Nuclear War Simulator News

[p]Hi everyone, [/p][p][/p][p]Update v1.00.0415 has been released. [/p][p][/p][p]NOTE: Initially this patch released with incomplete patch notes, below is now the complete list[/p][p][/p][p]Bug fixes and minor improvements:
[/p]

• [p]fixed: cancer rate was hard-coded. Now it will be used from the settings panel.,[/p]
• [p]fixed: reading the wrong settings from the saved humanitarian system simulation settings,[/p]
• [p]fixed: camera not flying to the correct position for the targeting of military bases during the Targeting tutorial,[/p]
• [p]added tooltip to the "Play a random track" button in the audio settings menu,[/p]
• [p]added ingame-notification with solutions of UnauthorizedAccessException when loading scenarios,[/p]
• [p]fixed: the individual's position is set to 0-0 when using the "Teleport" function,[/p]
• [p]fixed: trying to save a blueprint with an empty file name,[/p]
• [p]fixed: UI not scaling consistently and not working on some resolutions,[/p]
• [p]fixed: individual radiation chart not updated when game is paused and another individual is selected,[/p]
• [p]fixed: US early warning radar did not have satellite communication enabled,[/p]
• [p]fixed: early warning radar was only working after loading the scenario, but not directly after placing the radar,[/p]
• [p]fixed: Load Scenario section of the main menu not starting in the last tab,[/p]
• [p]fixed some GPU compatibility issues,[/p]
• [p]fixed: wrong saving of values of infrastructure damage parameters on non-US computers,[/p]

The Meyer update is out now for Nuclear War Simulator.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Last week we revealed the major features in Dev Log #6 The Meyer Update.

With this major update a Campaign mode has been added. These missions introduce new mechanics that increase in complexity – making them a great tutorial for new players.

This update also features a wizard that will help create your own new scenarios.

Updates to the fallout model and improvements to long-term casualty modeling improve the accuracy and realism of the simulation.

We have also improved the presentation of Nuclear War Simulator with new music and better visuals to your attack plans and missile trajectories.

With the new tutorials included in this update, its never been easier to wage atomic warfare.

Changelog

Build 409
Bug fixes and minor improvements:
- fixed: error when loading non-campaign scenarios

Build 408
Bug fixes and minor improvements:
- fixed: country selection is not saved with the scenario
- much larger area can now be viewed in the high-resolution map mode

Build 407
Bug fixes and minor improvements:
- fixed: unit selection panel being closed when setting targets
- fixed: GPU compatibility warning appearing when nuking areas without any population
- corrected description of MIRV: Single warhead scenario to "75% of all military bases"
- fixed: countries under control not updated when loading a core or user-made scenario
- fixed: alliances not updated on loading a new scenario
- fixed: gravity bombs won't detonate if the max. range value is too small
- The next scenario is selected upon completion

Build 406
Bug fixes and minor improvements:
- switched the mouse button to drag the campaign scenario tree to the right mouse button
- reduced the objective for the "Trident II (D5)" scenario from 5% to 4%
- reduced the objective for the "Minuteman III with MIRVs" scenario from 3% to 2%
- unit selection panel now stays open after clocking the "Target" button
- fixed bug with scenario description going over the right screen edge
- corrected tooltip of the "Save New Scenario Settings" checkbox
- fixed bug leading to warhead placement when hitting LeftCtrl

Build 405
New features and changes:
- campaign mode added to the Load Scenario menu
- added a wizard for new scenario creation
- fatalities from long-term radiation exposure added
- unified exposure duration settings for HYSPLIT and WSEG-10 models
- visualization of trajectories during targeting
- improved visualization of attack plans
- added new background music
- swapped left and right mouse buttons for object selection and map manipulation to be more familiar to strategy games

Bug fixes and minor improvements:
- fallout no longer leaves the atmosphere for big detonations
- fixed wrong color rendering of population and fatalities density on Vulkan
- fixed bug leading to drag selection during map manipulation
- fixed bugs in automated way-point creation for aircraft
- trajectory line width now constant with camera zoom
- added a button to select all units of a country

Build 400
Bug fixes:
- loading and processing HYSPLIT cdump files larges than 2 GB is now possible

Dev Diary: The Meyer Update

The upcoming Meyer update represents a significant milestone for the Nuclear War Simulator, introducing a range of enhancements designed to deepen its educational impact while delivering a more refined and intuitive user experience. This update introduces a Scenario Tree system featuring a series of new scenarios designed to challenge players with objectives that require a deep understanding of nuclear weapons, their delivery systems, and their effects. For creators, we've added powerful Scenario Creation Tools that streamline the process of building custom missions. The Fallout Model now calculates the long-term effects of radiation exposure, including cancer fatalities, adding a sobering layer of realism. Finally, we've refined the UI for a smoother experience, with improved mouse controls consistent with strategy games and real-time feedback on targeting trajectories. These updates aim to make the simulator more engaging, intuitive, and impactful for learners and enthusiasts alike.

Scenario Tree

The Meyer update introduces a Scenario Tree system, adding several new scenarios designed to challenge players and deepen their understanding of nuclear weapons. Each scenario is built around specific objectives that require players to grapple with the mechanics of nuclear weapons, their effects and delivery systems. Scenarios range from explaining basic simulation functions to exploring the devastating effects of nuclear weapons, providing players with a comprehensive understanding of these complex systems.

Each scenario is carefully crafted to provide historical or real-world context, turning the simulation into a platform for both education and exploration. Some scenarios delve into the technical aspects of nuclear weaponry, while others spotlight fascinating historical facts or showcase unique delivery systems. To make the experience accessible for newcomers, tutorial features are integrated into the scenarios, offering step-by-step guidance on essential UI elements. This ensures that players of all experience levels can engage with the content and progress through the challenges.

Organized into a branching progression tree, the scenarios unlock sequentially, requiring players to complete earlier missions to access more advanced ones or open new branches. This format strikes a balance between engagement and flexibility, allowing for in-depth exploration of nuclear topics in manageable, isolated challenges. Whether you’re learning about the fundamentals of nuclear arms or uncovering a significant historical event, the Scenario Tree makes the journey both educational and compelling.

Scenario Creation Tools

The update introduces new tools, giving players the power to quickly design their own custom missions. These tools are designed for ease of use, allowing creators to seamlessly integrate multiple countries on opposing sides of a conflict. Weapons and systems can be rapidly selected from existing databases, streamlining the setup process and ensuring scenarios remain authentic and well-balanced.


Creators have the flexibility to define objectives and limitations tailored to their scenarios. These objectives can range from setting minimum or maximum fatality thresholds in specific countries to targeting the destruction of key military objects or civilian infrastructure. Limitations, such as restricting the countries a player can control, the units visible on the map, or even disabling certain effects of nuclear weapons, provide further opportunities to fine-tune scenarios to create unique challenges.
With these tools, anyone can design engaging missions similar to those found in the Scenario Tree. Whether the goal is to simulate historical events, test creative strategies, or explore hypothetical conflicts, these creation features make it easy to bring ideas to life.

Long-Term Effects of Fallout

The update introduces a new feature that calculates cancer fatalities resulting from long-term exposure to nuclear fallout. This model provides a deeper understanding of the devastating and lasting impact of nuclear weapons, emphasizing the human cost beyond immediate destruction. By simulating the gradual effects of radioactive fallout on populations, the feature adds a crucial layer of realism to the Nuclear War Simulator, encouraging players to consider the far-reaching consequences of nuclear conflict.


To support this enhanced realism, the update also includes unified exposure duration settings for the HYSPLIT and WSEG-10 fallout models. These settings allow users to define short-term exposure durations—accounting for the critical time before populations are evacuated—as well as long-term exposure over weeks, months, or even years. This integration ensures a seamless and consistent simulation of fallout's effects, making it easier to study the interplay between immediate action and lingering radiation risks.

UI Improvements

The Meyer update brings several enhancements to the user interface, making the Nuclear War Simulator more intuitive and engaging for players. Mouse controls have been refined to align with conventions found in popular strategy games, ensuring a more familiar and seamless experience. Additionally, targeting now features real-time trajectory visualization, giving players immediate feedback on their actions and improving their understanding of weapon delivery paths and outcomes. These changes make interactions more precise and satisfying, especially during complex scenarios.


The visualization of attack plans has also been significantly improved. Players can now comfortably review existing attack plans while creating new ones, allowing for better strategy development and coordination. To complement these functional upgrades, the update introduces a selection of new background music tracks, adding depth and atmosphere to the simulation. These additions create a more immersive experience, combining improved usability with enhanced engagement.

The Meyer update is now in the open beta stage and will be officially released soon. We are thrilled to share these new features with you, from the engaging scenarios and intuitive creation tools to the enhanced realism and improved interface. We hope you enjoy exploring the new scenarios and learning more about nuclear weapons. We can’t wait to see the creative and thought-provoking challenges you’ll design using the new scenario creation tools. Your feedback during this beta phase is invaluable, and we look forward to bringing you the full release soon!

Nuclear War Simulator has a Beta live for our next update. The Meyer update will see a Campaign mode with missions and objectives added to the game, along with a scenario creation wizard, improvements to the radiation model, and bug fixes.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Footage from HoW 2024 showing off a short scenario and nuclear strike in the new update.

Joining the Beta is simple. On Steam, right-click the Nuclear War Simulator icon from your library and select "Properties". From there head on over to the Betas section and opt into the Open Beta.

By signing up for the Beta you can get access to Meyers early, and help us stomp some irradiated bugs before the full release.

Join the Nuclear War Simulator Discord Server and gain access to the report-bugs channel.

New features and changes with the Meyers Beta:

- Campaign mode added to the Load Scenario menu
- Added a wizard for new scenario creation
- Fatalities from long-term radiation exposure added
- Unified exposure duration settings for HYSPLIT and WSEG-10 models
- Visualization of trajectories during targeting
- Improved visualization of attack plans
- Added new background music
- Swapped left and right mouse buttons for object selection and map manipulation to be more familiar to strategy games

Bug fixes and minor improvements:

- Fallout no longer leaves the atmosphere for big detonations
- Fixed wrong color rendering of population and fatalities density on Vulkan
- Fixed bug leading to drag selection during map manipulation
- Fixed bugs in automated way-point creation for aircraft
- Trajectory line width now constant with camera zoom
- Added a button to select all units of a country

We are proud to announce our new Home of Wargamers live event, which will take place on September 26th at 5 pm UK time.

Join us on our Twitch channel to know more about our biggest franchises. You can set a reminder here.

We will talk about a lot of important updates for some of our Matrix Games best sellers and coming soon games, such as:

• Modern Naval Warfare
  
• Armored Brigade 2
  
• Nuclear War Simulator
  
• Command Modern Operations
  
• Flashpoint Campaigns
  
• Rule the Waves 3
  

And much more.
Stay tuned!