First Strike
Released May 2017
FIRST STRIKE is a fast paced real time strategy game where you play one of the twelve biggest nuclear superpowers of the world – from known superpowers like the USA to an upstart hellraiser like North Korea – and try to be the last one remaining when the whole world blows to smithereens.
74% positive · 2,037 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $11.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site
Evaluation
First Strike launched on Steam on May 30, 2017 and received a substantial post-launch history before the developer explicitly closed the door on new Steam content.
In March 2021, Blindflug Studios delivered a major remaster update, rebuilding the game from the ground up with a new codebase, smarter AI, and a refreshed interface — renaming it "First Strike: Classic." Two months later, on May 21, 2021, the developer published a direct statement explaining that new gameplay content would be developed exclusively for the free mobile version, and that the Steam version would remain as-is to preserve "the typical, essential First Strike experience." They explicitly stated: "At the moment, a free Steam version of the game with the new content isn't planned."
Despite that statement, the developer did ship one more meaningful addition to the Steam version: a free multiplayer DLC, announced on August 17, 2023 and released on August 31, 2023. This added online PvP for up to 10 players with crossplay between PC and mobile.
Since the multiplayer DLC shipped on August 31, 2023, all developer communications about First Strike on Steam have been promotional in nature — bundle announcements, sale notices, and cross-promotion for the studio's newer game, Ground of Aces. No new content for the Steam version has been announced, developed, or hinted at. The developer's own 2021 statement that the Steam version is meant to stay in its "Classic" form, combined with the absence of any content signals since the multiplayer DLC, indicates the game is complete. The multiplayer DLC was the final addition to the Steam release.
Evidence
Free multiplayer DLC released for First Strike on Steam, adding online PvP for up to 10 players with crossplay. This was the last major content addition to the Steam version.
First Strike - Multiplayer DLC released on August 31, 2023. All three listed DLCs are now released with no unreleased entries remaining.
Content
3 of 3 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Blindflug Studios AG
Achievements
53
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP
About this game
Welcome commander, you are now in power of one of the biggest nuclear superpowers of the world. So choose your steps carefully, it’s a small path between war and peace.
First Strike is a fast-paced real-time strategy game which makes dropping the big one as easy as ABC. But be sure to take the right measures to guarantee your people’s safety.
Pick one of the big nuclear players – from known superpowers like the USA to an upstart hellraiser like North Korea – and plan your strategy wisely: Expand to other countries, build bombs or dismantle in order to restructure your arsenal. Or use research to gain access to new nuclear technology, better recon intel, automated self-defense-sequences and many more.
Whether you’re a bloodthirsty warmonger or a tree-hugging hippie – it’s time to put your cards on the table. First Strike shows you how little it takes to heat things up. You control the destiny of the precious and vulnerable rock floating through space, the rock we call mothership Earth. So, will you be the one remaining when the whole world blows to smithereens?
- Twelve Playable Nuclear superpowers - You decide which real-world superpower you play, from the USA to Russia, China or North Korea
- Devastating Superweapons - Build twelve technologically advanced rockets, from Tridents to the TSAR, unique to each Alliance
- Build Rockets and Missiles, conquer territories and research new devastating nuclear technologies.
- Control the world - shoot and defend against nuclear rockets on a 3D globe.
- Exclusive new Non-Attack-Pact system - Search for Pact partners and team up against enemies
- High-resolution texture rework - Brand-new reworks including night lights, bump maps, HD options and star constellations just for PC
- Fast paced strategy gameplay - Each round of first strike takes between half an hour and an hour to complete.
First Strike was finalist and winner of numerous game awards worldwide, including
*Winner ""Most Innovative Game"" - BAE Awards*
*Winner ""Game of the Year"" - BOSA Awards*
*Winner ""Newcomer of the Year"" - SwissICT Awards*
*Winner ""Best Mobile Game"" - Indie Prize Amsterdam*
*Finalist “Best Strategy Game” - BAE Awards*
*Finalist ""Best Hardcore Game"" - Game Connection USA Awards*
*Finalist ""Most Innovative Game"" - Game Connection USA Awards*
*Finalist ""Best Upcoming Game"" - IMGA Awards*
*Finalist ""Most Meaningful Play"" - IMGA Awards*
*Finalist ""Best International Game"" - Ludicious Game Festival*
*Finalist ""Best Swiss Game"" - SGDA Awards*
*Finalist “Master of the Year” - BOSA Awards*
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content