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Steam News25 April 20262mo ago

Accuracy Update

We are thrilled to bring you a massive update focused on deepening the simulation realism of the RBMK reactor while introducing several highly requested quality-of-life features.

Full notes

Full Chernobyl: Simulator update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

What changed

20 fixes18 additions3 changes0 removals
  • Gameplay
  • Compatibility
  • Balance
  • UI and audio
  • Performance
  • Fixes
addedIMPORTANT : Please note that due to the significant changes in the physics engine and save logic, previous save files are not backward compatible. You will need to start a new game to experience the new features.
addedAdded spontaneous subcritical fission based on fuel burnup.
changedIntegrated Beta fractions (Beff) that adjust dynamically with average fuel burnup.
addedThermal Hydraulics: Updated the positive void coefficient feedback to use water density rather than void fraction for higher accuracy. We’ve also added simplified logic for steam separators and feedwater systems.
addedNew Tools & Admin Controls:
addedDiagnostic Window (F3 key): A new overlay to monitor system health.

We are thrilled to bring you a massive update focused on deepening the simulation realism of the RBMK reactor while introducing several highly requested quality-of-life features.

IMPORTANT: Please note that due to the significant changes in the physics engine and save logic, previous save files are not backward compatible. You will need to start a new game to experience the new features.

Neutronics: The core now runs on a 2-group neutron diffusion simulation. We’ve also implemented non-uniform fuel depletion and more consistent rod worth across the active zone.

Uniform Rod Worth: We have recalibrated the fuel depletion to ensure more uniform rod effectiveness across the active zone. This eliminates "dead zones" and ensures that reactivity changes are predictable and consistent throughout the full range of rod travel.

Rod Worth (Beff) before

Rod Worth (Beff) after

Realistic Core Behavior:

  • Implemented decay heat following a reactor SCRAM.

  • Added spontaneous subcritical fission based on fuel burnup.

  • Integrated Beta fractions (Beff) that adjust dynamically with average fuel burnup.

Thermal Hydraulics: Updated the positive void coefficient feedback to use water density rather than void fraction for higher accuracy. We’ve also added simplified logic for steam separators and feedwater systems.

Sensor Realism: Ion chambers now utilize real-world characteristics, including realistic signal "noise" when reaching their lower operable limits.

New Tools & Admin Controls:

  • Diagnostic Window (F3 key)A new overlay to monitor system health.
  • Admin Knobs (F5 key): Gain control over the simulation, including a PID controller for mass flow and an option to speed up Xenon effects.

Startup Manual:

You can download and follow startup manual based on real world RBMK startup procedure

DOWNLOAD

Improvements

  • New reactor startup procedure to match real RBMK startup sequences

  • Added a new reactivity meter

  • Implemented spontaneous subcritical fission based on fuel burnup

  • Implemented decay heat following reactor shutdown

  • More uniform control rod worth distribution across the active zone

  • Ion chambers (probes) now use real-world characteristics and response curves

  • Ion chambers now exhibit noise when approaching their lower operational limit

  • ARM automatic regulation is operable at 8 MWt instead of 80 MWt

  • Reactor starts with AZ rods already withdrawn

  • AR starts in preffered configuration to avoid overwhelming new players

  • Added delayed neutron fractions (β-eff) based on average fuel burnup — higher burnup now correctly reduces β-eff

  • Added simplified steam separator and feedwater logic

  • Added a button to delete saves

  • Implemented 2-group neutron diffusion simulation

  • New games now start with proper non-uniform fuel depletion across the core

  • Thermal-hydraulic feedback now uses water density instead of void fraction to better replicate the positive void coefficient

  • Added a simple PID controller to regulate mass flow based on steam content (accessible via Admin Knobs)

  • Added an option to accelerate xenon transient effects (accessible via Admin Knobs)

  • Added ability to turn off tasks from settings

  • Added a new diagnostic window (F3)

  • Added Admin Knobs panel (F5)

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed lag spikes

  • Fixed cursor escaping the game window

  • Fixed ISS value indicator to correctly use a logarithmic scale

  • Fixed ISS probe readings to align with the startup procedure

  • Fixed neutron diffusion issues in empty fuel channels

  • Fixed period indicators (A) to correctly use a logarithmic scale

  • Fixed a bug when switching between AZS and AZS-R modes

  • Fixed AZS enabled state not being restored on load

  • Fixed AZMM enabled state not being restored on load

  • Fixed LAR corrector being incorrectly applied to LAZ imbalance calculations

  • Fixed adjusting one external AR probe inadvertently affecting readings on others

  • Fixed thermal power calculation using channel outlet instead of inlet for the lowest nodes

  • Fixed excessively large xenon poisoning effect

  • Fixed alarm volume being unadjustable through the settings menu

  • Fixed LAR setpoint not auto-adjusting while in ready state

  • Fixed LAR unacceptable imbalance signal failing to trigger

  • Fixed PK-UP indicator not lighting up only when all PK rods are fully withdrawn

  • Fixed issues with auto engaging AR in hot standby

  • Fixed LAR not re-engaging when loading a save

  • Fixed alarms triggering incorrectly on save load

New SKALA Codes

  • [c]П0T0000[/c] — displays water temperature in the steam separators

Source

Steam News / 25 April 2026

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