Nuclear Option Game Modes & Missions

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

Setting Up Mission Rotation

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

"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 for the full config reference.

Related Guides

• Configure Your Server
• Server Commands