Delta Force S10 — Nuclear
Power Plant (AZ3) Complete Guide
Want to dominate the new Nuclear Power Plant map in Delta Force: Hawk Ops Season 10? We've compiled all the key information about the AZ3 map for you, from the unique radiation mechanics to the locked safe system, from the high-stakes reactor shutdown event to the best looting routes. Follow our tactical breakdown to survive the nuclear leak and extract safely with top-tier loot.
mike
June 18, 2026
Introduction
Nuclear Power Plant (AZ3) is one of the new maps associated with Season 10 "Nuclear Fission". The exact release date is subject to official announcements. Inspired by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, this map features a multi-stage radiation threat system that creates an entirely new gameplay experience. The map adopts a three-tier vertical structure (above ground, underground, and offshore), making it one of the most complex extraction maps in the game.
Whether you're a newcomer just starting out or a veteran pursuing maximum returns, AZ3 offers both Normal and Confidential difficulty modes. Whether higher difficulties will be added later remains unconfirmed. Combat here is expected to be concentrated indoors, in corridors, and narrow passages, with close-quarters brawls being the norm.
1. Radiation System: Core Mechanics Breakdown
Based on currently available information, AZ3 revolves around radiation accumulation and tiered risk, making it one of the most noteworthy core mechanics on the map. As players spend more time in dangerous areas, they may progressively suffer from audio-visual interference, restricted field of view, and continuous health loss.
Radiation Levels
| Level | Effect |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Charactermay cough continuously (sound reveals position) |
| Level2 | Screen may display white noise interference |
| Level 3 | Visual noisemay significantly blur visionLevel |
| Level4 (Critical) | Max health reduced, may continuously lose health |
How Radiation Increases
- Entering high-risk areas or suspected radiation rooms (similar to gas spray rooms, but continuously stacking radiation values)
- Interacting with contaminated containers increases radiation after looting
- Coming into contact with contaminated containers or water sources
- Staying in the reactor core area, especially during heat-up events
- Encountering special enemies that may have radiation effects (their attacks stack radiation values)
How to Remove Radiation
- Go to decontamination points/chambers on the map; interact to clear radiation stacks
- Use relevant consumables or cleansing-type items
- Radiation values will naturally and slowly decrease after entering safe areas
Tip: Radiation status is typically indicated through UI prompts, character status, or environmental audio cues. It's recommended to continuously monitor abnormal feedback during progression and adjust your route accordingly.
2. Sound Exploration System: "Listen and Locate" Looting Tips
According to test server or community leaks, AZ3 may feature an exploration hint mechanic tied to environmental audio. If implemented, players will be able to use sound to determine whether high-value areas or special containers are nearby.
Relevant details are still pending official confirmation; please refer to the official release version.
| Sound | Meaning | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Certainprompt sound | AZ3-exclusivekey may be near spawn point | Can openexclusive rooms to obtain high-value loot for free |
| Abnormalenvironmental sound | Radiation leak room may be nearby | May be a special resource point with high-tier loot, but heavy radiation |
| Special sound effect | High-valueradiation container may be nearby | Requiresdecryption to open, contains quality loot |
| Special sound effect | High-radiation enemy may be nearby | Tactical advantage — enemy is debuffed and position revealed |
The AZ3-exclusive key at the spawn point is especially important for knife-run players — zero investment to open key rooms, and with luck, you can trigger a chain-key mechanism.
3. Reactor Shutdown Event (Mid-Game Core Objective)
Based on currently available information, AZ3 may trigger a reactor-related global event mid-match, forcing players to choose between pushing, contesting, and extracting.
If this mechanic is ultimately implemented, it will likely become a high-conflict node on the map, drawing multiple teams into firefights.
Event Flow
- Mid-match, the nuclear reactor power displayed at the center of the screen begins to rise
- Players can race to the control room and press the shutdown button
- Success: Players who participated in the shutdown receive extra loot rewards + Boss armor is weakened
- Failure: Radiation spreads across the entire map — all areas become high-radiation zones This creates a natural conflict point: the control room becomes a high-traffic ambush zone, and teams must decide whether to contest the objective oravoid the chaos.
Endgame: Nuclear Explosion Countdown
In the final 5 minutes, the nuclear explosion countdown begins. Only 2 extraction points remain open across the entire map, dramatically increasing the risk. Players carrying large amounts of loot must traverse radiation zones and potential ambushes to extract safely.
4. Extraction Mechanics
AZ3's extraction mechanics are uniquely distinctive:
- Paid Extraction
- Benchmark Mission Extraction
- Time-limited Fixed Extraction Points
Specific conditions, costs, and quantities are still pending official confirmation; please refer to the official release version.
5. Locked Safe System
AZ3 may no longer use the traditional safe looting model, instead introducing a locked safe system:
- Find the interactive device on the map
- May need to complete unlock-type interactions
- Open the safe to obtain high-value loot
This type of design shifts resource acquisition toward objective contesting rather than direct looting. Players must complete objectives first, naturally creating PVP hotspot areas.
Summary
Nuclear Power Plant (AZ3) is becoming the most atmospheric and mechanically rich map in Delta Force. The radiation system forces players to weigh risk versus reward in every decision, the sound exploration system rewards attentive listeners, and the reactor shutdown event creates natural high-risk PVP moments.
Prepare your gas masks and stock up on anti-radiation serum — Season 10 "Nuclear Fission" officially launches on June 26. See you in the exclusion zone, Operators.
*Note: All information in this article is compiled from test server data and community leaks. Final content is subject to the official release. Follow our Discord and map tools for real-time updates on S10 launch day.*
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