Unveiling Operation Ivy: Nuclear Supremacy in Civilization VI

Operation Ivy in Civilization VI is a pivotal late-game project tied to your pursuit of nuclear dominance. It essentially represents the culmination of your scientific efforts to create the ultimate doomsday weapon. Specifically, Operation Ivy becomes available after you have completed two crucial prerequisites: first, researching the Nuclear Fusion technology, and second, completing the Manhattan Project city project. Successfully completing Operation Ivy grants you the ability to build the Thermonuclear Device, a vastly more destructive upgrade to the standard Nuclear Device. It allows you to unleash significantly more devastating attacks on your rivals.

The Thermonuclear Advantage

While the standard Nuclear Device is certainly a force to be reckoned with, the Thermonuclear Device elevates the devastation to a whole new level. Both function in the same fundamental way: delivering a crippling blow to targeted cities or strategic locations. The key difference lies in their area of effect and range.

• Blast Radius: The Nuclear Device damages everything within one tile of the impact zone. The Thermonuclear Device, on the other hand, expands this to two tiles, dramatically increasing the destruction caused.

• Range: The range of the Nuclear Device is 12 tiles. For the Thermonuclear Device, that range is 15 tiles, increasing its strategic use to far off opponents..

This increased destructive power makes the Thermonuclear Device a game-changer in late-game wars, capable of crippling entire empires with just a few well-placed strikes. Building Operation Ivy is not just about acquiring a bigger bomb; it’s about achieving unparalleled strategic leverage.

How To Build and Use Nuclear Weapons in Civilization 6

To be able to build and use them, players first need to research Nuclear Fission and complete the Manhattan Project (which unlocks the Build Nuclear Device project). The two nukes function the same, but the thermonuclear device has a larger radius of effect, damaging everything within 2 tiles of impact instead of 1, and has 15 range instead of 12. All a player must do to use the nuke is select one of these units or improvements after they have built a Nuclear or Thermonuclear Device. From there, players will choose to launch a WMD Strike, and they will then target the city or area that they want to hit with a nuke. Once completed, the Manhattan Project allows the player to undertake the Build Nuclear Device project.

Strategic Implications of Nuclear Weapons

The presence of nuclear weapons, especially the Thermonuclear Device, fundamentally alters the dynamics of your game. Here’s how it impacts your strategy:

• Deterrence: A strong nuclear arsenal acts as a deterrent, discouraging other civilizations from attacking you. The threat of mutually assured destruction can be a powerful diplomatic tool.

• Offensive Power: Obviously, nuclear weapons provide unparalleled offensive capabilities. You can use them to quickly cripple enemy cities, destroy their infrastructure, and break their war effort.

• Strategic Targets: Think carefully about where to use your nukes. Priority targets include densely populated cities, key industrial centers, and strategic chokepoints.

• Fallout Management: Remember the consequences! Nuclear strikes create fallout, which harms units and slows down tile improvements. Plan accordingly and consider using units immune to radiation for cleanup.

• Diplomatic Fallout: Using nuclear weapons will have significant diplomatic repercussions. Expect other civilizations to denounce you, potentially leading to alliances against you.

FAQs: Operation Ivy and Nuclear Warfare in Civ VI

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Operation Ivy and nuclear warfare in Civilization VI:

What are the requirements for unlocking Operation Ivy?

You must first research the Nuclear Fusion technology and complete the Manhattan Project city project.

What is the difference between the Nuclear Device and the Thermonuclear Device?

The Thermonuclear Device has a larger blast radius (2 tiles vs. 1) and a longer range (15 tiles vs. 12) compared to the Nuclear Device.

How do I build a Nuclear Device or Thermonuclear Device?

After completing the Manhattan Project or Operation Ivy, respectively, you can initiate the “Build Nuclear Device” or “Build Thermonuclear Device” project in a city. These projects consume production and resources.

How do I launch a nuclear weapon?

Once you have built a Nuclear Device or Thermonuclear Device, you can load it onto a Nuclear Submarine, Bomber, or launch it from a Rocket Silo. Select the unit/tile and choose the “Launch WMD Strike” option.

What are the effects of a nuclear strike?

Nuclear strikes inflict massive damage to units and districts in the target area. They also create fallout, which damages units and prevents improvements.

Can I destroy a city with nukes in Civ 6?

Nukes destroy units, prevent AI units from being moved in the area, and allow any unit to instantly capture the city. If the fallout is in the city hex then it also prevents the city from spawning most units, including workers required to clear the fallout. Nukes won’t destroy hex resources or improvements.

Will the AI use nuclear weapons against me?

Yes, the AI is capable of building and using nuclear weapons. Be wary of civilizations with high science output or those known for their aggressive tendencies.

What are the diplomatic consequences of using nuclear weapons?

Using nuclear weapons will significantly damage your diplomatic relations with other civilizations. Expect denunciations, war declarations, and potential embargoes.

How do I defend against nuclear attacks?

Build strong defensive infrastructure in your cities, such as Anti-Air Guns and Missile Cruisers. Also, consider spreading out your cities to reduce the impact of a single nuclear strike.

Can I capture a city after it has been nuked?

Yes, after a city has been nuked, you can move a melee unit into the city tile to capture it, provided the unit can survive the residual fallout.

How long does fallout last in Civ 6?

The duration of fallout varies depending on the intensity of the nuclear strike. It typically lasts for several turns, gradually diminishing over time.

Are there any units immune to fallout?

Some units, like the Modern Armor and other advanced military units, have innate resistance to radiation damage.

Does Gandhi always use nukes in Civ 6?

While Gandhi has a hidden agenda called “Nuke Happy,” which he has a 70% chance of having, making him more likely to use nukes, it’s not guaranteed. Other civilizations can also develop and use nuclear weapons.

What is the Manhattan Project?

The Manhattan Project is a city project that, upon completion, allows you to build Nuclear Devices. It is a prerequisite for Operation Ivy.

What happens if a city is submerged due to rising sea levels after being nuked?

Submerged tiles are destroyed, along with any improvements and districts on them. City Centers cannot be submerged, however.

By understanding the mechanics and implications of Operation Ivy and nuclear warfare, you can effectively wield these powerful weapons to achieve your strategic goals in Civilization VI. Remember, however, that great power comes with great responsibility, and the decision to unleash nuclear devastation should never be taken lightly.

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