How to Turn Your Rivals to Radioactive Dust: A Guide to Nuclear Warfare in Civilization VI

So, you’re feeling a bit expansionist, are you? Perhaps your neighbor is getting a little too big for their britches, or maybe you just have a penchant for apocalyptic landscaping. Whatever your motivation, you want to know how to nuke a country in Civilization VI. Well, buckle up, because we’re about to delve into the delightfully destructive world of nuclear warfare.

The short answer is: you need uranium, the necessary technology, and a delivery system (like a missile silo, bomber, or submarine) to launch a nuclear or thermonuclear device at a rival city.

Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Research the Required Technologies: This is the most time-consuming part. You’ll need to advance through the tech tree to unlock Nuclear Fission for the Atomic Bomb and Advanced Ballistics for the Thermonuclear Device. Keep in mind that researching these technologies will likely make other civilizations wary of your intentions.

2. Secure Uranium: Uranium is a strategic resource required to build and maintain nuclear weapons. Scout your territory and use resource revealing technologies like Satellites to locate it. If it’s outside your borders, you’ll need to trade for it or conquer the land containing it.

3. Build or Acquire a Delivery System: You have three primary options for launching your nukes:

   • Missile Silo: This is a tile improvement you can build in your cities. It provides a safe and secure platform for launching nuclear strikes. Build these in well defended cities away from the front lines!
   • Bomber Aircraft (Jet Bomber): These units can be based in your cities or on aircraft carriers, providing mobile nuclear strike capability. Jet bombers can carry both regular and nuclear payloads.
   • Nuclear Submarine: Stealthy and deadly, nuclear submarines can launch nukes from the depths of the ocean, making them difficult to detect and intercept.

4. Produce Nuclear Weapons: Once you have the technology and uranium, you can begin producing Nuclear Devices in your cities. Each bomb requires a certain amount of uranium to build and maintain, so manage your resources carefully.

5. Select Your Target: Consider the strategic value of your target. Major cities, industrial centers, or cities with Wonders are all prime candidates. Be mindful of the fallout, which can cripple your own units if they move into the affected area.

6. Launch the Nuke: Select your delivery unit (missile silo, bomber, or submarine), choose the “Launch Nuclear Device” action, and select the target tile. A dramatic animation will play, showing your nuke obliterating its target.

7. Deal with the Fallout: Nuclear strikes leave behind fallout, which reduces the tile’s yields and damages any units that enter the affected area. You’ll need to use builders to clear the fallout and restore the land to its former glory. The presence of fallout also prevents a city from spawning most units, including workers required to clear the fallout if it’s in the city’s hex.

Congratulations! You have successfully nuked a country in Civilization VI. Now, prepare for the diplomatic fallout (pun intended). Other civilizations will likely denounce you, and your warmonger penalty will skyrocket. Be prepared to defend yourself against potential retaliation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nuclear Warfare in Civ 6

Here are some additional insights and frequently asked questions related to nuclear warfare in Civilization VI to further arm you with knowledge.

What exactly do nukes *do* in Civilization 6?

Nukes have several devastating effects:

• Destroys Units: Any units within the blast radius are instantly destroyed.
• Damages City: Cities take heavy damage, often losing population and buildings.
• Creates Fallout: Fallout persists on the tile for many turns, reducing yields and damaging units.
• Prevents Movement: AI units will avoid moving through fallout tiles.
• Instant City Capture: Any unit can instantly capture a city after it has been nuked.

Can I defend against nukes?

Yes, but it’s difficult. Anti-air units like Missile Cruisers and Jet Fighters can attempt to intercept incoming nukes, but they are not guaranteed to succeed. Having multiple intercepting units around a valuable city is crucial. Actual ICBMs are really hard to intercept!

What is the difference between an Atomic Bomb and a Thermonuclear Device?

The Thermonuclear Device is a more powerful version of the Atomic Bomb. It has a larger blast radius (2 tiles instead of 1), a longer range, and deals more damage. However, it also costs more uranium to produce and maintain.

How does fallout work?

Fallout reduces the yields of the affected tile and damages any units that enter it. The amount of reduction and damage depends on the severity of the fallout. Fallout will eventually dissipate over time, but you can speed up the process by using builders to clear it.

What are the diplomatic consequences of using nukes?

Using nukes will significantly increase your warmonger penalty, leading to negative relations with other civilizations. They may denounce you, declare war, or refuse to trade. Be prepared for the possibility of retaliation.

Can I nuke city-states?

Yes, you can nuke city-states. However, doing so will likely anger their suzerain and potentially trigger a war with them.

Can the AI use nukes against me?

Yes, the AI can and will use nukes if they have the technology and opportunity. If you see an AI leader researching nuclear technologies or stockpiling uranium, be prepared to defend yourself.

How much uranium do I need for nukes?

The amount of uranium required varies depending on the type of nuke and the game speed. Generally, you’ll need a few units of uranium per bomb. Make sure you have a reliable source of uranium before investing in nuclear weapons.

Is it possible to win a game of Civ 6 without using nukes?

Absolutely! Many players prefer peaceful or diplomatic victories. Nuclear weapons are just one tool in your arsenal, and they come with significant risks.

What are some good strategies for using nukes effectively?

• Target key cities: Focus on cities with high production, science, or culture output.
• Use nukes to soften defenses before an attack: Nuke a city before launching a ground invasion to weaken its defenses.
• Deny resources: Nuke tiles with strategic resources like iron or oil to cripple your opponent’s production.
• Strategic placement: Position your missile silos and submarines in locations where they can reach multiple targets.

Can I nuke the same city multiple times?

Yes, you can nuke the same city multiple times, but the effects diminish with each subsequent strike. After the first nuke, the city will have reduced population and infrastructure, making it less valuable as a target.

What happens if I nuke a city with a World Wonder?

The World Wonder will be damaged, but not destroyed. It will still provide its benefits, but at a reduced capacity until it is repaired.

Are there any Civ 6 game modes that focus on nuclear warfare?

Not specifically, but the Red Death game mode offers a post-apocalyptic scenario where players compete to be the last civilization standing in a world ravaged by nuclear war. The Red Death is the radioactive mass that is consuming the planet and a Safe Zone ring will appear on the map.

What are some alternative ways to use uranium in Civ 6?

Besides nukes, uranium is also used to build certain late-game military units, such as Giant Death Robots. These powerful units can be a game-changer on the battlefield.

Where can I learn more about Civ 6 strategy and gameplay?

There are numerous resources available online, including strategy guides, forums, and video tutorials. You can also check out academic resources on game-based learning and simulations at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.

Hopefully, this guide has given you a comprehensive understanding of how to nuke a country in Civilization VI. Remember, nuclear warfare is a powerful tool, but it comes with significant consequences. Use it wisely, and may your enemies tremble before your might!