Is Black Ops 2 still canon after Cold War?
As a hardcore Call of Duty fan, this is a question I‘ve seen debated intensely across internet forums ever since Cold War inserted itself as a prequel in the treasured Black Ops story arc. My expert verdict as a long-time series enthusiast: Black Ops 2 remains 100% canon even after Cold War‘s release.
Explaining the Black Ops Timeline
Let‘s map out the timeline first so everything makes sense:
| Game | Year Set | Main Story Beats |
| Black Ops 1 | 1960s Cold War | Brainwashing conspiracies, Vietnam War |
| Black Ops Cold War | Early 1980s Cold War | Hunt for Soviet spy Perseus |
| Black Ops 2 | 2025 (future) | Cyberattack by Menendez and Cordis Die |
So while Cold War jumps back chronologically to the early 80s, it does not affect the core events of Black Ops 2, which tackles the franchise‘s futuristic 2025 conflict. The two games neatly slot together as prequel and sequel covering different eras.
Developer Statements Confirming Canonicity
Fortunately, Treyarch has been clear that despite inserting a new chapter in the past with Cold War, the future storyline of Black Ops 2 remains 100% canon. Lead writer Craig Houston doubled down on this in a 2021 interview:
"Black Ops 2 is canon. All the events in that game absolutely happened."
This should definitively end any fan speculation or theories about Cold War overwriting the 10+ year storyline. As Houston emphasizes, Alex Mason taking down Raul Menendez is as real as ever in the Black Ops universe.
Analyzing Continuity Across the Timelines
Beyond explicit developer statements, we can find hints of Black Ops 2‘s continued canonicity by examining continuity across Cold War‘s 80s plotline:
- References to the rise of Menendez and Cordis Die confirm their later pivotal role
- Appearances of Woods and Hudson tie together their full arcs
- Declassified CIA documents foreshadow weapon tech innovations that define the 2025 conflict
It‘s clear that Cold War‘s missions were intricately crafted with future repercussions in mind. Story threads are left dangling, clues dropped about looming disasters. This deep interconnectivity cements Black Ops 2 as the next chapter.
What Could Theoretically Decanonize Black Ops 2?
I speculated earlier about potential scenarios that could disrupt Black Ops 2‘s firm place in franchise canon. While highly improbable, either of these would prompt Treyarch to disavow the 2025 storyline:
A new Black Ops sequel that explicitly retcons or contradicts major plot points from BO2. For instance, if they rewrote Menendez‘s backstory or made him American.
An official press release or tweet from Treyarch stating they no longer consider Black Ops 2 canon. Short of this direct disavowal, continuity holds up.
Of course as a wishful fan, I‘m hoping we simply get a remastered Black Ops Collection bundling the best campaign arcs!
The Franchise‘s Exciting Future
Given the smash success of 2019‘s Modern Warfare reboot, it seems likely that Treyarch could opt for their own soft Black Ops restart. Rumors swirl that the 2024 entry may enable players to create their own CIA operative and tackle nonlinear missions across Cold War hotspots.
While this could tangentially impact existing plot threads, I‘d speculate any retcon would focus on enhancing 80s lore rather than undoing the established 2025 timeline. Creative risks may be taken, but the legendary Menendez arc remains safely canon!
Let me know what you think – does Cold War‘s integration jive with your understanding of Black Ops universe continuity? How hyped are you to learn Treyarch‘s plans for 2024 and beyond?
