Nuclear weapons in Civilization 7 are the pinnacle of military technology, providing players with immense destructive power. However, in the new installment of the Civ franchise, their usage has undergone significant changes. They are no longer a tool for quick victory as in previous games. Now, nuclear weapons are tied to the Military Legacy branch, adding complexity to their deployment and strategic application.

How to Unlock Nuclear Weapons

Accessing nuclear weapons in Civilization 7 requires careful planning, as players need to progress through specific scientific and military research. The first and biggest challenge is completing the Military Legacy branch, which is the final stage of the game, rather than a simple technology.

Before a player can complete this, they must research Political Theory and Combustion. These studies pave the way for crucial military and industrial advancements.

After completing this stage, the player gains access to The Manhattan Project—a world wonder that is the key to creating nuclear weapons. Building it in one of your cities is mandatory for the production of nuclear warheads. This changes the course of the game, allowing the player to create and launch these powerful destructive devices.

How to Build Nuclear Weapons in Civilization 7

Once The Manhattan Project is completed, the player can start producing nuclear weapons. However, this process is not simple. The game requires an additional step—activating the "Produce Nuclear Weapon" project in a city. Each warhead is created over several turns, so it's important to plan their production in advance if you intend to use them in war.

The location of the manufacturing cities plays a critical role, as it ensures quick access to warheads without delays caused by enemy invasions or logistical issues. Priority in nuclear weapon production should be given to cities with high industrial capacity.

How to Launch Nuclear Warheads

Having nuclear weapons in your arsenal doesn't mean they can be used immediately. Civilization 7 introduces an additional layer of complexity: before launching a nuclear attack, players must unlock Aerodromes and Heavy Bombers.

The first step is to research Aerodynamics, which grants access to aerodromes and heavy bombers. Aerodromes serve as the launching platform for nuclear attacks, while bombers are the delivery means. Without them, using nuclear weapons is impossible, making aerodynamics research as important as The Manhattan Project.

After building an aerodrome in your city, an Aerodrome Commander—a special unit—will automatically appear, allowing you to manage nuclear strikes. By clicking on the commander, the player can view available warheads and execute a WMD Strike.

How to Execute a Nuclear Attack in Civilization 7

To launch a nuclear attack, you must officially declare war on the target civilization. Without this step, using nuclear weapons is impossible. After declaring war, the player selects the Aerodrome Commander, clicks the WMD Strike button, and then chooses the target city.

The explosion of a nuclear charge has an immediate and catastrophic effect. The city and its surroundings suffer significant radioactive contamination, rendering them nearly uninhabitable for several turns. All enemy units within the affected area will be instantly destroyed, making nuclear weapons an effective tool against well-fortified cities.

However, after a nuclear attack, the city must be captured, and this is only possible with ground troops (tanks, infantry), as it is impossible to capture a destroyed city directly with nuclear weapons.

Strategic Use of Nuclear Weapons in Civilization 7

Despite their destructive power, nuclear weapons in Civilization 7 are not a guaranteed means of achieving victory. Since they become available only near the end of the game, they are often overshadowed by the Operation Ivy victory condition, which is also part of the Military Legacy branch. This means that nuclear weapons are more tactical than a primary path to victory.

They are most effectively used to weaken enemy defensive lines before a massive invasion. If an opponent has a strong army or well-fortified cities, a nuclear attack can significantly reduce their ability to counterattack, giving your troops a strategic advantage.

Using nuclear weapons against civilizations with different ideologies can also earn additional points in the Military Legacy, accelerating the path to a Domination victory.

Limitations and Consequences of Using Nuclear Weapons

Although nuclear weapons are extremely powerful, they have several drawbacks.

Firstly, their production is costly, and these resources could be spent on Operation Ivy, which directly leads to victory. Therefore, it's worth assessing how nuclear weapons align with your strategic goals.

Secondly, the use of nuclear weapons worsens diplomatic relations, which may result in mass declarations of war from neutral or allied nations. If you don't have enough military power to conduct several wars simultaneously, employing nuclear weapons might backfire.

It's also important to consider the radioactive contamination, which makes captured cities inefficient for a long time, complicating their recovery and integration into your empire.

How to Achieve Victory with Nuclear Weapons

While nuclear weapons by themselves do not grant immediate victory, they are a key tool for achieving it. In a Domination victory scenario, nuclear strikes can significantly accelerate the capture of cities.

A successful nuclear strike combined with a rapid occupation can change the course of the war, allowing you to overpower your opponents and become the absolute dominator in the game.