Search and Destroy is one of the most straightforward modes in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. However, the iconic mode is dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Here’s a handy guide to help you plant, defuse, and survive.

How Search & Destroy Works

Every 2 minute round of Search & Destroy has two teams of up to 6 players – attackers and defenders. They alternate sides every round. The attacking team’s job is to plant and detonate a bomb at one of two bomb sites, while the defenders must stop them.

A planted bomb is far from victory since it can always be defused. Fortunately, wiping the other team is another way to win. Keep an eye on the clock because the bomb must be disarmed even if the entire team is killed.

There are no respawns and the first to six wins.

How to Win

Keep them guessing. If you’re on the attack, try to catch the defending team by surprise. Don’t fall into a pattern when targeting bomb sites or navigating the map. That includes equipment placement.

Keep things even. This mode moves quickly and can fall apart fast. Travel together so that when one teammate is killed, another has the chance to return the favor. Getting wiped all at once hurts, but the tension from losing the lead and a player one at a time without an answer is demoralizing.

Prioritize the bomb. Once the bomb countdown timer starts, the opposing team might leave the site unattended. If this happens (and it will), take advantage of the time to defuse it. Be careful! They might just be camping the perimeter.

Smoke them out. Every small action is far more important because of the short round time and lack of respawns. Make the most out of yours with strategic smoke grenades to distract enemies and cover lines of sight. Smoking the bomb site is risky, although it is possible to bait the enemy if you aren’t actually planting or defusing.

Think mobility. Go with a shotgun or a mid-range weapon that can push you forward early in the match. Fast position provides a big advantage every round. Snipers are usable, just less reliable unless you’re capable of quick scopes or packing a second primary weapon.

Take a load off. Pick specific loadouts for this game mode. Select low scorestreaks that you’re guaranteed to get. Powerful ones are more difficult to get thanks to the shorter rounds. Equip perks like Ghost and Ninja coupled with attachments such as silencers to reduce noise, stay off of the radar, and better flank enemies. Don’t choose recon Perks, because there’s no time in this mode to really hunt people down. Instead, choose ones that reduce damage from grenades and increase mobility.

Plant Proximity Mines. Because of the clear paths players take in this round, mines will help your team take out some enemies without having to shoot them. Switch up their position every round and remember to always crouch if you hear one go off.

Communication and teamwork are paramount. Organized teams with roles will always have the advantage. Coordinate pushes to more easily pick off stragglers and then split up within a safe distance to get a better idea of the enemy’s location. Risky moves become less of a gamble when you have teammates to back you up every step of the way.