Modes Game
There are several game modes: Standalone Missions, Campaign, Skirmish, and Campaign Cobra.
Standalone Missions
Players select a mission, assemble a team of G.I. Joe operatives, and equip them as they see fit, with full access to the entire G.I. Joe arsenal. Equipment cards are divided by tiers of power, but in this mode, players can freely choose any they want. The goal is simply to complete the mission without any long-term progression.
Campaign Mode
The main and most immersive way to play. Here, players take on a series of missions in sequential order across multiple game sessions. Starting from the lowest rank, the Joes will earn progress points, unlocking new equipment and abilities as they advance. Players keep a campaign sheet to track the progress of all Joes that participate, but they are not restricted to using the same characters in every mission. It’s recommended to choose the best team for each challenge.
Some missions will have consequences that carry over—Joes might be captured and forced to escape from a Cobra prison, or failing to gather intel in a previous mission could make the next one significantly harder. The campaign system is designed to be dynamic and streamlined, avoiding complex maps or excessive branching while still maintaining a strong sense of progression and continuity.
Campaign Cobra (Expansion Mode)
Additional
Game Features
Player Count & Solo Mode: G.I. Joe: Operation Cobra is designed for 1 to 4 players. No special rules are needed for solo play, as the game is fully cooperative and driven by an automated enemy system. In solo mode, the only requirement is that the player must control at least two Joes.
Dynamic Mission Environments: Each mission takes place in varied and modular environments, ranging from dense jungles to embassies and secret bases. The game’s tile-based system ensures a high level of replayability and strategic variety.
Simple & Intuitive Actions: On their turn, each Joe can perform two actions, chosen from the following: Move, Attack, Rest, Interact with Objects, or Activate Special Abilities. A Joe can typically perform only one of each type, unless they push themselves beyond their limits using their Heroic Effort value, which determines how much extra exertion they can handle.
Streamlined Dice System: All game actions requiring dice—attacks, defense, damage, and range—are resolved in a single roll using custom dice. The same simple system applies to non-combat actions like unlocking doors or hiding from enemies.
Expansive Arsenal & Customization: Both Cobra and G.I. Joe forces have access to a vast selection of weapons and gear representing different combat styles, including close-range, long-range, explosives, melee, armor-piercing laser weapons, and much more! Joes also have unique signature gear, with each Joe having five exclusive equipment cards that allow for specialized builds, which can be combined with the general arsenal available to all operatives.
Endless Replayability: Even when replaying the same mission, no two games will ever feel the same due to the varied enemy AI behaviors and the wide range of Joe + equipment combinations that players can deploy.
Tide of Battle Mechanic: At the start of each round, the Tide of Battle shifts in favor of either the Joes or Cobra, unlocking unique abilities for the active side’s characters or troopers. This dynamic system ensures that no fight is ever truly over until the mission is complete—just when victory seems certain, the battle can turn in an instant!
Stealth System
G.I. Joe: Operation Cobra features a stealth system that rewards careful planning, deception, and strategic positioning. Certain missions begin with the Joes already in stealth, making it advantageous to remain undetected for as long as possible. In other scenarios, the team may start in a more vulnerable position but can still utilize stealth tactics to turn the tide.
Some characters—especially those trained in infiltration and deception, like Snake Eyes, Zartan, or Scarlett—excel at staying hidden, allowing them to avoid detection and gain key advantages over unaware enemies. Mastering the stealth system can provide tactical superiority, offering alternative ways to approach missions beyond direct confrontation.
