of the USSR’s overall plan. However, NATO troops may yet have their say in how the war would end. Designing maps such as Cologne is always challenging for the game design and art teams, as the mission design and visual assets have to follow the real location, which has changed quite a lot over the last 40+ years… We are really looking forward to your reactions and feedback.USSR troops on a sightseeing tour in Cologne
What’s next?
With the USSR forces taking lots of territory and a number of key cities in West Germany, NATO forces face a very challenging task of striking back and retaking the occupied regions. Will they succeed? Let us discuss that in the next Dev log. Not everything went as planned. NATO forces finally staged a counter-offensive that we will discuss in the next Dev logOut on March 19thIn today’s Dev log, we will scrutinize the NATO forces’ units available in Headquarters: Cold War and compare them with the Red Army line-up we looked at in the previous Dev log. So, let us see what the alliance has to offer as a deterrent to the red threat.
An alliance means the combination of different countries’ unitsUnlike the Red Army, which was arguably more centralized and homogenous, NATO forces represent unit models from different NATO countries. While the bulk of the forces is comprised of the US units, there are a few notable representatives from other NATO nations planned. For the most part, that would be West German units, such as Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks, Jaguar 1 tank destroyer, and the Light Artillery Rocket System (LARS). NATO’s anti-aircraft defenseWith the growing importance of AA units in Headquarters: Cold War, due to the introduction of helicopter units, let us look at what NATO has on the table. On top of the traditional systems, like Rheinmetall Mk 20 Rh-202 based on Bofors AA guns as a towed AA, and the M163 VADS as the self-propelled AA, we now also have the rocket-based units (SAMs), namely the Roland-2 system.
Whose Main Battle Tank is the best?The Cold War period saw the unification of the light, medium, and heavy tanks into a single class named main battle tank, sparking an even fiercer competition between the tank builders on both sides of the Berlin Wall to prove they could find the best balance between weight, mobility, protection, and firepower. The USSR was developing a fairly successful line of tanks, initially started as T-54/T-55, and later developing into the T-64, T-72, and finally the T-80. Meanwhile, on the NATO side, there were different lines of development led by varying teams and aspirations. The Headquarters: Cold War features the M103 as the last remnant of the “heavy tanks” era, the M551 Sheridan as a light tank, and several key main battle tank models, such as Leopard 1A4, Leopard 2, M60A1, and M1 Abrams.
NATO infantry meeting the enemy invasion head-onBoth NATO and Red Army infantry units are evenly matched in terms of heavy weaponry and small arms. One could argue about the quality of the weapon system and personnel training, but the underlying techs are about equal. NATO’s elite troops are represented by the “Green Berets” - the United States Army Special Forces. Artillery duelsOn top of the conventional towed artillery pieces, represented by the FH70, NATO forces boast Light Artillery Rocket System (LARS) - the multiple launch rocket systems designed for providing concentrated rocket fire at the designated area. So, in terms of the artillery counter-battery fire, we have FH70 facing off against the D-30, LARS against the Grad system, and finally, the self-propelled M109A1 against the 2S3 Akatsiya.
NATO helicoptersWe have already discussed the helicopter units in the first Dev log entry. However, I would like to mention them here as well, to present a fuller picture of what you could expect from the NATO units' composition. Helicopters act both as additional fire support and mobile transport. The rapid redeployment of infantry units could play a pivotal role in the outcome of any engagement. It is also worth mentioning that the Apache helicopter currently features the best offensive capabilities among the helicopter units on both sides, but lacks the ability to transport troops, compared to its USSR counterpart. (So, both USSR helicopters could transport troops, while NATO forces have one utility and one attack helicopter) NATO’s Trucks and APCs get their wheels rolling When it comes to transporting the infantry units and providing fire support, NATO forces have the following assets at their disposal: the MAN Category 1 4х4 truck, with the iconic workhorse М113A1, and a more heavily armed LAV-300, featuring a 90 mm gun. Recon units maneuveringNow, let us have a look at what NATO has to say in terms of providing mobile reconnaissance units. There are the following models at your disposal: the Ford M151A2 utility jeep, as a light vehicle, and the heavier M706 Cadillac Gage Commando, able to engage the enemy's lightly armored units.
What is a Raketenjagdpanzer?The quick advancement in portable AT rocket launchers led to the creation of the Raketenjagdpanzers - the armored vehicle with rocket launchers on top - serving as a well-protected and mobile anti-tank unit. However, the missiles installed on the Raketenjagdpanzer 1 and 2 have become obsolete over the years, leading to the further upgrade of the Raketenjagdpanzer 2 into the Jaguar 1. Jaguar 1 has newer missile systems installed and improved armor. The result is virtually a rocket-firing tank, with a low silhouette, due to the absence of a turret.
What’s next? Now you know what the NATO forces in West Germany had at their disposal while making themselves ready to defend against the Red Army’s imminent invasion. In the next Dev log entry, we will have a closer look at the hypothetical events leading to the Cold War turning into an active war, and the key ideas behind the campaign's design in Headquarters: Cold War. So, stay tuned!
See you next time!
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USSR helicoptersWe have already discussed the helicopter units in the previous Dev log, however, I would like to mention them here as well, to present a fuller picture of what you could expect from the USSR units' composition. Helicopters act both as additional fire support and mobile transport. The rapid redeployment of infantry units could play a pivotal role in the outcome of any engagement. Trucks and APCsIn terms of regular means of transportation for the Infantry units and towed artillery pieces, the Red Army has a Ural-375D truck, and two types of APCs - MT-LB and BMP-1, that could provide better protection and fire support to the infantry they carry. Recon vehicles
When it comes to the recon units, the USSR forces have a small mobile 4x4 vehicle Uaz 469, and a heavier and better armed BRDM-2. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, while keeping their main advantage - mobility and situational awareness.
A missile tank is the best anti-tankWe have already talked about the tanks, but what about the means to stop their advance? The anti-tank means have evolved greatly during the Cold War era, resulting in various anti-tank missile weapons. One such unit is an AT missile launcher mounted on top of a T-62 chassis, resulting in the appearance of a so-called missile tank. This mobile and well-protected anti-tank unit can launch deadly AT missiles from a solid range and keep enemy tanks at bay. Its only downside is its limited effectiveness against infantry units.
ConclusionThe Red Army units are all set to launch a hypothetical invasion of West Germany. In our next Dev log, we will look at what units the NATO forces there have at their disposal to repel such a serious threat, and discuss how evenly matched both sides were at the time.See you next time!Wishlist now:
One of the most striking (pun intended) features of Headquarters: Cold War, compared to its predecessor, is that for the first time in the series, the player has direct control over aerial-type units - Helicopters, some of which are also capable of transporting infantry units. This is a massive change in terms of the tactical capabilities of the opposing forces. It brings lots of new considerations to keep in mind when building your strategy and tactics for each battle.
Now, let us look into every facet of the helicopter units and what exactly they are bringing to the battlefield:
Unprecedented mobility
With the highest Move point parameter in the game and the ability to move through the air, ignoring the terrain limitations, obstacles, and land troops, the helicopter units can reach any nook and cranny of the battlefield with unprecedented speed. It allows both sides to make unexpected and swift tactical moves to challenge the control of the key points.
Rapid troops redeployment
Not only can helicopters move swiftly across any terrain, but they can also carry infantry units and deploy them at the designated locations. This allows for rapid strikes against key points without sufficiently strong garrison forces. You can catch the enemy guard by moving in fast across significant distances and establishing control, or laying an ambush for its advanced troops, while waiting for your own heavier reinforcements to arrive and strengthen your control over the area.Mobile firepower
On top of carrying troops, helicopters boast solid firepower that can be used as fire support for the ground forces they just dropped off, or as supporting firepower that can be easily redeployed across the battlefield. Most helicopters are capable of rocket strikes, while some are also fitted with a gun. Keeping a safe distance and using terrain and line of sight to their advantage, helicopter units can sneak in on the enemy forces and, after a quick strike, follow up with an even swifter retreat. Although it could only work with a proper reconnaissance in place.
Counter measures
However fearsome and irreplaceable the helicopters may look on paper, they all have one big caveat - they are quite fragile with only 3 HP and low defence parameters. This means any enemy ambush could very well be fatal. All sorts of anti-aircraft units will be hunting the sneaky helicopters, trying to ambush them and make them land for good. Often time sall it takes is one good hit, and the helicopter is down. This means sending in your helicopters without the reconnaissance and support is more of a gamble than a solid strategy, but a surprise move could also give you an edge sometimes. So, you will always have to think about when to allow a risky move, and when it would be better to play it safe.NATO helicopters
Boeing AH-64 Apache
The legendary attack-type helicopter that excels in the attacking and fire support roles, having the best attacking capabilities in the game across both factions, but lacking the ability to transport troops.Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
The utility-type helicopter is capable of both transporting the troops and providing fire support.
USSR helicopters
Mil Mi-8
The transport helicopter, which is also capable of providing fire support with its rocket weaponry.
Mil Mi-24
Generally classified as an attack helicopter, it nonetheless has transport capabilities, thus combining solid attacking power with the utility features.
Key mechanics
The key mechanics for helicopters are their ability to land and take off. When the helicopter lands, it hovers close to the ground and is unable to move or attack, but can land troops on board, or deploy them to the ground. It can also be attacked by all types of units while in this state. Landing ability takes all the remaining Move points, so the helicopter cannot land and immediately take off again in one turn, allowing the other player to take action against it.When the helicopter takes off, it can move freely and attack all types of units, while only units with AA capabilities can attack the helicopter. It cannot drop off or take on board units until it lands again. Taking off costs 50% of the helicopter’s maximum Move points.
The key idea behind this design was to make the helicopter units vulnerable when they deploy troops in remote areas, so that the opponent can use this opportunity to ambush them, creating a risk vs reward dynamic.
Conclusion
While the helicopters may look overpowered, we look forward to seeing all sorts of tactical know-how and countermeasures the players’ community would come up with when playing the multiplayer matches using the helicopter units. Despite the obvious powerful capabilities, those units are quite fragile and have a high cost, so losing them could hurt a lot. Yet, even with this in mind, the tactical opportunities they provide are just too good to pass up. See you next time!Wishlist now:
During Slitherine Next, we officially announced Headquarters: Cold War, the next entry in the Headquarters series.
Set in a fictional 1984 conflict between NATO and the USSR, the game brings the Headquarters formula into a new era of modern warfare, expanded tactical options, and updated battlefield technology.One of the key additions is the introduction of Utility and Attack Helicopters. These aircraft can fly at low altitude, land to pick up or deploy infantry, and provide new offensive and reconnaissance capabilities. The update also expands the HQ skill trees, introduces new officer abilities, and adjusts overall game balance to better reflect Cold War–era military developments.
A new range of environments, 3D assets, unit models, and UI elements further distinguishes this entry from its World War II predecessor while maintaining the core structure of the Headquarters system.Wishlist now:Join now the Beta
About
This page aggregates Steam news feeds, patch notes, and developer announcements for Headquarters: Cold War, sourced from official Steam community posts.
Major updates, balance changes, and seasonal events often correlate with player-count spikes — cross-reference announcements here with the live charts on the main Headquarters: Cold War statistics page.
Articles link back to Steam for full changelogs. SteamScope refreshes news entries as new posts are published to the game's Steam hub.