Players use strategic missiles, factories, money, and other elements of gameplay with a focus on diplomacy to win by becoming the sole survivor.

Nuclear Destruction was the first game offered by Flying Buffalo Inc., and started the professional PBM industry.

[5] According to reviewer Charles Mosteller, editor in chief of Suspense and Decision, the modern PBM magazine, Nuclear Destruction is a "Strategic missile game with emphasis on diplomacy".

[7] In 1979, there was a "Partners ND" where two friends could play together; "Blitz ND", a costlier game with shorter turnaround times and priority mailing; and "Bribery ND" where players did not pay turn fees but could purchase extra resources (e.g., missiles and spies).

He concluded, "The excitement level of PBM Nuclear Destruction is very high, especially when the game is run on one or two week deadlines.