diff --git a/code/game/gamemodes/nuclear/nuclear.dm b/code/game/gamemodes/nuclear/nuclear.dm
index b1f96352c83..d6b69c32ba8 100644
--- a/code/game/gamemodes/nuclear/nuclear.dm
+++ b/code/game/gamemodes/nuclear/nuclear.dm
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 /datum/game_mode/nuclear
 	name = "nuclear emergency"
 	config_tag = "nuclear"
-	required_players = 45 // 45 players - 5 players to be the nuke ops = 40 players remaining
+	required_players = 35 // 35 players - 5 players to be the nuke ops = 30 players remaining
 	required_enemies = 5
 	recommended_enemies = 5
 	antag_flag = ROLE_OPERATIVE