Who Should Hold the Bunker Key in Cold War? A Deep Dive into Desperate Measures

The question of who should wield the bunker key in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s “Desperate Measures” mission is a complex one, entangled in themes of trust, deception, and ultimately, control. While the game presents a scenario where your choice appears to matter, the truth is far more insidious. Regardless of your carefully considered answer during the interrogation, the consultant ensures that General Charkov is the only individual granted access. This design choice highlights the narrative’s cynicism and underscores the feeling that the player, despite their best efforts, is often a pawn in a larger game. While the player gets to answer the question of who they think should have the key, the game has already made its decision. The choice is a fallacy and that is part of the narrative.

This article will not only dissect the seemingly predetermined outcome of this pivotal moment, but it will also explore the broader context surrounding this decision within the game’s narrative. We’ll examine the potential implications of allowing someone else access and discuss how this scene contributes to the game’s themes.

The Illusion of Choice: Why Charkov Always Gets the Key

The “Desperate Measures” mission places you in a precarious position. You’re questioned about the mole, and afterwards, you are then asked who should have control of the bunker key. You might logically suggest a trusted operative, a key member of your team, or even yourself. However, the script dictates that your opinion is ultimately irrelevant. The consultant’s desire is to ensure Charkov retains control, regardless of your input.

This predetermined outcome serves several narrative purposes:

• Undermining Player Agency: The scene reinforces the idea that the player character, Bell, often lacks true autonomy. Despite their skills and insights, they are frequently manipulated by external forces.
• Highlighting Charkov’s Power: It underscores Charkov’s position of power and influence within the KGB. Even with concerns about his loyalty, he remains the consultant’s favored agent.
• Increasing Tension: The forced handover creates a sense of unease and anticipation. We know that Charkov cannot be trusted, yet he is the one in charge of the bunker.
• Building the Overall Narrative: This scene is used to support the idea of betrayal in a game where everyone seems to have their own agenda and where the truth is easily manipulated.

The key takeaway here is that while the game may present the illusion of choice, there are times when it makes the choices for you. This creates a certain level of distrust in the game and forces the player to try and find another path. This idea becomes a central theme of the game as it progresses.

The Consequences of Control: What Could Have Been

While the game ensures Charkov retains control, it is beneficial to consider what could have happened if a different character had received the bunker key:

• Bell: If Bell had access, it would likely allow for a more direct and proactive approach to the mission, giving the player more options for dealing with the situation.
• Lazar/Park: Giving one of these team members access would have highlighted the importance of the team dynamic and would have built the idea of teamwork and support.
• A Trusted Ally: If the player was able to select a specific ally, it would give more weight to the choices and relationships the player has built through the game.

These alternative scenarios serve as a hypothetical exercise, allowing players to explore different ‘what if’ scenarios that the game never allowed them to explore.

Why the Story Needs Charkov to Have the Key

The game narrative is such that Charkov having the bunker key is essential to the story’s development. His access leads to several key events, including his inevitable confrontation and the player’s need to seek the key by force. Charkov’s control over the bunker is pivotal for the following plot points:

• Heightened stakes: By placing the bunker in the hands of an untrustworthy and potentially hostile individual, the narrative ratchets up the tension.
• A Necessary Conflict: This provides a narrative impetus for the player to take direct action against Charkov, requiring them to infiltrate his office. This is the only way the player can get their hands on his keycard.
• A Reminder of Betrayal: Charkov’s control over the bunker acts as a constant reminder of the betrayals and deception that underlie the game’s storyline.

Ultimately, the decision to give Charkov the key is a deliberate narrative choice, even if it feels like the player’s agency is being undermined. It serves the story and the feeling of mistrust that the game sets out to achieve.

Conclusion

The bunker key scenario is designed to highlight the limited control a player has within the narrative and that all their choices, ultimately, do not matter when it comes to the overall direction of the game. The choice is a false choice, a red herring designed to lead the player to think that they have an influence on the narrative of the game. While many players might have wished for an alternative outcome, Charkov’s retention of the key is critical to the game’s storyline and its overall themes of betrayal and manipulated control. It’s a design choice that speaks volumes about the game’s cynical approach to espionage and the lengths to which the player character must go to unravel the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who are the suspects in Operation Red Circus?

The three suspects in Operation Red Circus are Bearded Lady, Strong Man, and Juggler. These suspects were identified based on their gender and recent travel lists.

2. Should I help Adler in Cold War?

Whether to help Adler is a crucial choice. Telling Adler the truth about Perseus’ location at Solovetsky Monastery will lead to the good ending, while lying will lead to the bad ending and the death of Bell.

3. How do you betray Adler in Cold War?

You can betray Adler by lying to him during the interrogation, claiming Perseus is at Duga instead of Solovetsky. You can then use a nearby radio to warn Perseus of the deception.

4. What should I do with Charkov in the Desperate Measures Mission?

You can stab Charkov in his office to obtain his keycard, essential for accessing the bunker. This involves sneaking through the war room and into his office.

5. How do you get the best ending in Black Ops Cold War?

The best ending is achieved by telling Adler the truth about Perseus’ location at Solovetsky. This leads to a final mission to stop the Greenlight nukes across Europe.

6. Should I obey or disobey Adler in Cold War?

Disobeying Adler’s instructions repeatedly in the final stretches of the game will award you the “The Red Door” Trophy/Achievement.

7. Is Adler a Russian Spy?

Adler was suspected of being a Soviet spy during his career within the Treasury Department. However, it’s not specifically highlighted within the context of Black Ops Cold War.

8. Is Adler a Good or Bad Guy?

Adler is more accurately described as an anti-villainous figure. His actions are often morally ambiguous, and while he’s a key part of the team, his behavior is, at times, manipulative.

9. What happens if you lied to Adler?

Lying to Adler leads to the bad ending, where Perseus’s plan succeeds and the European nukes are activated. You can also use the radio to warn Perseus if you choose to lie.

10. Who is the Strong Man in Operation Red Circus?

The Strong Man is Calvin Dunn, identified by his gender, as well as his travel to both Barcelona, Spain and Dijon, France.

11. Can you save Greta in Cold War?

You can potentially save Greta, a character in the game, by killing Lucas. This is an early game choice where the player can make a decision, however, Greta’s survival has no real impact on the narrative.

12. How do you know if you got the right suspects in Operation Red Circus?

If you correctly identify all three suspects, some unique dialogue will play after you finish the mission.

13. Why was Bell killed in Cold War?

Bell is killed by Adler after revealing their loyalty to Perseus and the fact that they had been lying about Perseus’s location at Duga. This happens during the bad ending if you choose to mislead Adler.

14. What happens if you ignore Adler in the mission “Break on Through”?

If you try to disobey Adler’s instructions in the “Break on Through” mission, red doors will fall from the sky preventing you from straying from the narrative.

15. Which ending is canon in Cold War?

The good ending is considered canon, where you tell Adler the truth about Solovetsky, as it aligns with the timeline and events of Black Ops 2.