Intercepting Nukes in Civilization VI

Introduction

In this document, research is done with the save game called “Intercepting test all scenarios.Civ6Save” on the chances and scenarios of intercepting nukes.The results are divided into two categegories, Nuclear Device and Thermonuclear Device.

Index

Research        3

Strategy        3

Expected results        3

Results        4

Nuclear Device        4

Ordered by delivery method        4

Ordered by interception method        5

Thermonuclear Device        6

Ordered by delivery method        6

Ordered by interception method        7

Conclusion        8

Research

Strategy

Within the two categories, the combinations of the following scenarios are tested:

• Delivery of nuke by Nuclear Submarine
• Delivery of nuke by Missile Silo
• Delivery of nuke by Bomber
• Delivery of nuke by Jet Bomber
• Interception of nuke by Anti-Air Gun
• Interception of nuke by Mobile SAM
• Interception of nuke by Battleship
• Interception of nuke by Missile Cruiser

Testing will be done with unpromoted units. The save file does include cities with weak units (units on 25HP) and strong units (Army of units) to test damage differences on Bombers and Jet Bombers.

Testing with fighter planes was not done. It is impossible to set an enemy aircraft on patrol mode^[1]. Since planes only counter incoming aircraft, it is presumed they act the same as an Anti-Air Gun or Mobile SAM Unit that is trying to shoot a Bomber or Jet Bomber down.

Expected results

Combining delivery and interception possibilities results in 16 possible outcomes per nuke type. This means there are 32 results in total.

Results

Nuclear Device

The results are displayed in two differently ordered tables, one by delivery method and one by interception method.

Ordered by delivery method

*Interception only occurs when deliverer receives 50HP of damage or more.

Ordered by interception method

*Interception only occurs when deliverer receives 50HP of damage or more.

Thermonuclear Device

The results are displayed in two differently ordered tables, one by delivery method and one by interception method.

Ordered by delivery method

*Interception only occurs when deliverer receives 50HP of damage or more.

Ordered by interception method

*Interception only occurs when deliverer receives 50HP of damage or more.

Conclusion

Some conclusions can be drawn from the results:

• There is no difference between intercepting nuclear devices or thermonuclear devices. Thermonuclear devices can still kill intercepting units because of their two tile blast radius, which is bigger than the 1 tile intercept radius.
• Bombers and Jet bombers can be intercepted as long as 50HP or more damage has been done.
• Mobile SAM units and Missile Cruiser are very effective at intercepting. The only time they might fail is if the unit is very low on health or has other modifiers that lower their strength which results in not doing 50HP of damage to an incoming Bomber or Jet Bomber.
• Without promotions, battleships only counter missiles shot from a missile silo.
• Anti-Air Guns do not protect from Nuclear Submarine launched devices.