Random initialization of latches in an integrated circuit design for simulation

Latches in a net of a simulated integrated circuit design are initialized to known logical states prior to application of a reset signal at the beginning of the simulation. The logical states may be set by generating a list of the latches, sorting them in random order, and then dividing them into two groups based on the random order with high and low logical states respectively assigned to the two groups. In a specific implementation the latch states are set using an HDL force command prior to applying the reset signal, and the force command is removed after applying the reset signal using an HDL release command. If the circuit description is a gate-level netlist, then logical states of gates within the storage elements are also set.