What Happens If You Lie in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War?

Lying to Russell Adler in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War dramatically alters the course of the game, leading to one of the darker and more devastating endings. Specifically, if you choose to lie during the ‘Identity Crisis’ mission, telling Adler that Perseus is located at the Duga radio installation instead of the Solovetsky Monastery, you will trigger the events that lead to either the “bad” or the “evil” ending. This choice fundamentally shifts the narrative and drastically impacts the final mission and the fate of the world. Instead of assaulting the Monastery, which is the correct path, your team will mistakenly assault Duga, allowing Perseus to move forward with his plans unchallenged.

Ultimately, lying to Adler unravels a chain of events that culminates in widespread nuclear destruction. The seemingly simple act of deception causes a cascade of negative consequences. You become an unwitting participant in Perseus’ plan, leading your team down a disastrous path that results in countless casualties. This decision is not easily reversed; it seals your fate and the fate of many others, highlighting the importance of truth in the game’s narrative.

The Consequences of Deception

The immediate consequence of lying to Adler is a change in the final mission. Instead of “Final Countdown,” the final mission becomes “Ashes to Ashes.” This name change isn’t merely cosmetic; it signifies the starkly different outcome that awaits. In “Ashes to Ashes,” instead of working to prevent the activation of the “Project Greenlight” nukes, you are essentially aiding Perseus. This switch in objectives highlights the depth of your betrayal.

The Bad Ending

If you choose to lie and follow the narrative into the Duga radio installation, you essentially become a tool for Perseus, leading your squad right into his trap. The final cutscene for this path shows Bell leading Adler and the squad to the safehouse. If you get close enough to Adler, you get a short cut scene where you have 30 seconds to radio Perseus. If you do nothing the game gives you the bad ending with Perseus succeeding in activating Project Greenlight, triggering nuclear detonations across Europe. The devastation is profound, marking the end of the game and the world in a terrible, tragic way. This ending underscores the significant impact of your lie and the tragic results of misplaced trust.

The Worst Ending

There’s an even darker twist to the consequences of lying to Adler that results in the “worst ending”. During the mission, Bell reveals to Adler they lied and remained loyal to Perseus. In a fit of rage and betrayal, Adler executes Bell. After, Perseus proceeds with his plan to detonate the nuclear arsenal. This ending reinforces the brutal and unforgiving nature of the Cold War setting and serves as a stark contrast to the potential heroism of the good ending. It showcases the dangers of manipulation and the devastating impact of unchecked deceit.

Why Does Lying Lead to such Devastating Outcomes?

The game’s narrative is built around the idea that truth and trust are essential in preventing global catastrophe. By choosing to lie, you undermine the very foundation of this narrative and allow the antagonist, Perseus, to succeed. Your actions allow him to enact his destructive plan by leading the strike team away from the true threat. Lying is not simply a gameplay choice; it’s a narrative decision that directly influences the conclusion of the story. The game makes it clear that deceiving those who trust you can have catastrophic consequences, driving home the importance of moral choices in times of crisis.

The game also explores themes of brainwashing and manipulation. Bell, the player character, has been mentally altered by Perseus, blurring the lines of loyalty and trust. This manipulation adds another layer to the narrative, making the decision to lie even more complex and impactful. The decision is not simply about lying to Adler; it is about deciding whether to continue down a path of deception and destruction or choose truth and potential redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it better to lie or tell the truth in Cold War?

To achieve the “good” ending, it is essential to tell the truth about Solovetsky when Adler asks you where Perseus is. Lying leads to either the bad or worst ending.

2. What happens if you disobey Adler in Cold War?

While there are moments where you can choose different paths to explore certain areas, at key narrative points, especially regarding the big decisions, disobeying Adler will not change the overarching storyline. For instance, if you try to disobey Adler’s instructions during the ‘Redlight’ mission, red doors will fall from the sky in front of Bell, forcing you back onto the correct path.

3. Is Adler a good guy?

Adler is portrayed as an anti-villainous deuteragonist. He is not inherently good, but his goals generally align with the interests of preventing a global catastrophe. His methods are often questionable, and he demonstrates a willingness to use morally ambiguous tactics, but he is not on the wrong side of the fight.

4. How many endings are in Cold War?

There are three main ending variations in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War: the “good” ending, a “bad” ending, and the “worst” ending. Each is determined by your choice to either tell the truth or lie to Adler at the end of the Identity Crisis mission.

5. Is Bell a Russian in Cold War?

Bell is believed to have been born in Russia and was closely associated with the Soviet spy Perseus, serving as his right-hand operative.

6. How did Adler get his scar?

Adler’s scar is explained as a result of chasing a Soviet agent and getting injured while jumping between rooftops and hitting a utility pole.

7. Should I trust Adler?

While Adler has good intentions, his methods are morally questionable. The game gives the player a choice on whether or not to tell him the truth, knowing that he has been deceptive. It’s important to understand Adler has a strong vested interest in stopping Perseus, however. Ultimately, trust is a choice the player must make within the game’s context.

8. Which Cold War ending is canon?

The “good” ending is considered the canon one because it aligns with the timeline and events established in later Call of Duty games, specifically Black Ops 2. The bad ending creates inconsistencies that would break the established narrative.

9. What happens if you lied to Adler on Black Ops Cold War?

Lying to Adler leads you down a path to the bad or worst endings where you essentially aid in the destruction of the European continent. Instead of completing “Final Countdown” you will play “Ashes to Ashes” which will result in catastrophic destruction.

10. Who died Adler or Bell?

In the “worst” ending, Adler executes Bell after being betrayed. In the “good ending” Adler survives, but Bell’s fate is unknown.

11. Why did Adler shoot Bell?

Adler shoots Bell in the “worst” ending because he is aware that Bell has been brainwashed by Perseus and cannot be trusted. Adler understands the danger that Bell represents.

12. Does Adler shoot Bell?

Yes, Adler shoots Bell in the “worst” ending.

13. Who was the spy in cod cold war?

The main antagonist and spy in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is Perseus, who is working to destabilize the West, and Bell.

14. What’s the darkest ending in Black Ops Cold War?

The “worst” ending, where Adler kills Bell and Perseus succeeds in detonating the nukes, is considered the darkest ending. It’s a tragic end where deceit and betrayal lead to global devastation.

15. What if I choose Park over Lazar?

Choosing to save Park over Lazar seems to be the canonical choice, as Park is a selectable operator in the multiplayer mode set after the campaign.