Highlights

  • Black Ops 6 will focus on espionage and a rogue mentality, with the main antagonist still a mystery.
  • The possible main antagonist, Russell Adler, shows loyalty to the CIA, but may lead a secret faction.
  • Adler's loyalty could be tested, potentially turning him into a double agent, bringing a new twist to the story.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is bringing more action and espionage to the long-running franchise spin-off. Set near the end of the Gulf War, Black Ops 6 has revealed a gameplay trailer for the upcoming title, and it's clear that a rogue mentality will be an important theme throughout the game's story. It's been made clear that no one can be trusted, and this presents the question of who will be the game's main antagonist.

Although the main villain hasn't been confirmed, the gameplay trailer for Black Ops 6 features a familiar face who could very well play the role of antagonist; Russell Adler. Black Ops 6 serves as a sequel to Black Ops: Cold War, and Adler's role in the latter showed that he is a CIA agent who will do anything necessary to stop the Soviet Union and protect the interests of the United States. His willingness to serve the CIA, no matter what, could set him up to be Black Ops 6's most prominent villain.

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Black Ops 6 Could Make Adler a Bonafide Threat

Adler lives in a world of gray areas, making him a compelling character. His fierce loyalty to the CIA causes him to set morality aside in many situations, as long as it results in something positive for the aforementioned organization. Black Ops 6 seems to be taking a new direction, and making Adler the main adversary in the story would be an exciting turn.

Adler's Blind Loyalty Could Prove Dangerous

It's clear that Black Ops 6 is turning up the dial on the action spy thriller aspects the series has become known for. Dialogue from the gameplay trailer shows that there is something deeply sketchy going on within the CIA. Mentions of the agency being compromised and a mole on the inside may be teasing that a larger conspiracy is at hand. Although Adler's devotion to the CIA could indicate that he isn't the hinted villain, he could very well be leading a secret faction within the agency, especially if he now disagrees with how the organization is being run.

Another huge hint in the trailer comes when Troy Marshall states, "I figured if I stuck around hell long enough I'd see the devil" and then immediately cuts to Adler. This could just be based on Adler's ruthless reputation, as he's even nicknamed America's Monster, but there could be a deeper meaning to this editing choice. Adler's role in the campaign is mysterious, but he's featured quite a lot, meaning he will either be an important hero of the story or the main adversary.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is currently set to launch on October 25 of this year, so fans may not have to wait too long before Adler's role is revealed.

A Possible Twist on the Horizon

Adler and the CIA seemingly go hand in hand. However, another potential way Adler could become the main threat is that he turns out to be a double agent. The agent is fluent in both German and Russian, making him a valuable asset to the CIA, but this could potentially bring him closer to the Russian government, leading them to offer Adler an opportunity he simply can't refuse. Although this would be a shocking turn, it's still quite out of character for the agent, so it's definitely the less likely outcome. Black Ops 6 is making some big changes, but divorcing Adler from his loyalty to the CIA might be a little too far.

It's far more likely that Adler is working within the CIA in order to change the agency from the inside. Since the events of Call of Duty: Cold War, the CIA has likely seen some huge changes, possibly leaving Adler feeling like he's been backed into a corner with no other option but to go rogue in order to restore the agency to the way he preferred. With Woods seemingly going rogue, Adler may be reaching out to him in some capacity to help reform the CIA in morally questionable ways.