Control the pace of the game, use equipment, and coordinate with your teammate to win more 2v2 Search and Destroy matches in the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Open Series.

Search and Destroy (SnD) is one of COD’s most iconic objective-based modes. Originating in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, this traditional 6v6 no respawn ruleset tasks teams with either planting and protecting the bomb until it detonates or defending and defusing bomb sites. Eliminating the enemy team also wins the round. The first squad to 6 comes out victorious in all three variations: Call of Duty League (CDL), public lobbies, and the Open Series. 

How to play Search and Destroy

Discover more details like time to plant and defuse in this basic SnD overview from the Call of Duty League. Despite playing Modern Warfare, the rules and nuances remain identical between titles.

2v2 Search and Destroy tips and tricks

Your unique playstyle dictates how you play Search and Destroy in Black Ops Cold War. There are several basic tips, however, that even the most seasoned SnD players should review.

• Stick together: Stay by your teammate in order to trade eliminations or fend off an opponent that wandered away from their partner. Venturing off could easily lead to 1v2 engagements. 
• Plant the bomb to control the pace: The attacking team can set the tone for the remainder of the round. Planting the bomb gives the defense a set amount of time to respond. Use the faster match pace to create an advantageous post plant set up.
• Prepare a post plant set up in advance: You need to have a coordinated strategy with your teammate before you’re in the action. Do not waste time deciding how to hold the bomb site after planting. Pick key locations that have eyes on the site, lanes into the area, and your partner.
• Use Equipment for plants and distractions: Tactical and Lethal Equipment can turn the tide of battle. A well placed Stun or Frag can disrupt a plant/defusal or put your team at a man-advantage very early in a round. There’s also the classic Smoke decoy routine to misdirect foes and plant with less risk.
• Be patient and take your time: This is a tip for the defending team. There is no need to rush things. Let the attacking team make the first mistake while you hold your ground. Remember, you win if the round timer expires.
• Always talk to your teammate: Communication is key for SnD. That means understanding location callouts, quickly relaying information to your teammate, and picking a strategy prior to the round.

Black Ops Cold War Search and Destroy map guide

The Cold War Open Series ruleset consists of five maps familiar to Black Ops Cold War players on the grind.

• Crossroads
• Moscow
• Garrison
• Checkmate
• Raid

YouTuber Skycaptin5 created an in-depth overview of all launch maps. Skip to specific points for Open Series maps Crossroads, Moscow, Garrison, and Checkmate.

Less Than Average Gaming goes over the lone missing map from Skycaptin5’s video. Raid, a fan-favorite, is a Call of Duty Black Ops 2 classic that returned to the map pool in Black Ops Cold War in Season One.

Run some of the newest Black Ops Cold War Season 3 weapons and let us know how you explode onto the Open Series scene.