Skip to main content

Nuclear Dawn

A surprisingly deep and well-designed FPS/RTS hybrid. A Team Fortress 2 alternative that needs a community to thrive.
Nuclear Dawn Game Cover
79%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
stability, story
78% User Score Based on 1,506 reviews
Critic Score 82%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

LinuxPCMac OSWindows
Buy Nowfrom $1.08
Buy NowGet on Steam €9.75
Nuclear Dawn Game Cover

About

Nuclear Dawn is a multiplayer tactical shooter game with warfare and science fiction themes. It was developed by InterWave Studios and was released on September 26, 2011. It received positive reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

"Nuclear Dawn" is a first-person shooter and real-time strategy game hybrid. Players can choose to play as either a commander, controlling their team's base and resources, or as a soldier, engaged in tactical combat. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where two factions, the Consortium and the Empire, fight for control over the ruined lands. The ultimate goal is to destroy the enemy's base and secure victory.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
Nuclear Dawn screenshot
+25
Skip User Reviews

78%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,506 reviews
gameplay61 positive mentions
stability24 negative mentions
  • Unique blend of FPS and RTS gameplay that encourages teamwork and strategy.
  • Diverse classes with different abilities and loadouts, allowing for varied playstyles.
  • Well-designed maps that promote tactical gameplay and dynamic battles.
  • Severely low player base, making it difficult to find matches with real players.
  • Bots have poor AI, often getting stuck and failing to follow commands.
  • Game suffers from balance issues, particularly with certain classes and commander mechanics.
  • gameplay
    180 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of the game is a unique blend of first-person shooter (FPS) and real-time strategy (RTS) mechanics, allowing players to choose between roles as soldiers or commanders, which fosters teamwork and strategic depth. While the core mechanics are engaging and provide a dynamic experience, some players note that the game has aged poorly and suffers from balance issues, particularly when played with fewer participants. Overall, the gameplay is praised for its innovative concept and solid execution, though it may require a dedicated player base to fully enjoy its potential.

    • “This dual gameplay mechanic is the heart of the game, and it works brilliantly to create a dynamic and immersive experience.”
    • “Amazing game - this highly team-based FPS cross RTS has flown under the radar, and never got as much publicity or praise that it deserves, but it has a strong dedicated community which makes for some challenging and seriously fun gameplay.”
    • “They've done an amazing job at combining the FPS/RTS genres together into an intense gameplay experience.”
    • “It was a decent game to try out since I wanted to justify the money spent and the GMod textures, but it's just a little too dead and the gameplay didn't grip me hard enough to actually wow me past an hour.”
    • “This might have been amazing back in 2014, but the gameplay itself has aged poorly and I would not recommend playing this now unless you have a full party interested in playing a few matches.”
    • “The gameplay gets a bit stagnant after a while, and servers are not so full nowadays, but it's a very good experience even if you are playing alone.”
  • graphics
    87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they are decent and hold up well for a title released in 2011, they can feel dated compared to more recent standards. Some praise the craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal, particularly in the context of the source engine, while others express a desire for upgrades or remakes to enhance visual quality. Overall, the graphics are considered satisfactory but not groundbreaking, with a few glitches and limitations noted.

    • “This game has amazing graphics, a lot of diversity, and I believe is a spin-off from TF2 and NS2.”
    • “The graphics are surprisingly good for a 2011 game - I was stunned by some of the interiors.”
    • “Given Nuclear Dawn is built on the Source engine, the graphics are great and really add to the feel of battling it out in a post-apocalyptic environment, with many buildings being able to be entered.”
    • “It's sad this genre isn't more popular; I'm looking forward to a graphics engine upgrade or maybe an improved remake to hopefully bring in a fresh community.”
    • “On the negative side of things, the whole aesthetic of the game is fairly generic and uninteresting.”
    • “Terrible graphics; it's like a rip-off of a 'generic shooter' but with much lower quality.”
  • stability
    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game is widely criticized, with many users reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues such as freezing and crashes. While some players appreciate the active community efforts to address these problems through mods and balancing, the overall experience remains marred by significant instability and unpolished gameplay. Despite its potential, the game's technical shortcomings deter many from fully enjoying it.

    • “It's still being updated, and while it may not seem to be anymore, it isn't buggy or anything, so that's fine.”
    • “My game freezes for 15-30 seconds every 1-2 minutes, and that is very annoying.”
    • “Game is pretty much dead, and the offline mode freezes every minute or two and then resumes.”
    • “To be fair, there is a great game here, and it can stand on its own, but the glitches are unbearable.”
  • story
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate a significant dissatisfaction with the game's story aspect, with many players noting the absence of a coherent narrative or campaign mode. While some appreciate the potential for player-created stories to enhance the experience, the general consensus is that the lack of a structured storyline detracts from the overall enjoyment and replay value of the game.

    • “The story is filling enough to build the scene, two factions with opposing views competing for resources and influence.”
    • “The story's genre is science fiction, which I truly admire.”
    • “This story has added hours of replay value to my game.”
    • “No story.”
    • “There's no story or memorable soundtrack; people don't even bother joining squads.”
    • “My only complaint is the lack of a proper story mode, be it singleplayer or co-op.”
  • music
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players find it enjoyable and relaxing, others note a significant lack of a memorable soundtrack during gameplay. Many users feel that the absence of music in-game detracts from the overall experience, despite acknowledging the quality of the music itself.

    • “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
    • “Pretty good music.”
    • “The gameplay is very good and is a lot of fun, but the music is awesome; I gotta admit it is fun.”
    • “All sounds and no music while in game, which is quite the noticeable omission.”
    • “Music & sounds ★★☆☆☆”
  • optimization
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some users praise its solid multiplayer performance and commendable optimization for a Source engine title, others report severe lag and performance issues that render it nearly unplayable. Overall, the optimization appears to require significant improvements to enhance the gaming experience.

    • “In addition, they are responsible for building upgrade-focused buildings at the home base that allow infantry players to access advanced versions of their class that are per game only, as well as various research to enhance the performance of players (more damage, HP, and so on).”
    • “+ very good optimization for a Source engine game”
    • “Solid multiplayer performance; not BF3, but it's good.”
    • “Badly optimized, laggy to the point of being unplayable hot garbage.”
    • “A poorly optimized source mod you have to pay money for.”
    • “Performance problems.”
  • monetization
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game is characterized by a lack of microtransactions, which users appreciate, but there is a notable absence of advertisements that has hindered its visibility and popularity. While some players feel that increased advertising could help raise awareness, others believe the game's upgrade system is well-designed and does not rely on aggressive monetization strategies. Overall, the game's success seems to be impacted more by insufficient promotional efforts than by its monetization model.

    • “Nice upgrade system with no microtransactions.”
    • “Unfortunately, the lack of support from the developer and the absence of advertisements to let people know this game existed have condemned it to being relatively unknown.”
    • “However, with the amount of advertising that once flooded the internet for this game, I thought that the extra advertising effort displayed how much work was put into the game.”
    • “Need more ads for this game so more people know it exists.”
  • humor
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is described as a mix of dark and absurd, with players finding it hilarious despite its serious post-apocalyptic setting. The comparison to Team Fortress 2 highlights the game's comedic elements, which are enhanced by the diverse and entertaining classes available. Overall, while player numbers may be low, the humor remains a standout feature that contributes to an enjoyable experience.

    • “Died harder than my sense of humor.”
    • “This, however, is hilarious.”
    • “Very different and all funny to play classes; there is no unneeded class.”
  • replayability
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players highlight the game's strong replayability, citing a variety of classes, maps, and the potential for mods that enhance immersion. Many express enjoyment in repeatedly engaging with the game, despite challenges, indicating a high level of fun and replay value, though some rate it more modestly at 7/10. Overall, the game offers a robust experience that encourages multiple playthroughs.

    • “With a good number of classes and subclasses and a good number of maps, you'll find as much replayability as any FPS has.”
    • “The replayability is huge, and with mods, there's really no ceiling to how immersive this game could grow to be.”
    • “11/10 would have fun making a final, incredible stand before losing due to incompetent teams again and again and again - the fun just keeps on coming, and I don't know why this game has infinite replay value.”
  • atmosphere
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere is richly detailed, featuring an atmospheric setting that hints at the history of the environment. Players appreciate the intricate design, including alternative paths and hidden areas that enhance gameplay and immersion. Overall, the atmosphere is described as captivating and engaging.

    • “Atmospheric setting.”
    • “There are some nice little details that you can notice, showing what buildings were in the past, or that contribute to the atmosphere of what might have happened on a map.”
    • “The environments are full of detail, alternative paths, and hidden places you can use to gain an advantage, and the atmosphere is just awesome.”
    • “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
    • “Despite some interesting visuals, the overall ambiance fails to evoke any real emotion or connection.”
    • “The game’s atmosphere is marred by repetitive sound design and a lack of environmental storytelling.”
  • grinding
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly in the mid to end game, where it feels excessive and detracts from the overall enjoyment. The reliance on bots for grinding is criticized, especially in a team-based context, and concerns about a dwindling player base further exacerbate the issue.

    • “The early to mid game is much fun, but the mid to end game is tedious.”
    • “It has a tedious end game, plus there is no player base; it's dying.”
    • “And the rest of them suppose dozens of hours of grinding with bots, which makes no sense in such a team-based game like that.”
  • emotional
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players report that the emotional experience of the game can be overwhelmingly negative, often leading to feelings of frustration and demoralization due to disorganized teams and blame-shifting among teammates. Instead of excitement, the gameplay can result in tense and grueling sessions that detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “If a commander has a disorganized team, the team refuses to take orders from the commander, or simply the entire team goes ranged scouts with sniper rifles (has happened to me several times)...the game is doomed for that team, and makes for an emotionally intense, grueling, and demoralizing 20-45 minutes of 'turtling' at the base accompanied with teammates pointing fingers of blame, general freaking out, and some verbal abuse.”
Skip Critic Reviews

82%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy Nuclear Dawn

152h Median play time
104h Average play time
8-200h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Nuclear Dawn

Games Like Nuclear Dawn

Natural Selection 2 Image
85%5.3kreviews

Natural Selection 2

2012Survival Shooter
PCWindows
Eximius: Seize the Frontline Image
77%684reviews

Eximius: Seize the Frontline

2021Shooter
PCWindows
Executive Assault Image
85%2.2kreviews

Executive Assault

2015Shooter
PCWindows
WARSHIFT Image
66%453reviews

WARSHIFT

2016Role Playing
PCWindows
Day of Infamy Image
81%19kreviews

Day of Infamy

2017Tactical Shooter
LinuxPCMac OS+1
More games like Nuclear Dawn
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Nuclear Dawn is a tactical shooter game with warfare and science fiction themes.

Nuclear Dawn is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

On average players spend around 104 hours playing Nuclear Dawn.

Nuclear Dawn was released on September 26, 2011.

Nuclear Dawn was developed by InterWave Studios.

Nuclear Dawn has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its stability.

Nuclear Dawn is a multiplayer game.

Similar games include Natural Selection 2, Eximius: Seize the Frontline, Executive Assault, WARSHIFT, Day of Infamy and others.