What is the difference between tactical nuke and ICBM?

[FredAstaire]

What is the difference between ICBM and tactical nuke other than the fact that ICBM has an entire range that can hit anywhere in the world? Surely enough, if thats the case then everyone would go ICBM and no one would use tactical nukes!

 

[vmxa]

The only difference I am aware of is that a tactical can be move or loaded in to a sub and has limited range. ICBM is just that, it is intercontiental and can go any where and cannot be moved.

 

[aluka]

Also I believe tactical nukes are available earlier than ICBMs due to different technology requirements.

 

[SuperBeaverInc.]

And also Tactical Nukes are much cheaper

 

[vmxa]

I think those things are self evident.

 

[Decebalus]

What about destructive power. I don't use either much so never was able to figure it out, but I always wondered about that. Does a tactical take out units and such the same way as ICBMs? Or are ICBMs more powerful?

 

[Theryman]

In terms of power and damage, they are identical. They both suck to get hit with.

 

[Yosemite]

Both do the same amount of damage--a nuclear explosion is a nuclear explosion. But aside from the differences that others have pointed out, the Strategic Missile Defense small wonder can shoot down ICBMs, but it can't shoot down tactical nukes.

 

[T.A JONES]

I always thought the tactical gave collateral damage to a stack of units on the same level as the ICBM , only on one tile but no pollution or damage to surrounding areas. Im not seeing any real advantage using the mini me. Id rather get more bang for the buck.

 

[Sir_Lancelot]

the Strategic Missile Defense can shoot down ICBMs, but it can't shoot down tactical nukes.

Ops, nice to know!

I always thought the tactical gave collateral damage to a stack of units on the same level as the ICBM , only on one tile but no pollution or damage to surrounding areas. Im not seeing any real advantage using the mini me. Id rather get more bang for the buck.

The mini-me is giving you more bang for the buck. If your target is in its range. The war head is the same.

 

[T.A JONES]

Oh. alright. SO the ICBM doesn't have a spread shot then. I figured it put a random hurt on every unit on of 9 tile radius, while the mini me did the same level of hurt only on its target.

Isn't that its real advantage?to destroy the enemy while not effecting the surrounding area where potentially, I could have my friendlys positioned?

 

[Thorvald of Lym]

SO the ICBM doesn't have a spread shot then.

No, ICBMs still blow up the surrounding tiles, but tactical nukes are cheaper, thus produced faster, thus more tactical missiles than ICBMs built in the same amount of time.
Besides, you can hide a tactical nuke on a submarine! NOBODY suspects a nuclear submarine!

 

[psweetman1590]

NOBODY suspects a nuclear submarine!

And even if they do, they'll have a devil of a time finding it!

 

[T.A JONES]

No, ICBMs still blow up the surrounding tiles, but tactical nukes are cheaper, thus produced faster, thus more tactical missiles than ICBMs built in the same amount of time.
Besides, you can hide a tactical nuke on a submarine! NOBODY suspects a nuclear submarine!

Your darn right about those subs. But for me in end game,
I don't like it if it dont go Bam 3x3 for the bling and "the hell with the price cuz the sheilds ain't a thing"

Edit: So thats what those music notes are for. I was quoting "Jay z and Duprei from 'Money ain't a thing'

 

[Thorvald of Lym]

...In which case either one should suit you just as well.

 

[T.A JONES]

lol Ya the blast about Civ3 is: Theres a nuke for all your needs! and they don't discrimate! Theres a entry model for the up and comer! an it suits just nicly till your ready to make a bigger dent in the world sceane!

Or if you want to pimp your sub? CIv3 has what you need!