Nuclear fuel

Nuclear fuel is an in-game combustible item that serves as one of the highest-energy portable fuels. Each Nuclear fuel item contains 1.21 GJ of energy and stacks to 1. It is classified among the game’s “major fuels” because of its very high heat value and its usefulness late in progression for powering burner-powered machines and vehicles when a concentrated, high-energy fuel source is required.

Nuclear fuel increases vehicle performance when used as vehicle fuel. With Nuclear fuel installed, vehicles receive a large acceleration bonus and an increased top speed compared to basic fuels, making it an effective single-item option for rapid vehicle bursts or high-speed runs. Despite its name, Nuclear fuel is not usable in a Nuclear reactor; the game uses a separate item (fuel rods/fuel cells) for reactor operation. Do not confuse Nuclear fuel with the reactor fuel item that is placed directly in reactors; they are distinct items with different purposes and energy values.

The item’s heat value, 1.21 GJ, is an intentional reference to the phrase “1.21 jigawatts” from the Back to the Future franchise, where the flux capacitor requires that amount of power to operate. This cultural reference is noted in multiple language sources for the game.

• Energy: 1.21 GJ per item.
• Stack size: 1.
• Classified as a major fuel with high energy density.
• Vehicle effects: provides a very large acceleration bonus and a substantial top speed bonus when used as vehicle fuel.
• Not usable in a Nuclear reactor; reactor-only fuel (fuel rods) is a different item with a different energy value.
• Do not confuse Nuclear fuel with fuel rods (the reactor fuel) — they are separate items with different uses and cannot substitute for one another in reactor operation.
• The 1.21 GJ value references Back to the Future’s “1.21 jigawatts” flux capacitor requirement.