🎮 Play Nuclear War Online (DOS)

Nuclear War is a satirical turn-based strategy game developed and published by New World Computing for DOS in 1989. You take command of one of several nations, each led by a caricatured world leader, and compete to be the last civilisation standing through propaganda, conventional bombers, and nuclear missiles. The game’s darkly comic tone made it a distinctive entry in the era’s strategy catalogue.

How to play

Each turn you choose from a menu of actions: launch propaganda to siphon population from rivals, send bombers, or fire nuclear missiles of varying yields. The objective is to eliminate every other nation’s population while keeping some of your own alive. This is a solo game — all opponents are controlled by the computer.

This browser version uses the same keyboard controls as the original DOS release. Press Right Alt + Enter to switch to fullscreen.

Tips

• Propaganda is a risk-free way to grow your population early — use it before committing to strikes.
• Smaller, repeated missile strikes are generally more effective than holding back for one big launch.
• Never ignore a nation with almost no population — they can still retaliate and disrupt your plans.