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ICBM: Escalation

ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS where you command armies, develop cutting-edge tech, and wield devastating weapons. Conquer enemies with conventional forces or nuclear firepower. With new modes like Standoff and Conquest, the game offers deep strategic layers in a global warfare setting.

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Release
November 21, 2024
1 year and 253 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive1,404 reviews86.4%

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Updated: Jul 13, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
The publisher meets the large-publisher threshold through its catalog and developer network.
Search Google: Is ICBM: Escalation self-published or published by Slitherine Ltd.?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is ICBM: Escalation and Slitherine Ltd. funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for ICBM: Escalation and SoftWarWare?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.
The game was released through a separate publisher.

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About the Game

ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS game that plunges players into the high-stakes world of global warfare, where every decision could tip the balance between survival and annihilation. Command vast armies, develop cutting-edge technology, and wield the most devastating weapons ever created to ensure your faction’s supremacy. Whether by conventional forces or through nuclear firepower, you’ll need to conquer or obliterate your enemies to secure dominance in a volatile global arena.

CONVENTIONAL & NUCLEAR WARFARE

Take charge of a continent-spanning faction and build up an unstoppable military force. Construct a nuclear stockpile, research groundbreaking tech, and deploy a combination of nuclear submarines, strategic bombers, and intercontinental ballistic missiles to cripple your adversaries. But nuclear warfare is not the only path to victory. ICBM: Escalation introduces new victory conditions that emphasize conventional warfare, allowing players to invade enemy territory, weaken their resources, and force their surrender through tactical superiority. The two new modes, Standoff and Conquest, add fresh layers of strategy and pacing compared to the high-speed Blitz Mode, which returns as the most similar mode to the original ICBM.

RESEARCH & DIPLOMACY

Progress through multiple technological eras, from early Cold War advancements to near-future innovations, including stealth warships and space-based weapon systems. The revamped diplomacy system adds new layers of intrigue, allowing players to form research agreements, negotiate ceasefires, and broker deals over captured territories. World-spanning diplomatic measures, such as international treaties banning specific weapons, offer fresh strategic possibilities that can reshape the course of global conflict.

MULTIPLE GAME MODES

ICBM: Escalation offers a variety of modes that cater to different playstyles. Standoff mode delivers a balanced escalation from conventional skirmishes to full-scale nuclear war, while Conquest mode emphasizes long-term strategy, brinkmanship, and tactical mastery. For players seeking faster-paced action, Blitz Mode focuses on direct, rapid nuclear confrontation, staying true to the spirit of its predecessor. The game also features a rich single-player campaign that spans decades of history, beginning with the Korean War and leading into speculative future scenarios where your decisions shape the outcome of global conflict. In multiplayer, face off against up to 10 players, competing for dominance in a highly competitive environment with rankings and ELO systems.

KEY FEATURES

  • A deadly mix of conventional and nuclear warfare

  • High replayability with diverse strategies and unit options

  • Devastating weapons of mass destruction, including chemical bombs and MIRVs

  • A detailed 3D map featuring hundreds of cities and strategic targets

  • Dynamic diplomacy, allowing players to shape the world order

  • Multiplayer mode supporting up to 10 players with ranked competitive play

  • Single-player campaign with historic and futuristic missions

  • Full modding support for community-created content