Command & Conquer: Red Alert
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
Revision as of 04:55, 5 July 2016 by ThatOneReaper (talk | contribs) (Tried where I could to distinguish what was natively supported and what was part of the fan patch. Everything should be done in context of what was originally supported. Also added in screenshots.)
Developers | |
---|---|
Westwood Studios | |
Expansions | Intelligent Games |
Publishers | |
Original | Virgin Interactive |
Current | Electronic Arts |
Release dates | |
DOS | October 31, 1996 |
Windows | October 31, 1996 |
⤏ Go to series page | |
Command & Conquer | 1995 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert | 1996 |
Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor | 1997 |
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun | 1999 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 | 2000 |
Command & Conquer: Renegade | 2002 |
Command & Conquer: Generals | 2003 |
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars | 2007 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 | 2008 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising | 2009 |
Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight | 2010 |
OpenRA (unofficial) | 2010 |
Command & Conquer (2013) | Cancelled |
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection | 2020 |
Renegade X (unofficial) | EA |
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
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | ||||
Amazon.com | Bundled with other games in the franchise up to Generals. | |||
Origin | Bundled with other games in the franchise up to Tiberian Twilight. |
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 with mature support for "Red Alert".
- 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. The site offers a Mac-compatible version too.
- Mac OSX Wineskin package - Mac-compatible web installer that works outside the box. Includes single-player campaign and extra contents for the single-player.
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.
3.03p Fan 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
External general settings (for the fan patch).
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
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Origin |
Video settings
External video settings (for the fan patch).
Input settings
External input settings (for the fan patch).
Audio settings
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
German | See Language add-ons. | |||
French | See Language add-ons. | |||
Spanish | Fan translation, see Language add-ons. | |||
Russian | Partial audio support; fan translation, see Language add-ons. |
- RA patch also adds support for Language add-ons.
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAN play | 8 | Versus Use the 3.03p fan patch to enable modern LAN support. |
||
Online play | 8 | Versus The original multiplayer service is no longer available. Use the 3.03p fan patch and CnCNet.org to re-enable support. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | See: CnCNet.org. | |
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Online play
CnCNet
- 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.
- Supports playing over LAN.
- Already included in the 3.03p patch.
- Additional lobby sound add-ons
XWIS
- 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
Instructions |
---|
Crash after overheating
Instructions |
---|
Game is laggy after installing the patch
Instructions |
---|
Game speed/Map scroll rate issue
Instructions |
---|
"Unable to set video mode" error
Instructions |
---|
No music in the portable version
Instructions |
---|
No videos after installing the patch
Instructions |
---|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DirectDraw | 3 | |
DOS video modes | MCGA, VGA |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Multiplayer | Westwood Online |
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
- OpenRA - community developed recreation that tries to modernize the classic gameplay and UI.
- The Red Alert - A total conversion of Red Alert 3
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 DirectX 3 compatible |
- ISA video cards are not supported