Est. 1998
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Home Games Total Annihilation Total Annihilation: Core Contingency
Total Annihilation: Core Contingency
The Vault · 1998

Total Annihilation: Core Contingency

The expansion that outshines most full games.
Released1998
Players1–10 Players
Total AnnihilationWindows 95/98Real-Time Strategy
Expansion Pack3D RenderedNew UnitsNew MissionsMultiplayer Maps

Total Annihilation: Core Contingency is the first expansion pack for the real-time strategy game Total Annihilation, developed and published by Cavedog Entertainment in 1998. The expansion adds 75 new units, 25 new missions, and six new world types, along with additional multiplayer maps. It builds on the core mechanics of the original, which featured 3D-rendered units and terrain, resource management based on metal and energy, and a vast tech tree. Core Contingency does not alter the fundamental gameplay but significantly expands the available content. The new worlds introduce varied terrain and environmental hazards, such as acid oceans that damage ships and crystal landscapes that favor air units. The new unit roster is distributed across land, sea, and air, with a particular emphasis on naval additions. The most notable new unit is the Core Krogoth, a towering assault robot that dwarfs the Commander unit. The expansion was generally well-received for its volume of new content and for maintaining the balance and feel of the original game.

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How to Play TodayYour options for running this game in 2026
Original Hardware
Original discs are available on the second-hand market and typically include both Total Annihilation and Core Contingency. A working Windows 95/98 machine or a virtual machine with appropriate graphics drivers is required.
Modern Re-release
Available on GOG and Steam as part of the Total Annihilation: Commander Pack, which includes the base game and both expansions, preconfigured for modern Windows.
Emulation / Other Options
Not emulated in the traditional sense; runs natively on modern Windows through compatibility layer or via the GOG/Steam wrapper. No additional emulator needed.
Game Record
Total Annihilation Series
Total Annihilation: Core Contingency (1998)
Windows 95/98
Not Reviewed
This
Total Annihilation (1999)
Windows 95
Not Reviewed
The Iron Plague (2000)
Windows 95/98
Not Reviewed
Original PC Specs
OSWindows 95/98
CPUPentium 133 MHz or better
RAM32 MB RAM
GPU / DisplayDirect3D-compatible video card with 2 MB VRAM
Storage200 MB hard drive space
Drive4× CD-ROM