# Nuclear Option Game Modes & Missions (/docs/nuclear-option/game-modes)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Nuclear Option features several large-scale multiplayer missions. Each plays differently and can be added to your server's mission rotation in `DedicatedServerConfig.json`.

Missions Overview [#missions-overview]

Escalation (Main Mode) [#escalation-main-mode]

The flagship game mode. A large-scale war of attrition on the **Heartland** map.

* Teams start with basic aircraft and progressively unlock more powerful vehicles
* As the war escalates, navy, advanced jets, and eventually **nuclear weapons** become available
* Destroy enemy infrastructure to win
* Best for: Full server experience, long sessions

**Config name:** `Escalation`

***

Terminal Control [#terminal-control]

An island-hopping campaign on the **Ignus Archipelago** map.

* Capture and hold airbases across the island chain
* Territory control with front lines that shift as bases change hands
* Naval-focused with long over-water engagements
* Best for: Strategic play, varied combat ranges

**Config name:** `Terminal Control`

***

Confrontation [#confrontation]

Combined arms on a smaller scale.

* Limited to smaller aircraft classes only
* Each side has one main airbase and one forward airbase
* Navy units on the flanks
* Best for: Focused combat, lower player counts

**Config name:** `Confrontation`

***

Domination [#domination]

Pure air superiority.

* All high-end (Rank 3) aircraft available from the start — no unlock progression
* Objective: destroy enemy aircraft factories
* Best for: Instant action, experienced pilots

**Config name:** `Domination`

***

Altercation [#altercation]

Low-intensity counter-insurgency.

* No medium or long-range air-to-air missiles
* Forces close-range dogfighting and ground attack
* Best for: Casual games, gun-only combat

**Config name:** `Altercation`

***

Breakout (Co-op PvE) [#breakout-co-op-pve]

Cooperative defense mission.

* Players defend an airbase from a naval assault
* PvE only — all players on the same team vs AI
* Best for: Co-op groups, practice

**Config name:** `Breakout`

***

Maps [#maps]

| Map                   | Size          | Used by                                            |
| --------------------- | ------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **Heartland**         | \~100 km wide | Escalation, Confrontation, Domination, Altercation |
| **Ignus Archipelago** | 164 x 82 km   | Terminal Control                                   |

Both maps feature AI ground vehicles, SAM sites, airbases, and naval assets.

***

Setting Up Mission Rotation [#setting-up-mission-rotation]

In `DedicatedServerConfig.json`, add missions to the `MissionRotation` array:

```json
"MissionRotation": [
  {
    "Key": { "Group": "BuiltIn", "Name": "Escalation" },
    "MaxTime": 7200.0
  },
  {
    "Key": { "Group": "BuiltIn", "Name": "Terminal Control" },
    "MaxTime": 7200.0
  },
  {
    "Key": { "Group": "BuiltIn", "Name": "Domination" },
    "MaxTime": 3600.0
  }
]
```

* `MaxTime` is in seconds (3600 = 1 hour, 7200 = 2 hours)
* Set `RotationType` to control how missions cycle (0 = sequential, 1 = random, 2 = random without repeats)

> 💡 **Tip:** Escalation can run very long — consider setting `MaxTime` to 3600–7200 to rotate before late-game performance degradation.

See [Configure Your Server](/docs/nuclear-option/configure-your-server) for the full config reference.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Configure Your Server](/docs/nuclear-option/configure-your-server)
* [Server Commands](/docs/nuclear-option/server-commands)