Difference between revisions of "Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2"
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{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|command-conquer-red-alert-2|}} | {{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|command-conquer-red-alert-2|}} | ||
|taxonomy = | |taxonomy = | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }} | + | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service }} |
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | ||
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{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | Command & Conquer }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | Command & Conquer }} | ||
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20020202222619/http://westwood.ea.com:80/games/ccuniverse/redalert2/index.html | |official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20020202222619/http://westwood.ea.com:80/games/ccuniverse/redalert2/index.html | ||
− | |steam appid = | + | |steam appid = 2229850 |
|gogcom id = | |gogcom id = | ||
|hltb = 1841 | |hltb = 1841 | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | ''' | + | {{Introduction |
− | {{ | + | |introduction = |
+ | |||
+ | |release history = A sequel to ''[[Command & Conquer: Red Alert]]'' was pitched by [[Company:Westwood Studios|Westwood Studios]] co-founder Brett Sperry in 1999 to the studio's then-new Irvine subsidiary [[Company:EA Pacific|Westwood Pacific]]. Hence, it was the first game in the series developed by largely a separate team, but the main Westwood team at Las Vegas contributed cutscenes, audio/music and input regardless. The game uses a heavily modified and optimized engine from its immediate predecessor, ''[[Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun]]'', albeit forked from a pre-release build. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The '''''Yuri's Revenge''''' expansion from October 2001 added two new campaigns, new units, and for the first time in the franchise, a third faction playable in both singleplayer and multiplayer. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Post-release support included 6 patches for the base game and only 1 for ''Yuri's Revenge'', as well as a semi-official [[#FinalAlert (map editor)|map editor (FinalAlert)]] compatible with both titles. While no official modding tools were released, the game quickly received a sizable modding and mapping community, whose projects remain popular well into the 2020s.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.moddb.com/groups/2021-mod-of-the-year-awards/features/players-choice-mod-of-the-year-2021|title=Players Choice - Mod of the Year 2021 feature|date=2023-05-30}}</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | The game and its expansion were first released digitally on October 2, 2012 on [[Store:Origin|Origin]] as part of the ''Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection'' package. On March 7, 2024, they were released on Steam for the first time as part of ''The Ultimate Collection'' with compatibility tweaks, with the EA App version mirroring the changes on the same day. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = The game has [[#Issues fixed|considerable issues]] running on newer operating systems without modification, mainly caused by the broken [[Glossary:DirectX/DirectDraw troubleshooting|DirectDraw]] renderer [[#Rendering issues|preventing the game from launching]], combined with the deprecated {{DRM|SafeDisc|2}} in the retail version. Community efforts have resulted in multiple viable alternative renderers, all of which are included as options in the [[#CnCNet YR Client|CnCNet client]], which is also used for accessing the community-run [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] multiplayer service. The official multiplayer service, Westwood Online, was redirected to the also community-run [https://xwis.net/ XWIS] server in 2005 in agreement with [[Company:Electronic Arts|EA]]'s German community team<ref name="XWIS2005">{{Refurl|url=https://ppmforums.com/topic-9241/bye-bye-wol-xwis-is-the-official-online-gaming-service-now/|title=Bye Bye WOL! XWIS is the official online gaming service now! <nowiki>|</nowiki> Project Perfect Mod|date=2024-03-08}}</ref>, and using the in-game multiplayer menus lead to it without any additional configuration, but this service is presently seldom used due to CnCNet's quality-of-life improvements. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The base game included the [https://cnc.fandom.com/wiki/World_Domination_Tour World Domination Tour] game mode in multiplayer, but as neither XWIS nor CnCNet have the necessary code to host it, it is no longer playable. | ||
+ | }} | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
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{{mm}} [https://cncnz.com/games/red-alert-2 Red Alert 2 section on CNCNZ.com] | {{mm}} [https://cncnz.com/games/red-alert-2 Red Alert 2 section on CNCNZ.com] | ||
{{mm}} [https://cncnz.com/games/yuris-revenge Yuri's Revenge section on CNCNZ.com] | {{mm}} [https://cncnz.com/games/yuris-revenge Yuri's Revenge section on CNCNZ.com] | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2229850/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions] | ||
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | {{DRM|SafeDisc|2}}. The installer for the base game is also DRM-protected, but not the one for Yuri's Revenge. | | Windows }} | {{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | {{DRM|SafeDisc|2}}. The installer for the base game is also DRM-protected, but not the one for Yuri's Revenge. | | Windows }} | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Origin | command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection | Origin | Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes the Yuri's Revenge expansion. | + | {{Availability/row| Origin | command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection | Origin | Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes the Yuri's Revenge expansion. Pre-packaged with [[Glossary:Display wrapper|DDrawCompat]]. Included with {{Store feature|EA Play}}. <br> [https://www.ea.com/games/command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection/buy/pc Manual link for EA App purchase]. | | Windows }} |
+ | {{Availability/row| Steam | 2229850 | DRM-free | Bundled as part of {{Store link|Steam-bundle|39394|Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection}}; includes the Yuri's Revenge expansion. Pre-packaged with [[Glossary:Display wrapper|DDrawCompat]]. Included with {{Store feature|EA Play}}.<br>Steam DRM removed on March 9, 2024.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamdb.info/app/2229850/history/?changeid=22697750|title=Command & Conquer: Red Alert™ 2 and Yuri’s Revenge™ History · Change #22697750 · SteamDB|date=2024-03-09}}</ref><ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2024-03-09}}</ref> | | Windows }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{--}} | + | {{--}} Retail versions include custom {{term|DRM}} code which can sabotage the game by destroying all units and structures owned by the player after 30 seconds, triggering an automatic defeat. It can occur on legitimate copies under certain circumstances - see [[#Auto-defeat after 30 seconds|Auto-defeat after 30 seconds]] for instructions to fix this. |
==Monetization== | ==Monetization== | ||
Line 67: | Line 82: | ||
|sponsored = | |sponsored = | ||
|subscription = | |subscription = | ||
+ | |subscription gaming service = Available via [[EA Play]]. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{DLC| | {{DLC| | ||
− | {{DLC/row| Yuri's Revenge | Explicitly requires the base game to be patched to v1.006 | + | {{DLC/row| Yuri's Revenge | Explicitly requires the base game to be patched to v1.006. | Windows }} |
}} | }} | ||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
− | {{ii}} Patch 1.006 for Red Alert 2 fixes general bugs, network and exploit issues - available from [https://cncnz.com/downloads/red-alert-2-downloads/#patches CNCNZ.com], [http://www.cnclabs.com/downloads/details.aspx?id=943 C&C Labs], [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/red_alert2.php Patches-Scrolls] and [https://www.gamefront.com/games/cnc-red-alert-2/category/ | + | {{ii}} Patch 1.006 for Red Alert 2 fixes general bugs, network and exploit issues - available from [https://cncnz.com/downloads/red-alert-2-downloads/#patches CNCNZ.com], [http://www.cnclabs.com/downloads/details.aspx?id=943 C&C Labs], [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/red_alert2.php Patches-Scrolls] and [https://www.gamefront.com/games/cnc-red-alert-2/category/v1-006 GameFront]. |
{{ii}} Patch 1.001 for Yuri's Revenge fixes bugs, crashes and a problem when multiple CD drives are plugged in - available from [https://cncnz.com/downloads/yuris-revenge-downloads/#patches CNCNZ.com], [http://www.cnclabs.com/downloads/details.aspx?id=944 C&C Labs], [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/command_and_conquer_yuris_revenge.php Patches-Scrolls] and [https://www.gamefront.com/games/command-and-conquer-red-alert-2-yuris-revenge/category/official-patches-93 GameFront]. | {{ii}} Patch 1.001 for Yuri's Revenge fixes bugs, crashes and a problem when multiple CD drives are plugged in - available from [https://cncnz.com/downloads/yuris-revenge-downloads/#patches CNCNZ.com], [http://www.cnclabs.com/downloads/details.aspx?id=944 C&C Labs], [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/command_and_conquer_yuris_revenge.php Patches-Scrolls] and [https://www.gamefront.com/games/command-and-conquer-red-alert-2-yuris-revenge/category/official-patches-93 GameFront]. | ||
{{ii}} Both patches are already included in The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection releases. | {{ii}} Both patches are already included in The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection releases. | ||
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{{++}} Includes a variety of custom graphics renderers, each fitting different configurations: [https://github.com/CnCNet/cnc-ddraw/releases cnc-ddraw], [https://github.com/CnCNet/ts-ddraw ts-ddraw], [https://github.com/narzoul/DDrawCompat/releases DDrawCompat] and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/ DxWnd]. | {{++}} Includes a variety of custom graphics renderers, each fitting different configurations: [https://github.com/CnCNet/cnc-ddraw/releases cnc-ddraw], [https://github.com/CnCNet/ts-ddraw ts-ddraw], [https://github.com/narzoul/DDrawCompat/releases DDrawCompat] and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/ DxWnd]. | ||
{{++}} Settings changes apply to the main executables of Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge. | {{++}} Settings changes apply to the main executables of Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge. | ||
+ | {{ii}} On Windows 11, Yuri's Revenge specifically (but not the base game) requires the {{code|Use legacy display ICC color management}} option in the [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility settings]] to be enabled even when using these alternate renderers.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2023-06-01}}</ref> | ||
==Game data== | ==Game data== | ||
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|origin = true | |origin = true | ||
|origin notes = | |origin notes = | ||
− | |steam cloud = | + | |steam cloud = true |
|steam cloud notes = | |steam cloud notes = | ||
|ubisoft connect = | |ubisoft connect = | ||
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|vsync notes = | |vsync notes = | ||
|60 fps = true | |60 fps = true | ||
− | |60 fps notes = Videos 15 FPS | + | |60 fps notes = Videos display in 15 FPS. Framerate is tied to game speed, and skirmish/multiplayer can go up to 60 FPS (for campaigns, use the <code>-SPEEDCONTROL</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]] to enable the speed slider). |
− | |120 fps = | + | |120 fps = hackable |
− | |120 fps notes = | + | |120 fps notes = If using the [[#CnCNet YR Client|CnCNet YR Client]], the "MAX" speed setting is available, but it can result in uncontrollably fast game speeds and is not recommended. |
|hdr = false | |hdr = false | ||
|hdr notes = | |hdr notes = | ||
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===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ||
{{--}} Regardless of the settings applied, the Yuri's Revenge main menu is hardcoded to 800x600. These changes apply to the in-game resolutions of the base game and expansion, as well as the base game main menu. | {{--}} Regardless of the settings applied, the Yuri's Revenge main menu is hardcoded to 800x600. These changes apply to the in-game resolutions of the base game and expansion, as well as the base game main menu. | ||
+ | {{ii}} To make these methods work in the EA App and Steam (2024) versions of the game, first open {{file|{{p|game}}\DDrawCompat.ini}} in a text editor and add the desired resolution(s) at the end of the {{code|SupportedResolutions}} entry '''or''' delete that entry entirely.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2024-03-07}}</ref> Without this step, the game will default to the default three resolutions. | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Modify the configuration file, method 1|ref=|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Modify the configuration file, method 1|ref=|fix= | ||
− | # Go to {{ | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}}} |
# Open {{file|RA2.ini}} (base game) or {{file|RA2md.ini}} (Yuri's Revenge) with any text editor and type the resolution there: | # Open {{file|RA2.ini}} (base game) or {{file|RA2md.ini}} (Yuri's Revenge) with any text editor and type the resolution there: | ||
<pre> | <pre> | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Modify the configuration file, method 2|ref=|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Modify the configuration file, method 2|ref=|fix= | ||
− | # Go to {{ | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}}}. |
# Open {{file|RA2.ini}} (base game) or {{file|RA2md.ini}} (Yuri's Revenge). | # Open {{file|RA2.ini}} (base game) or {{file|RA2md.ini}} (Yuri's Revenge). | ||
# Under the <code>[Video]</code> value, insert <code>AllowHiResModes=yes</code>. | # Under the <code>[Video]</code> value, insert <code>AllowHiResModes=yes</code>. | ||
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|audio = hackable | |audio = hackable | ||
|subtitles = false | |subtitles = false | ||
− | |notes = Fan translation and full dubbing by [https://tsfukraine.wixsite.com/main | + | |notes = Fan translation and full dubbing by [https://tsfukraine.wixsite.com/main/general-catalogue TSF(link to catalogue)], [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rsgzIIcKD3z3fV4VEIRlYYpEVUCX4Sra/view?usp=sharing download]. |
|fan = true | |fan = true | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|lan play players = 8 | |lan play players = 8 | ||
|lan play modes = Versus, Co-op | |lan play modes = Versus, Co-op | ||
− | |lan play notes = Uses IPX protocol. Requires a LAN patch to be replaced with UDP ([https://www.moddb.com/games/cc-red-alert-2/downloads/ra2yr-lan-fix-xp-vista-w7-x86-x64 ModDB], [https://cncnz.com/downloads/assorted_downloads/#unofficial-patches CNCNZ.com]).<br>Alternatively, the [[#CnCNet YR Client|CnCNet YR client]] includes its own workaround. | + | |lan play notes = Uses IPX protocol. Requires a LAN patch to be replaced with UDP ([https://www.moddb.com/games/cc-red-alert-2/downloads/ra2yr-lan-fix-xp-vista-w7-x86-x64 ModDB], [https://cncnz.com/downloads/assorted_downloads/#unofficial-patches CNCNZ.com]) or [https://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXwrapper].<br>Alternatively, the [[#CnCNet YR Client|CnCNet YR client]] includes its own workaround. |
|online play = true | |online play = true | ||
|online play players = 8 | |online play players = 8 | ||
|online play modes = Versus, Co-op | |online play modes = Versus, Co-op | ||
− | |online play notes = Lobbies point to [https://xwis.net/ XWIS] by default since 2005 as part of an agreement with EA. [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] is a more popular alternative. | + | |online play notes = Lobbies point to [https://xwis.net/ XWIS] by default since October 6, 2005 as part of an agreement with EA.<ref name="XWIS2005" /> [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] is a more popular alternative. |
|asynchronous = | |asynchronous = | ||
|asynchronous notes = | |asynchronous notes = | ||
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==Issues fixed== | ==Issues fixed== | ||
===String manager failed to initialize properly=== | ===String manager failed to initialize properly=== | ||
− | {{ii}} This issue manifests as an error window reading | + | {{ii}} This issue manifests as an error window reading {{code|***FATAL*** String Manager Failed to Initialize Properly}}. |
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility]] mode for Windows 98/ME and as administrator. Choose "Change settings for all users" if the options are disabled.|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=Common method used in the 2000s.}}</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility]] mode for Windows 98/ME and as administrator. Choose "Change settings for all users" if the options are disabled.|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=Common method used in the 2000s.}}</ref>|fix= | ||
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==="Player already has the same serial" error=== | ==="Player already has the same serial" error=== | ||
− | {{ii}} This | + | {{ii}} This solution refers to retail versions of the game. |
{{Fixbox|description=Add missing registry value|ref=|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Add missing registry value|ref=|fix= | ||
Line 388: | Line 406: | ||
===Auto-defeat after 30 seconds=== | ===Auto-defeat after 30 seconds=== | ||
{{ii}} Is triggered by DRM, even on legitimate installations. | {{ii}} Is triggered by DRM, even on legitimate installations. | ||
+ | {{ii}} This solution refers to retail versions of the game. | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Check game's serial key registry entries|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Check game's serial key registry entries|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix= | ||
Line 397: | Line 416: | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | === | + | ===Rendering issues=== |
− | + | {{ii}} The following rendering problems are handled by the solutions below: | |
+ | :* Game running only a black screen on startup (occurs when the game engine tries to render in VRAM) | ||
+ | :* Game is purple/green colored and displays only on the other half of the screen | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install the [[#CnCNet YR Client|CnCNet YR client]] and choose an alternative renderer until ideal performance is reached|ref=|fix= |
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Manually setting up cnc-ddraw renderer|ref=|fix= | ||
#Disable the [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] of the game's {{file|RA2.exe}} and {{file|RA2MD.exe}} executables. | #Disable the [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] of the game's {{file|RA2.exe}} and {{file|RA2MD.exe}} executables. | ||
#Copy the files from the .zip of [https://github.com/CnCNet/cnc-ddraw/releases/latest cnc-ddraw custom renderer] to the Red Alert 2 installation folder, replacing those present. If using the [[#CnCNet YR Client|CnCNet YR client]], use its options menu to select cnc-ddraw among renderer choices. | #Copy the files from the .zip of [https://github.com/CnCNet/cnc-ddraw/releases/latest cnc-ddraw custom renderer] to the Red Alert 2 installation folder, replacing those present. If using the [[#CnCNet YR Client|CnCNet YR client]], use its options menu to select cnc-ddraw among renderer choices. | ||
Line 407: | Line 431: | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Manually setting up ddwrapper renderer|ref=|fix= |
− | Download [http://bitpatch.com/ddwrapper.html Aqrit's ddwrapper] and extract the {{file|ddraw.dll}} and {{file|aqrit.cfg}} files into the RA2 folder. Next, ensure that only these settings are set to | + | Download [http://bitpatch.com/ddwrapper.html Aqrit's ddwrapper] and extract the {{file|ddraw.dll}} and {{file|aqrit.cfg}} files into the RA2 folder. Next, ensure that only these settings are set to {{code|1}} in {{file|aqrit.cfg}}: |
<pre> | <pre> | ||
FakeVsync = 1 | FakeVsync = 1 | ||
NoVideoMemory = 1</pre> | NoVideoMemory = 1</pre> | ||
Alternatively, simply download and extract the contents of [https://www.mediafire.com/?c8lrqc9e9bq2frj this preconfigured fix] into the RA2 folder. Also, consider using the [[#Lag/low FPS|performance]] fix as well. | Alternatively, simply download and extract the contents of [https://www.mediafire.com/?c8lrqc9e9bq2frj this preconfigured fix] into the RA2 folder. Also, consider using the [[#Lag/low FPS|performance]] fix as well. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Notes''' | ||
+ | {{ii}} If some Windows elements flicker from behind the game, open {{file|aqrit.cfg}} and set the <code>ForceDirectDrawEmulation</code> value to {{code|0}}. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
===Lag/low FPS=== | ===Lag/low FPS=== | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Modify the RA2(MD).ini file|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=Common method used in the 2000s.}}</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Modify the RA2(MD).ini file|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=Common method used in the 2000s.}}</ref>|fix= | ||
− | # Go to {{ | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}}} |
# Open {{file|RA2.ini}} for the base game and {{file|RA2MD.ini}} for Yuri's Revenge. | # Open {{file|RA2.ini}} for the base game and {{file|RA2MD.ini}} for Yuri's Revenge. | ||
# Under the <code>[Video]</code> section, add <code>VideoBackBuffer=No</code> to a new line. | # Under the <code>[Video]</code> section, add <code>VideoBackBuffer=No</code> to a new line. | ||
Line 433: | Line 453: | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Apply the [http://www.stuffhost.de/files/cnc/CnCPatcher.html Command and Conquer Graphics Patcher]|ref=|fix=}} |
===Game runs too fast=== | ===Game runs too fast=== | ||
− | |||
{{ii}} Make sure the in-game "Game Speed" slider is adjusted properly. | {{ii}} Make sure the in-game "Game Speed" slider is adjusted properly. | ||
:"Normal" game speed is "'''Fast'''" 30 FPS. "Real" speed is "'''Slow'''" 15 FPS; 1 second in-game equals 1 second in real-life at 15 FPS. 60 FPS is Game Speed 5 "'''Faster'''". | :"Normal" game speed is "'''Fast'''" 30 FPS. "Real" speed is "'''Slow'''" 15 FPS; 1 second in-game equals 1 second in real-life at 15 FPS. 60 FPS is Game Speed 5 "'''Faster'''". | ||
− | {{ | + | {{ii}} Note that the [[#CnCNet YR Client|CnCNet YR Client]] has its own game speed settings. Setting them at "MAX" may cause uncontrollably high game speed, so limiting to 60 FPS is recommended. |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
+ | <!-- for pre-2024 Origin version; the current one is redone from the ground up | ||
===Restore command-line argument support (The Ultimate Collection version)=== | ===Restore command-line argument support (The Ultimate Collection version)=== | ||
{{ii}} The Ultimate Collection on Origin was released with no support for mods or command line arguments. | {{ii}} The Ultimate Collection on Origin was released with no support for mods or command line arguments. | ||
Line 453: | Line 470: | ||
# Run the installer. | # Run the installer. | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | --> | ||
==Other information== | ==Other information== | ||
Line 506: | Line 524: | ||
===[[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]]=== | ||
− | |||
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 549: | Line 566: | ||
===FinalAlert (map editor)=== | ===FinalAlert (map editor)=== | ||
− | + | {{mm}} The latest version of FinalAlert 2 (YR 1.02) is available from [https://cncnz.com/downloads/red-alert-2-downloads/#utilities CNCNZ], [https://www.ppmsite.com/download/fa2yr102.exe/ Project Perfect Mod], [https://www.moddb.com/games/cc-red-alert-yuris-revenge/downloads/finalalert-2-yuris-revenge-v102 ModDB], [http://www.cnclabs.com/downloads/details.aspx?id=2152 CnCLabs], and [https://www.gamefront.com/games/command-and-conquer-red-alert-2-yuris-revenge/file/finalalert-2-yuri-s-revenge-v1-02 GameFront]. Despite the version name, it can work with and without the Yuri's Revenge expansion. | |
+ | {{++}} In 2024, FinalAlert was made open-source, and both the tool and its source code are distributed as part of the Steam and EA App versions of the game. | ||
===Hero units in "Hollywood and Vain" mission lack their unique lines=== | ===Hero units in "Hollywood and Vain" mission lack their unique lines=== | ||
Line 556: | Line 574: | ||
|date=2020-01-25}}</ref>|fix= | |date=2020-01-25}}</ref>|fix= | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Modifications=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} The listed modifications are all for the ''Yuri's Revenge'' expansion. | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/mental-omega Mental Omega] | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cncreloaded C&C: Reloaded] | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/riseoftheeast Rise of the East] | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/yr-red-resurrection Red Resurrection] | ||
==System requirements== | ==System requirements== |
Revision as of 16:09, 10 March 2024
![]() |
|
Developers | |
---|---|
Westwood Pacific | |
Publishers | |
Electronic Arts | |
Re-release | Sold Out Software |
Release dates | |
Windows | October 25, 2000 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 84 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric |
Controls | Multiple select, Point and select |
Genres | RTS |
Themes | Europe, North America, Africa, Oceania, Antarctica, Sci-fi, Space |
Series | Command & Conquer |
⤏ 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 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric RTS game in the Command & Conquer series.
A sequel to Command & Conquer: Red Alert was pitched by Westwood Studios co-founder Brett Sperry in 1999 to the studio's then-new Irvine subsidiary Westwood Pacific. Hence, it was the first game in the series developed by largely a separate team, but the main Westwood team at Las Vegas contributed cutscenes, audio/music and input regardless. The game uses a heavily modified and optimized engine from its immediate predecessor, Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun, albeit forked from a pre-release build.
The Yuri's Revenge expansion from October 2001 added two new campaigns, new units, and for the first time in the franchise, a third faction playable in both singleplayer and multiplayer.
Post-release support included 6 patches for the base game and only 1 for Yuri's Revenge, as well as a semi-official map editor (FinalAlert) compatible with both titles. While no official modding tools were released, the game quickly received a sizable modding and mapping community, whose projects remain popular well into the 2020s.[1]
The game and its expansion were first released digitally on October 2, 2012 on Origin as part of the Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection package. On March 7, 2024, they were released on Steam for the first time as part of The Ultimate Collection with compatibility tweaks, with the EA App version mirroring the changes on the same day.
The game has considerable issues running on newer operating systems without modification, mainly caused by the broken DirectDraw renderer preventing the game from launching, combined with the deprecated SafeDisc 2 DRM[Note 1] in the retail version. Community efforts have resulted in multiple viable alternative renderers, all of which are included as options in the CnCNet client, which is also used for accessing the community-run CnCNet multiplayer service. The official multiplayer service, Westwood Online, was redirected to the also community-run XWIS server in 2005 in agreement with EA's German community team[4], and using the in-game multiplayer menus lead to it without any additional configuration, but this service is presently seldom used due to CnCNet's quality-of-life improvements.
The base game included the World Domination Tour game mode in multiplayer, but as neither XWIS nor CnCNet have the necessary code to host it, it is no longer playable.
General information
- Command & Conquer Wiki - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
- Project Perfect Mod - The most expansive RA2 mod site.
- CnCNet (multiplayer replacement; Yuri's Revenge expansion required)
- XWIS (legacy multiplayer replacement, default server lookup leads to this service)
- Red Alert 2 section on CNC.community
- Red Alert 2 section on C&C Communications Center
- Red Alert 2 section on CNCNZ.com
- Yuri's Revenge section on CNCNZ.com
- Steam Community Discussions
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | SafeDisc 2 DRM[Note 2]. The installer for the base game is also DRM-protected, but not the one for Yuri's Revenge. | |||
Origin | Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes the Yuri's Revenge expansion. Pre-packaged with DDrawCompat. Included with EA Play. Manual link for EA App purchase. |
|||
Steam | Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes the Yuri's Revenge expansion. Pre-packaged with DDrawCompat. Included with EA Play (Steam). Steam DRM removed on March 9, 2024.[7][8] |
- SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
- Retail versions include custom DRM code which can sabotage the game by destroying all units and structures owned by the player after 30 seconds, triggering an automatic defeat. It can occur on legitimate copies under certain circumstances - see Auto-defeat after 30 seconds for instructions to fix this.
Monetization
Type | Notes |
---|---|
Expansion pack | The expansion pack includes a new faction, new campaigns, maps, and units. |
One-time game purchase | The game requires an upfront purchase to access. |
Subscription gaming service | Available via EA Play. |
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Yuri's Revenge | Explicitly requires the base game to be patched to v1.006. |
Essential improvements
Patches
- Patch 1.006 for Red Alert 2 fixes general bugs, network and exploit issues - available from CNCNZ.com, C&C Labs, Patches-Scrolls and GameFront.
- Patch 1.001 for Yuri's Revenge fixes bugs, crashes and a problem when multiple CD drives are plugged in - available from CNCNZ.com, C&C Labs, Patches-Scrolls and GameFront.
- Both patches are already included in The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection releases.
CnCNet YR Client
- Download link
- Requires the Yuri's Revenge expansion patched to version 1.001.
- Includes a variety of custom graphics renderers, each fitting different configurations: cnc-ddraw, ts-ddraw, DDrawCompat and DxWnd.
- Settings changes apply to the main executables of Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge.
- On Windows 11, Yuri's Revenge specifically (but not the base game) requires the
Use legacy display ICC color management
option in the compatibility settings to be enabled even when using these alternate renderers.[9]
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\ra2.ini[Note 3] <path-to-game>\ra2md.ini[Note 3] |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2229850/pfx/[Note 4] |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\*.sav[Note 3] |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2229850/pfx/[Note 4] |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Origin | ||
Steam Cloud |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
4K Ultra HD | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | Isometric. | ||
Windowed | Run the game with -win command line argument. Requires to be run in 16-bit colour mode unless a custom graphics renderer is used. |
||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | Using the CnC-DDraw renderer. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | |||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | |||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
60 FPS | Videos display in 15 FPS. Framerate is tied to game speed, and skirmish/multiplayer can go up to 60 FPS (for campaigns, use the -SPEEDCONTROL command line argument to enable the speed slider). |
||
120+ FPS | If using the CnCNet YR Client, the "MAX" speed setting is available, but it can result in uncontrollably fast game speeds and is not recommended. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) |
Widescreen resolution
- Regardless of the settings applied, the Yuri's Revenge main menu is hardcoded to 800x600. These changes apply to the in-game resolutions of the base game and expansion, as well as the base game main menu.
- To make these methods work in the EA App and Steam (2024) versions of the game, first open
<path-to-game>\DDrawCompat.ini
in a text editor and add the desired resolution(s) at the end of theSupportedResolutions
entry or delete that entry entirely.[10] Without this step, the game will default to the default three resolutions.
Modify the configuration file, method 1 |
---|
[Video] ScreenHeight=XXXX ScreenWidth=XXXX Where |
Modify the configuration file, method 2 |
---|
|
Main menu "cheat code" |
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | Mouse controls can't be changed. LMB is for selection/orders, RMB is deselection/viewport panning. | |
Mouse acceleration | Can only change scroll speed | |
Mouse sensitivity | For scroll speed. | |
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Touchscreen optimised | Only if touch input doubles as mouse input (tapping = LMB, holding = RMB, etc.). No special touch-screen controls or touch-screen control-overlay | |
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Controller types |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | The Traditional Chinese versions have forced subtitles enabled in-game due to the presence of subtitle.ini (RA2) and subtitlemd.ini (YR) which other versions do not have. |
|
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
Traditional Chinese | ||||
French | ||||
German | ||||
Korean | ||||
Russian | Fan translation, download. | |||
Ukrainian | Fan translation and full dubbing by TSF(link to catalogue), download. | |||
Vietnamese | Fan translation, download. |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAN play | 8 | Versus, Co-op Uses IPX protocol. Requires a LAN patch to be replaced with UDP (ModDB, CNCNZ.com) or IPXwrapper. Alternatively, the CnCNet YR client includes its own workaround. |
||
Online play | 8 | Versus, Co-op Lobbies point to XWIS by default since October 6, 2005 as part of an agreement with EA.[4] CnCNet is a more popular alternative. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Ports
Protocol | Port(s) and/or port range(s) |
---|---|
TCP | 3840, 4005, 4808, 4810, 4995, 7000-7002 |
UDP | 1234-1237 |
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.
Issues fixed
String manager failed to initialize properly
- This issue manifests as an error window reading
***FATAL*** String Manager Failed to Initialize Properly
.
Run the game in compatibility mode for Windows 98/ME and as administrator. Choose "Change settings for all users" if the options are disabled.[11] |
---|
"Player already has the same serial" error
- This solution refers to retail versions of the game.
Add missing registry value |
---|
|
Auto-defeat after 30 seconds
- Is triggered by DRM, even on legitimate installations.
- This solution refers to retail versions of the game.
Check game's serial key registry entries[12] |
---|
Clean reinstall of the game as administrator[13] |
---|
|
Rendering issues
- The following rendering problems are handled by the solutions below:
- Game running only a black screen on startup (occurs when the game engine tries to render in VRAM)
- Game is purple/green colored and displays only on the other half of the screen
Install the CnCNet YR client and choose an alternative renderer until ideal performance is reached |
---|
Manually setting up cnc-ddraw renderer |
---|
If the problem persists only in Yuri's Revenge when exiting from playing to the menu, try to set |
Manually setting up ddwrapper renderer |
---|
Download Aqrit's ddwrapper and extract the FakeVsync = 1 NoVideoMemory = 1 Alternatively, simply download and extract the contents of this preconfigured fix into the RA2 folder. Also, consider using the performance fix as well. Notes
|
Lag/low FPS
Modify the RA2(MD).ini file[14] |
---|
Notes
|
Apply the Command and Conquer Graphics Patcher |
---|
Game runs too fast
- Make sure the in-game "Game Speed" slider is adjusted properly.
- "Normal" game speed is "Fast" 30 FPS. "Real" speed is "Slow" 15 FPS; 1 second in-game equals 1 second in real-life at 15 FPS. 60 FPS is Game Speed 5 "Faster".
- Note that the CnCNet YR Client has its own game speed settings. Setting them at "MAX" may cause uncontrollably high game speed, so limiting to 60 FPS is recommended.
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DirectDraw | 7.0a |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Cutscenes | Bink Video | |
Multiplayer | Westwood Online |
Command line arguments
Command[15] | Description |
---|---|
-WIN | Runs the game in windowed mode (requires 16-bit color mode) |
-16 | Forces 16-bit color mode |
-480 | Forces screen resolution to 480px height |
-[width]x[height] | Sets custom resolution |
-SPEEDCONTROL | Enables the game speed slider in campaign mode |
-noaudio | Disables game audio |
-nostr (or -jabber) | Disables reading the string file (.csf ); base game only
|
-record | Saves a match replay in <path-to-game>\SESSION.IPB ; faulty function, does not track other players' correct movements in multiplayer
|
-play [filename] | Plays a replay file |
-CD [path] | Redirects the disc check to a set path, which needs to contain YR1.dsk with at least 3 bytes of content; unknown how it relates to DRM
|
-STEALTH | Hides player names in multiplayer |
-DESTNET | Specifies destination network IP address |
-SOCKET | Specifies network socket number (0-16383) |
-DROP=[int] | Enables Packet Loss Simulation mode |
-MESSAGES | Allows incoming messages from outside the game (Westwood Online only) |
-DLINK | Enables additional logic for D-Link LAN configurations |
-NETGEAR | Enables additional logic for NetGear LAN configurations |
-MPDEBUG | Enables multiplayer debug mode |
FinalAlert (map editor)
- The latest version of FinalAlert 2 (YR 1.02) is available from CNCNZ, Project Perfect Mod, ModDB, CnCLabs, and GameFront. Despite the version name, it can work with and without the Yuri's Revenge expansion.
- In 2024, FinalAlert was made open-source, and both the tool and its source code are distributed as part of the Steam and EA App versions of the game.
Hero units in "Hollywood and Vain" mission lack their unique lines
- Yuri's Revenge patch 1.001 replaced the voice lines of movie star characters in Allied mission 2 with those of regular GIs for unknown reasons.
Use Hero voicelines restoration mod[16] |
---|
Modifications
- The listed modifications are all for the Yuri's Revenge expansion.
- Mental Omega
- C&C: Reloaded
- Rise of the East
- Red Resurrection
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 95, 98, NT 4.0, ME | 2000 |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium II 266 MHz | Intel Pentium II 450 MHz |
System memory (RAM) | 64 MB | 128 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 350 MB additional 350 MB for expansion | |
Video card (GPU) | 2 MB of VRAM DirectX 7.0a compatible |
Notes
- ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[2] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[3]
- ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[5] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[6]
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below
%PROGRAMFILES%
,%PROGRAMDATA%
, or%WINDIR%
might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore
on Windows Vista and later (more details). - ↑ 4.0 4.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Games with Steam Cloud support may also store data in
~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/2229850/
. - Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (2229850) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ Players Choice - Mod of the Year 2021 feature - last accessed on 2023-05-30
- ↑ Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
- ↑ Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Bye Bye WOL! XWIS is the official online gaming service now! | Project Perfect Mod - last accessed on 2024-03-08
- ↑ Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
- ↑ Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
- ↑ Command & Conquer: Red Alert™ 2 and Yuri’s Revenge™ History · Change #22697750 · SteamDB - last accessed on 2024-03-09
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2024-03-09
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2023-06-01
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2024-03-07
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
- Common method used in the 2000s.
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
- Common method used in the 2000s.
- ↑ Red Alert 2 on ModEnc, the Command 6 Conquer Modding Encyclopedia - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Red Alert 2: Yuri's Revenge - Hollywood and Vain Action Hero Voice Restore Mod - last accessed on 2020-01-25