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Watch trailer on Steam ↗Chernobyl: Simulator
Rikarin Studio · Published by Rikarin Studio
Very Positive — 92% positive (84 reviews) · 12 achievements
Last updated 28 Sept 2026
Chernobyl Simulator puts you in the control room of the most infamous nuclear power plant in history. Step into the shoes of a reactor operator, where every switch, gauge, and decision matters. Experience the pressure, responsibility, and unforgiving complexity of Soviet-era nuclear operations.
£17.75
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Price history
Indie, Simulation, Early Access · 2026 · More £15 - £30 games
Step into the shoes of a reactor operator at Chernobyl in this intense simulation game. Navigate the pressure and complexity of Soviet-era nuclear operations with Rikarin Studio's unique take on early access gameplay.
About this game
Chernobyl Simulator puts you in the control room of the most infamous nuclear power plant in history. Step into the shoes of a Chernobyl reactor operator, where every switch, gauge, and decision matters. Experience the pressure, responsibility, and unforgiving complexity of Soviet-era nuclear operations.
You will manage the systems of Reactor 4—core, thermal output, water flow, turbine load, safety mechanisms, and more—while navigating authentic procedures based on real historical documentation. As the situation escalates, you must react quickly and precisely. One wrong move can set off a chain reaction that spirals out of control.
Key Features
Authentic Nuclear Power Plant Simulation
Operate detailed and realistic reactor systems modeled after the RBMK-1000 design. Understand how each subsystem interacts and how your actions affect the reactor.Dynamic Scenarios & Emergencies
Start with routine operations, then face unexpected complications—from minor fluctuations to catastrophic failures.Historical Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in the iconic 1980s Soviet industrial environment with carefully recreated interiors, equipment, and documentation.Learn How a Nuclear Reactor Works
Master complex engineering systems through interactive tutorials, guided procedures, and hands-on experimentation.Multiple Endings
Will you maintain stable output? Cause a near miss? Or witness the plant push past the point of no return?
Chernobyl Simulator offers a tense, educational, and deeply engaging look into one of the world's most significant technological disasters. Can you keep the reactor stable—or will history repeat itself?
This simulation aims to replicate the real nuclear power plant operations in high detail so it can put a lot of load on new players and it requires patience. There is an online wiki page describing reactor operation at wiki.rikarin.io.
System Requirements
Will my PC run this? →Minimum
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Newer
- Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K, AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070, AMD Radeon RX 5600-XT
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 30 GB available space
Recommended
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
Supported Languages
Latest news
Patch NotesOfficial
WEEKLY UPDATE #7
This update focuses primarily on the continued development of the thermal-hydraulic network and the electrical grid, including the VIUB/VIUT panels. Parts of these systems are available and playable in the release, with further functionality planned for future updates.It can be enabled though console (F1) convar "reactor.thermal_network 1".FixesFixed incorrect rod position readings in SKALAFixed zone unloading in multiplayerFixed Load / Share / Prune button sizes across different localizationsFixed missing CJK characters in tooltipsFixed setpoint range to 5–120 VFixed three-position knobs getting stuck in the middle positionFixed mouse cursor capture issues when multiple windows were openFixed circular loop issues in wire logicFixed VIUB/VIUT alarm light labelsFixed alarms being removed during continuous signal triggeringFixed the Steam host being kicked from their own sessionFixed the control popup incorrectly displaying "Simulation Paused" while the simulation was runningFixed the "Open Folder" button not working on WindowsImprovementsRetired the 4-second block to match the pre-accident configuration of Unit 4Optimized GPU drawing performanceRecalibrated ion chambers so ARs overlap within the correct operating rangeAdjusted ion chamber sensitivityFeedback now also uploads the previous logServer list now displays when a server is running an outdated versionAdded wiring for the PK-AZ "Not Ready" alarmAdjusted player movementAdded value indicators onto VIUB/VIUT panelsWired several previously missing VIUR alarm lightsAdded mouse sensitivity setting while zoomed inAdded reactor.dump_* ConVars for dumping reactor statistics to the consoleAdded tooltips to VIUB/VIUT alarm lights, value indicators, and control switchesDedicated ServerComing soon!The dedicated server is getting closer to release and currently includes:RCON supportServer rolesPlayer state persistenceRemote ConVar executionMore dedicated server features and documentation will follow as we get closer to rele...Read full article on Community Announcements (Jiu)Patch NotesOfficial
WEEKLY UPDATE #6
Don't forget to reset your key binds in settings.MultiplayerThe unit can now be operated as a crew. Run the control room together with other players instead of alone either by joining our official dedicated server or hosting your own co-op game!The multiplayer includes chat (ENTER/T), voice chat (V) and gestures (G). In-Game FeedbackYou can now send feedback, bug reports and suggestions directly from inside the game, without leaving the sim. You can include game log and loaded game state as well to better diagnose the reported issue.Shared SavesEvery save can now be shared with a short code. Copy the code, send it to another player, and they can load your exact scenario — useful for reproducing a bug, handing over a running unit, or setting up a challenge for someone else. FeaturesMultiplayerSend feedback in-gameShare and load shared saves through a codeFixesFixed VU-1 and VU-2 on the VIUB and VIUT panelsFixed П0N0000 missing on plotter devicesFixed Chinese language missing from the settings menuIf you experience any issues you can switch to the last-update branch.Read full article on Community Announcements (Jiu)Patch NotesOfficial
WEEKLY UPDATE #5
Command Console & ConVar SystemThis update introduces a full console and configuration system in the style of Source-engine games like Counter-Strike. Press F1 to open the in-game command console, bind any command to any key, and tune the game through plain config files (keys.cfg, autoexec.cfg) in the game directory. Hundreds of fine-grained parameters are now exposed as convars — every command and binding is documented on the wiki. SKALA / PRIZMA ReworkThe SKALA/PRIZMA computer has been heavily reworked. Many more parameters are now available to query, including basic setpoint monitoring. MTK displays now behave like the real hardware: they report slightly stale data and refresh less frequently, reflecting the actual cycle time of the PRIZMA program on the original machine. See the wiki for the full list of available inputs. New Reactor Core Thermal FeedbackThe reactor core received a new set of thermal feedback mechanisms for much more realistic behavior:Positive void coefficient of roughly +4.1 βeff, close to the historical valueAdjusted Doppler (fuel temperature) feedbackNew graphite temperature feedbackWater temperature feedback in control rod channelsGas-gap conductivity between graphite and fuel channelsNon-uniform burnup scatter Reactor Core is slightly more non-uniformly burned to represent refueling cycle.ZRK (channel water flow) valves are now trimmed by default to compensate for fuel burnup and ensure more uniform voiding. Valve trimming can be done though command console "reactor.balance_zrk" at any power level. Improved fuel assembly feedback properties based on real world data.New WikiA new wiki is live and will replace the current in-game manual: https://wiki.rikarin.io/Features Console, Config & InputCommand console (F1)ConVar system — fine-grained parameters configurable via autoexec.cfg or the consoleSettings are now saved as .cfg files in the game directoryKey bindings are configurable from the settings menu or directly in keys.cfg / autoexec.cfg...Read full article on Community Announcements (Jiu)Patch NotesOfficial
WEEKLY UPDATE #4
This update focuses on performance, usability, and stability. VRAM usgae has been reduced by approximately 75% through extensive texture optimizations, the user interface has been completely redesigned, and save management has been improved with support for non-destructive sub-saves. Numerous bugs have been fixed across Windows and macOS, several simulation systems have been corrected to better reflect real-world behaviour, and visual consistency has been improved throughout the control room.Breaking ChangesAR-1, AR-2, and AR-M's Measurement and Execution switches now correctly select the required number of channels for AR operation (3 or 4), matching real-world functionality.ImprovementsOptimized textures to significantly reduce VRAM usage (from approximately 8 GB to ~2 GB).Completely revamped UI, including:Main MenuSettingsLoad GameDialog WindowsTask ListIntro DialogAdded descriptions for every setting option.Updated and improved translations.Reworked save management: saving the game generates a new save file instead of overwriting the previous one. Old saves can be pruned though Load page.Retextured wall panels to use a single tileable texture, reducing GPU memory consumption.Added missing control logs.Added an option to mute UI background music.Improved visual consistency of Selsyn and DKE red/green indicator lamps.FixesFixed multiple Windows-specific crashes.Fixed a black screen issue that could occur after changing settings on Windows.Fixed persistence issues affecting period logic malfunctions.Fixed LAR incorrectly using the AZ-5 signal instead of the AZ-5T trigger signal.Fixed resolution-related issues in the settings menu.Fixed various display issues in the settings menu.Fixed memory leaks caused by repeatedly starting and quitting games.Fixed windowed mode issues on macOS.Fixed an issue where interaction outlines briefly flashed white before turning blue.Fixed DKE/SFKRE power release indicators around selsyns to correctly display power release deviations (...Read full article on Community Announcements (Jiu)Patch NotesOfficial
WEEKLY UPDATE #3
ImprovementsAdded small squares around PS/AZ imbalance indicator triggersPaper plotters now include measurement scale with handleOptimized mnemonic panel cell lightingAdded several missing mnemonic panel mockupsAdjusted mnemonic panel colors to a more blue-toned appearanceFixesFixed issues affecting global illuminationFixed missing Chinese, Japanese, and Korean characters in certain UI elements such as tooltips and tasksFixed issue when mouse was not unlocked during intro dialogFixed Power-Lock reset buttonFixed background video rendering issues (windows)Most of the current development work is focused on modeling the Reactor Building, along with researching and implementing steam and turbine flow systems.If you experience any issues you can switch to last-update branch.Read full article on Community Announcements (Jiu)
