Key points
- Released for free following the release of Red Alert 3.
- 3.03p fan patch is highly recommended to install.
- If you want a modernized C&C experience, check out OpenRA.
- Language support can be further extended with language add-ons.
- CD/ISO installer is 16-bit and doesn't run under modern operating systems, see Availability for solution.
General information
- C&C Communications Center forums
- CNCNZ forums
- CnCNet
- Command & Conquer Wiki
Availability
DLC and expansion packs
Name |
Notes |
|
Command & Conquer: Red Alert: Counterstrike |
Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations. |
|
Command & Conquer: Red Alert: The Aftermath |
Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations. |
|
Unofficial downloads
- OpenRA is a modernized open-source version of C&C. Also includes Tiberian Dawn and Dune 2000 modes. See OpenRA for more information.
- PortableRA is available in installable or portable (stripped, multiplayer-only) form with add-ons. Extra contents included (PSX-exclusive cutscenes for the expansions and music).
- RA1 Installer is a special installer that can either download the game, install it from old CDs/ISOs or patch an existing installation. Extra contents included.
- RedAlert1.com is a bare-bones version optimized for multiplayer (small size, portable). Missions, music and cutscenes are omitted. The music and map editor are downloadable inside the CnCNet settings.
Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems
- Like many 32-bit games released during the mid-90's, the game's installer is 16-bit. This and some other issues prevents you the game from being installed (using the ISOs released by EA or the game CDs) on modern operating systems and PCs.
- The RA1 Installer (see above) includes an option to install games from original CDs/ISOs and patch the installation afterwards. More information available at CnC-Comm forums.
Essential improvements
1024x768 resolution using the
3.03p patch.
- Patch is included in installation via RA1 Installer (see above).
- Not needed for fan-made packages, it is already present there.
- This patch contains:
- Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130).
- New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
- Support for newer Windows systems (including 64-bit)
- Online (via CnCNet) and LAN playability up to 8 players
- Support for higher resolutions
- No-CD option
- Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions (plus PSX videos for these missions and soundtrack)
- Complete feature list.
- In the compatibility tab all compatibility options should be turned off.[1]
- Support for regular Red Alert installation, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
-
redalert.ini
contains normal game settings.
-
ddraw.ini
contains CnC-DDraw settings (present after patch).
-
cncnet.ini
contains CnCNet settings.
Save game data location
Video settings
- These are video settings alongside the fan patch.
Template:Video settings
Input settings
Template:Input settings
Audio settings
Template:Audio settings
Localizations
Language |
UI |
Audio |
Sub |
Notes |
English |
|
|
|
|
German |
|
|
|
See below. |
French |
|
|
|
See below. |
Spanish |
|
|
|
Fan translation, see below. |
Russian |
|
|
|
Partial audio support; fan translation, see below. |
- RA patch also adds support for multiple languages. Download them from PCGamingWiki repository.
Network
Multiplayer types
{{Network/Connections
|matchmaking = false
|matchmaking notes =
|p2p = true
|p2p notes =
|dedicated = true
|dedicated notes = See: CnCNet.org.
|self-hosting = true
|self-hosting notes =
|direct ip = false
|direct ip notes =
Online play
- Official forums
- An unofficial community-run online service for older C&C games.
- Uses an external client to launch its own improved lobby that supports private games, pre-determined alliances and spawn locations, its own online map directory, map preview, spectator mode, kick/ban and better chat capabilities (ignore, whisper, Mumble voice chat).
- Predominantly used by Red Alert players.
- LAN play requires Internet connection to work.
- Already included in the 3.03p patch.
- Additional lobby sound add-ons
- Official forums
- A semi-official, community-run replacement for Westwood Online (WOL), Westwood's online service.
- In-game 'Internet' menu redirects to this service.
- XWIS service is not used by online Red Alert community.
Issues unresolved
- This list assumes you're using the patch. If you experience a new game issue, please make a support thread on the CnC-Comm forums.
- Flickering mouse under cnc-ddraw
- Left-handed mouse setups have problems with selecting multiple units.[2]
Issues fixed
- If you have problems with The First Decade or The Ultimate Collection, be sure to check this FAQ on EA forums.
General fixes
Crash after overheating
Game is laggy after installing the patch
Game speed/Map scroll rate issue
"Unable to set video mode" error
No music in the portable version
No videos after installing the patch
Other information
Maps
- C&C has support for external maps, both multiplayer and singleplayer.
- CnCNet includes its own online map directory.
- Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.
- Cnc-Comm.com - Mapping discussion
Re-implementations
- Multiplayer-only recreation that tries to modernize the classic gameplay of older Command & Conquer games (and Dune 2000).
- Multi-platform
- Re-imagined interface
System requirements
DOS |
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
Operating system (OS) |
5.0 |
6.2 |
Processor (CPU) |
Intel 486 66 MHz
| Intel Pentium 75 MHz |
System memory (RAM) |
8 MB |
16 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
40 MB | |
Video card (GPU) |
VGA or MCGA (256 colour) video card | |
Windows |
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
Operating system (OS) |
3.1, 95 |
98 |
Processor (CPU) |
Intel Pentium 75 MHz
| Intel Pentium 120 MHz |
System memory (RAM) |
8 MB |
16 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
40 MB |
500 MB |
Video card (GPU) |
PCI video card 1 MB of VRAM | |
- ISA video cards are not supported
References