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Difference between revisions of "Command & Conquer: Red Alert"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
 
(309 intermediate revisions by 48 users not shown)
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−
{{infobox
+
{{disambig|the original 1996 game|the 2020 remastered version|[[Command & Conquer Remastered Collection]]}}
−
|cover         = cncra-win-cover.jpg
+
{{Infobox game
−
|developer     = Westwood Studios
+
|cover       = Command & Conquer Red Alert cover.jpg
−
|publisher    = Virgin Interactive
+
|developers  =
−
|engine       = Westwood 2D
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Westwood Studios}}
−
|release dates = 1996
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Intelligent Games|Expansions}}
 +
|publishers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Virgin Interactive|1995-1998}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts|1998-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 +
|engines      =
 +
|release dates=
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|November 22, 1996}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 22, 1996}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|command-conquer-red-alert|90}}
 +
|taxonomy     =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | Freeware, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Top-down view}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Multiple select, Point and select }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | RTS }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles       | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Europe, Sci-fi }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Command & Conquer }}
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/19990223224652/http://www.westwood.com/games/ccuniverse/redalertpc/index.html
 +
|steam appid  = 2229840
 +
|gogcom id    =
 +
|hltb        = 1837
 +
|igdb        = command-conquer-red-alert
 +
|lutris      = command-conquer-red-alert
 +
|strategywiki = Command & Conquer: Red Alert
 +
|mobygames    = 485
 +
|wikipedia    = Command & Conquer: Red Alert
 +
|winehq      = 158
 +
|license      = former commercial
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  = All versions of ''Red Alert'' were combined DOS/Windows releases, despite some (primarily North American) boxes displaying one or the other on the front. They differ in their default resolution and user interface, with the Windows version also supporting online multiplayer via Westwood Online's infrastructure instead of only LAN. The community gradually abandoned the DOS version once more powerful computers became more commonplace, and the Windows version is considered the ''de facto'' way to play.
 +
 
 +
The '''''Counterstrike''''' expansion pack was released in April 1997 with a new set of missions, while '''''The Aftermath''''' followed in October 1997 with new units, its own set of campaigns, and balancing changes. The expansions would be combined into the ''Retaliation'' release for the Sony PlayStation along with unique cutscenes for that platform, which were subsequently ported to the Windows release by the community, and were officially included in the ''[[Command & Conquer Remastered Collection|Remastered Collection]]'' version of the game in June 2020.
 +
 
 +
The game received several patches, the latest batch of which (3.00-3.03) came out to a select group of testers in 1999 with rebalancing in mind (primarily for ''The Aftermath''), but was quietly pulled by the developers for unknown reasons, yet shared small parts of the underlying code with the then-upcoming ''[[Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun|Tiberian Sun]]''.
 +
 
 +
The base version of ''Red Alert'' was made available as freeware on August 31, 2008 to promote the release of ''[[Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3|Red Alert 3]]''.
 +
 
 +
|current state    = The Windows version has multiple issues running on modern systems without modification, ranging from [[#Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems|installation issues due to a 16-bit installer]] to rendering and launch issues. The unofficial [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p]] fan patch alleviates all compatibility problems and long-standing gameplay bugs, and is integrated with [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]. Homepages of both projects include modified downloads of the full game, so as to simplify installation for new users, making the official freeware ISO images obsolete.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
Open-source versions with continued development are found in the [https://github.com/TheAssemblyArmada/Vanilla-Conquer Vanilla Conquer] repository, based on the official source code of the ''Remastered Collection'' version of the game.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
'''General information'''
 +
{{mm}} [https://cnc.fandom.com/wiki/Portal:Red_Alert Command & Conquer Wiki] - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
 +
{{mm}} [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] (multiplayer replacement)
 +
{{mm}} [https://cnc.community/red-alert Red Alert section on CNC.community]
 +
{{mm}} [https://cnc-comm.com/red-alert Red Alert section on C&C Communications Center]
 +
{{mm}} [https://cncnz.com/games/red-alert/ Red Alert section on CNCNZ.com]
 +
{{mm}} [http://ra.afraid.org/ Red Alert Archive] - old fansite with a lot of custom content
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2229840/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 +
 
 +
==Availability==
 +
{{Availability|
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | All discs, including the 2008 freeware ISO release, include both the DOS and Windows version. |  | DOS, Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | The Windows version included in The First Decade has no disc check. The terrain editors and the DOS version still have disc checks. |  | DOS, Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| official | https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115944/http://www.commandandconquer.com/classic | disc | Version that has been released for free by EA. |  | DOS, Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Origin | command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection | Origin | Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes both expansions. 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 | 2229840 | Steam | Bundled as part of {{Store link|Steam-bundle|39394|Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection}}; includes both expansions. Pre-packaged with [[Glossary:Display wrapper|DDrawCompat]]. Included with {{Store feature|EA Play}}.<br>The game can be run without Steam if {{file|ra95.dat}} is renamed to an {{file|.exe}} file.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2024-03-09}}</ref> |  | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{:Command & Conquer (series)}}
 
  
−
= Availability =
+
==Monetization==
−
== Windows ==
+
{{Monetization
−
{{Availability Table|
+
|ad-supported          =  
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://redalert1.com/ Fan mirror] | {{ID|DRM-free}} | Best version that is patched up. You can find 2 versions available; the small one only misses music and movies and is meant for multiplayer}}
+
|dlc                    =  
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://na.llnet.cnc3tv.ea.com/u/f/eagames/cnc3/cnc3tv/RedAlert/RedAlert1_AlliedDisc.rar Allied] and [http://na.llnet.cnc3tv.ea.com/u/f/eagames/cnc3/cnc3tv/RedAlert/RedAlert1_SovietDisc.rar Soviet] | | Disks released for free by EA. }}
+
|expansion pack        = The expansion packs includes new campaigns, maps, and units.
 +
|freeware              = Released for free by Electronic Arts in 2008. Expansion packs are <i>de facto</i> considered free by the community and distributed without issue.
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase =
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
|subscription gaming service = Available via [[EA Play]].
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
 
−
{{Fixbox/instructions|A best way to install ISOs}}
 
−
{{++}} Also supports expansion CDs
 
−
:#Download [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=1918 Red Alert installer]
 
  
−
:#If you're using ISOs, either extract them into a folder with 7-Zip or WinRar or mount it using a CD emulation utility e.g. [Gizmo Drive or Daemon Tools Lite (right-click -> Mount Image in Gizmo).
+
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Counterstrike | | DOS, Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| The Aftermath | | DOS, Windows }}
 +
}}
  
−
:#Run the installer.
+
===Unofficial downloads===
 +
{{ii}} [https://funkyfr3sh.cnc-comm.com/ RA1 Installer] is a modified installer that can either download the game, install it from existing CDs/ISOs or patch an existing installation. Extra contents can be downloaded depending on the settings used.
 +
{{ii}} [https://github.com/TheAssemblyArmada/Vanilla-Conquer Vanilla Conquer] provides native source port builds based on source code released with the ''[[Command & Conquer Remastered Collection|Remastered Collection]]''.
 +
{{ii}} [[OpenRA]] is a modernized open-source version, but with considerable changes to the gameplay which were not part of the original design.
 +
{{ii}} [http://paulthetall.com/red-alert-mac/ Mac OSX Wineskin package] - Mac-compatible web installer that works outside the box. Includes single-player campaign and extra contents for the single-player.
  
−
:#Point it either to CD drive with the CD or ISO or to the folder (Desktop is situated at <pre>C:\Documents and Settings\*User*\Desktop</pre> for XP or <pre>C:\Users\*User\Desktop</pre> for Windows 7)
+
===Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems===
 +
{{ii}} Like many 32-bit games released during the mid-'90s, the game's installer is 16-bit. This and some other issues prevents 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 [https://forums.cncnet.org/topic/1165-how-to-install-red-alert-1-on-windows-xp-vista-7-8-10-linux-mac-32-64bit/ CnCNet forums].
  
−
:#Follow the instructions.
+
==Essential improvements==
 +
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert High Res.jpg|1024x768 resolution using the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p]] patch.}}
  
 +
===Patches===
 +
====Official====
 +
{{ii}} [http://ra.afraid.org/html/downloads/patches.html Official patches] are available.
 +
 +
====[http://funkyfr3sh.cncnet.org/ 3.03p Fan Patch]====
 +
{{ii}} Patch is included in the installation via [[#Unofficial downloads|RA1 Installer]] (see above).
 +
{{ii}} Not necessary to download when using fan-made packages, as it is already present there.
 +
{{ii}} This patch contains:
 +
:* Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130) which range from compatibility tweaks to fixes for long-standing bugs.
 +
:* Includes several graphics renderers, as well as support for higher resolutions
 +
:* New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
 +
:* Online (via [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
 +
:* No-CD option
 +
:* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions if not installed beforehand (including their soundtracks and PSX-exclusive cutscenes)
 +
{{mm}} [https://github.com/cnc-patch/ra303p/blob/master/docs/features.md Complete feature list].
 +
{{ii}} In the [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility tab]] for all executables, all compatibility options should be turned off except running as administrator.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://hifi.iki.fi/cnc-ddraw/#configuration|title=CnC-DDraw optimal configuration|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
{{++}} Supports all retail releases (including ''The First Decade''), official freeware ISOs and ''The Ultimate Collection''.
 +
 +
==Game data==
 +
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External General Fan.png|External general settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}}
 +
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Options.png|In-game options menu.}}
 +
 +
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/config|DOS|}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\*.ini}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} Game is also bundled with other in the franchise on [[Command & Conquer: The First Decade]] or newer [http://www.commandandconquer.com/collection/en?utm_source=CNC_Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=CNC_Traffic_TUC Ultimate Collection].
+
{{ii}} {{file|redalert.ini}} contains normal game settings.
 +
{{ii}} {{file|ddraw.ini}} contains CnC-DDraw settings (present after patch).
 +
{{ii}} {{file|cncnet.ini}} contains CnCNet settings.
  
−
== Improvements ==
+
===Save game data location===
−
=== Patches ===
+
{{Game data|
−
The latest patch is 3.03. You can get it [http://nyerguds.arsaneus-design.com/cncstuff/ra303patch.exe here].
+
{{Game data/saves|DOS|}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\savegame.***}}
 +
}}
  
−
=== Unofficial multiplayer server ===
+
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
−
Although Westwood Chat can still be used to play Red Alert online, [http://cncnet.org/ CNCNet] is much more popular to play the game online.
+
{{Save game cloud syncing
 +
|discord                  =
 +
|discord notes            =
 +
|epic games launcher      =
 +
|epic games launcher notes =
 +
|gog galaxy                =
 +
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                    = true
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = true
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =
 +
|xbox cloud                =
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =
 +
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
−
{{ii}} These are video settings alongside the fan patch.
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Options.png|External options menu (for the original release).}}
−
{{Video Settings
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Video Fan.png|External video settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}}
−
|widescreen_resolution     =false
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
−
|widescreen_resolution_notes=
+
{{Video
−
|multimonitor              =false
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/command-conquer-red-alert
−
|multimonitor_notes         =
+
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
−
|windowed                  =true
+
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
−
|windowed_notes             =[[#Windowed|Windowed]]
+
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
−
|fullscreen                =true
+
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
−
|fullscreen_notes          =[[#Borderless fullscreen windowed|Borderless fullscreen windowed]]
+
|widescreen resolution     = hackable
−
|vsync                      =true
+
|widescreen resolution notes= A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
−
|vsync_notes               =[[#Vertical Sync (Vsync)|Vertical Sync (Vsync)]]
+
|multimonitor              = false
 +
|multimonitor notes         =
 +
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
 +
|ultrawidescreen notes      =
 +
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
 +
|4k ultra hd notes          =
 +
|fov                        = n/a
 +
|fov notes                  =  
 +
|windowed                  = hackable
 +
|windowed notes             = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 +
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 +
|borderless windowed notes  = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. Disable borders, enable windowed, then stretch the resolution in the patch configuration program.
 +
|anisotropic                = n/a
 +
|anisotropic notes          =
 +
|antialiasing              = n/a
 +
|antialiasing notes        =
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = hackable
 +
|vsync notes               = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. Be sure to enable OpenGL too.{{cn|date=October 2015}}
 +
|60 fps                    = hackable
 +
|60 fps notes              = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 +
|120 fps                    = hackable
 +
|120 fps notes              = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|color blind                = false
 +
|color blind notes          =
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===[[Windowed]]===
+
==Input==
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Remapping Fan.png|External input settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}}
−
{{Fixbox/instructions|Enabling borderless fullscreen}}
+
{{Input
−
:# Go to <pre><gamedir>\ddraw.ini</pre>
+
|key remap                = hackable
−
:# Set: <code>windowed=true</code>
+
|key remap notes          = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 +
|acceleration option      = false
 +
|acceleration option notes =  
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = false
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
 +
|mouse menu                = true
 +
|mouse menu notes          =
 +
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 +
|invert mouse y-axis notes =
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|controller support        = false
 +
|controller support notes  =
 +
|full controller          = unknown
 +
|full controller notes    =
 +
|controller remap          = unknown
 +
|controller remap notes    =
 +
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 +
|xinput controllers        = unknown
 +
|xinput controllers notes  =
 +
|xbox prompts              = unknown
 +
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4              = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=
 +
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|simultaneous input        = unknown
 +
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===[[Borderless fullscreen windowed]]===
+
==Audio==
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
−
{{Fixbox/instructions|Enabling borderless fullscreen}}
+
{{Audio
−
:# Go to <pre><gamedir>\ddraw.ini</pre>
+
|separate volume          = true
−
:# Set: <code>windowed=false</code>, <code>width, height = equal to computer resolution</code>, <code>border=true</code>
+
|separate volume notes    =
 +
|surround sound          = n/a
 +
|surround sound notes    =
 +
|subtitles                = false
 +
|subtitles notes          =
 +
|closed captions          = false
 +
|closed captions notes    =
 +
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 +
|mute on focus lost notes =
 +
|eax support              = false
 +
|eax support notes        =
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 +
|red book cd audio        =  
 +
|red book cd audio notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===[[Vertical Sync (Vsync)]]===
+
{{L10n|content=
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{L10n/switch
−
{{Fixbox/instructions|Enabling Vsync}}
+
|language  = English
−
:# Go to <pre><gamedir>\ddraw.ini</pre>
+
|interface = true
−
:# Set: <code>opengl=true</code>, <code>vsync=true</code>
+
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = Censored.
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = hackable
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|fan      = true
 +
|notes    = Partial audio support; fan translation, see [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = hackable
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|fan      = true
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, see [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
{{++}} RA patch also adds support for [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
  
−
==Input Settings==
+
==Network==
−
{{Input Settings
+
{{Network/Multiplayer
−
|key_remap                  =hackable
+
|local play          =  
−
|key_remap_notes            =[[#Key Remapping|Key Remapping]]
+
|local play players  =  
−
|acceleration_option        =false
+
|local play modes    =
−
|acceleration_option_notes =
+
|local play notes    =
 +
|lan play            = true
 +
|lan play players    = 8
 +
|lan play modes      = Versus
 +
|lan play notes      = Uses IPX protocol. Use [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p fan patch]] or [https://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXwrapper] to work around this.<br>Alternatively, the [https://cncnet.org CnCNet] client includes its own workaround.
 +
|online play          = true
 +
|online play players = 8
 +
|online play modes    = Versus
 +
|online play notes    = Lobbies point to [https://xwis.net/ XWIS] by default since October 20, 2005 as part of an agreement with EA.<ref name="XWIS2005" /> [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] is a more popular alternative, and uses the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p fan patch]] to re-enable support alongside a wide range of other features (spectator mode, private games, alliances, spawn location selection and more).
 +
|asynchronous        =
 +
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===[[Key Remapping]]===
+
{{Network/Connections
 +
|matchmaking        = false
 +
|matchmaking notes  =  
 +
|p2p                = true
 +
|p2p notes          =
 +
|dedicated          = hackable
 +
|dedicated notes    = [https://cncnet.org/status CnCNet] allows this.
 +
|self-hosting      = true
 +
|self-hosting notes =
 +
|direct ip          = false
 +
|direct ip notes    =
 +
}}{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  =  
 +
|udp  =  
 +
|upnp =  
 +
}}
  
−
==Network Settings==
+
==Issues unresolved==
−
In order to play the game online, it is recommended (though not always necessary) to set up its port on the router if you chose [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer-to-peer Peer-to-Peer]. There are 2 options of doing this:
+
{{ii}} This list assumes that the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p fan patch]] is installed. If you experience a new game issue, please make a support thread on the [https://forums.cncnet.org/forum/39-red-alert/ CnCNet forums].  
−
# Automatic setup by [http://cncnet.org/files/cncnet-upnptool.zip CnCNet tester] with UPnP.
+
:* Flickering mouse under cnc-ddraw
−
# Manually set it (instructions [http://redalert95.tk/4/ here])
+
:* Left-handed mouse setups have problems with selecting multiple units.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2512.0|title=C&C Comm Center - RA95 Can't select (drag) multiple units|date=May 2023}}</ref>
  
−
You can play in tunneled mode, but because of current bandwidth the service is generating, it may be wiser to be in P2P mode.
+
==Issues fixed==
 +
===General fixes===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Checklist for general troubleshooting|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
* Install the [[#Patches|patches]] properly.
 +
* Disable all [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] settings '''except''' for running the game and associated executables as administrator.
 +
* In the configuration executable, check the "Back buffer in video memory" and uncheck "Allow hardware filled blits".
 +
* In the configuration executable, change the renderer until a satisfactory performance is achieved.
 +
* Enable/disable the {{code|singlecpu}} value in {{file|{{p|game}}\ddraw.ini}}.
 +
}}
  
−
==Issues Fixed==
+
===Crash after overheating===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Edit {{file|ddraw.ini}} and enable {{code|singlecpu}}|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2233.msg13122#msg13122|title=C&C Comm Center - C&C overheats my laptop|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
  
−
==Issues Unresolved==
+
===Game is laggy after installing the patch===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Change the renderer in the fan patch's configuration tool|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2674.msg17109#msg17109|title=C&C Comm Center - CnC95 laggy and unresponsive after gold edition patch, help!|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
  
−
==Mac/Linux emulation==
+
==="Unable to set video mode" error===
−
{{++}} This game is rated Gold<ref>http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=727</ref> for performance.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Possible fixes|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}|fix=
−
{{ii}} You should already have Wine. If you don't or don't know what it is, see [http://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Wine here].
+
{{ii}} There are 3 ways how to fix this error:
−
{{ii}} This is emulation for the fan-made executable, not for the ISOs or CDs.
+
:* Change the resolution.
−
{{ii}} Xquartz is also needed for Mac.
+
:* Change the renderer in the fan patch's configuration tool.
 +
:* Enable windowed mode.  
 +
}}
  
−
:#Download [http://playonlinux.com PlayonLinux] or [http://playonmac.com PlayonMac] and install it.
+
===No music in the portable version===
−
:#Open, click "Install" and then "Install a non-listed program" at the bottom.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Go to CnCNet lobby and download the music in the settings|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}}}
−
:#Choose "Install a program in a new virtual drive" and then check "Configure Wine" (Name of the virtual drive doesn't matter)
 
−
:#Now you should see a dialog with a wine class, take a note of the path where drive_c is located (it's only shown for a while); select "Emulate a virtual desktop" and configure the virtual desktop of your resolution or smaller for better performance.
 
−
:#In the libraries tab, add ddraw.dll and wsock32.dll to override list, write them in the drop-down and click Add (one at a time).
 
−
:#Select the executable, click Next and go through the installation process.
 
−
:#Add shortcuts for C&C95.exe and cncnet.exe
 
−
:#Right click on C&C95.exe and click "Go to application directory"
 
−
:#Open ddraw.ini and set width and height proportional to virtual desktop resolution, renderer to opengl if not already set and maxfps to 120.
 
−
:#Have fun!
 
  
−
=General Information=
+
===No videos after installing the patch===
−
==Open-source implementation==
+
{{Fixbox|description=Download the videos separately|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}|fix=
−
[http://openra.res0l.net/ OpenRA] is an implementation that is multiplatform. It has a completely reimagined interface, supports high resolutions and is most supported. However,it only has multiplayer and music has to be put separately into its Aplication Data folder.
+
If the game was installed manually from the CD or official ISOs, the no-CD option in the fan patch's configuration tool is ignoring the movie files on the disc, in which case they need to be copied to {{folder|{{p|game}}}}.
 +
}}
  
−
== System Requirements ==
+
===Cannot Alt+Tab===
−
{{SysReq_BaseTemplate
+
{{Fixbox|description=From the fan patch's configuration tool, set the renderer to either OpenGL or Direct3D 9.|fix=
−
|OSfamily_ = Windows
+
}}
  
−
|minOS_ = Windows 95 and above
+
==Other information==
−
|minproc_ = 75 MHz Pentium
+
===API===
−
|minmem_ = 8 MB
+
{{API
−
|minHD_ = 500 MB
+
|direct3d versions      =
−
|minGPU1_ = 1 MB video card
+
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    = 3
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        =
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              = MCGA, VGA
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = false
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app =
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app =  
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            =
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        = VQA
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      = Westwood Online
 +
|multiplayer notes=
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Maps===
 +
{{++}} CnCNet includes its own online map folder.
 +
{{ii}} Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.
 +
 
 +
==System requirements==
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = DOS
 +
 
 +
|minOS    = 5.0
 +
|minCPU  = Intel 486 66 MHz
 +
|minRAM  = 8 MB
 +
|minHD    = 40 MB
 +
|minGPU  = VGA or MCGA (256 colour) video card
 +
|minVRAM  =
  
−
|recOS_ = Windows 95 and above
+
|recOS    = 6.2
−
|recproc_ = 120 MHz Pentium
+
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 75 MHz
−
|recmem_ = 32 MB
+
|recRAM  = 16 MB
−
|recHD_ = 500 MB
+
|recHD    =  
−
|recGPU1_ = 1 MB video card
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
(chances are 99% that it will work nowadays)
 
  
−
== Community ==
+
{{System requirements
−
=== Forums ===
+
|OSfamily = Windows
−
* [http://www.commandandconquer.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?19-Red-Alert The official C&C forum has a Red Alert section]
+
 
−
* [http://cnc-comm.com/community/ Command & Conquer Communications Center forum]
+
|minOS    = 3.1, 95
 +
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 75 MHz
 +
|minRAM  = 8 MB
 +
|minHD    = 40 MB
 +
|minGPU  = PCI video card
 +
|minVRAM  = 1 MB
 +
|minDX    = 3
  
−
== References ==
+
|recOS    = 98
−
<references/>
+
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 120 MHz
 +
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|recHD    = 500 MB
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} ISA video cards are not supported
 +
}}
  
−
[[Category:Windows]]
+
{{References}}
−
[[Category:Game]]
 

Latest revision as of 13:51, 9 March 2024

This page is for the original 1996 game. For the 2020 remastered version, see Command & Conquer Remastered Collection.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert
Command & Conquer: Red Alert cover
Developers
Westwood Studios
Expansions Intelligent Games
Publishers
1995-1998 Virgin Interactive
1998-present Electronic Arts
Re-release Sold Out Software
Release dates
DOS November 22, 1996
Windows November 22, 1996
Reception
Metacritic 90
Taxonomy
Monetization Freeware, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Top-down view
Controls Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS
Themes Europe, Sci-fi
Series Command & Conquer
Icon overlay.png
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on HowLongToBeat
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Command & Conquer: Red Alert guide on StrategyWiki
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on MobyGames
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
⤏ 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 is a singleplayer and multiplayer top-down view RTS game in the Command & Conquer series.

All versions of Red Alert were combined DOS/Windows releases, despite some (primarily North American) boxes displaying one or the other on the front. They differ in their default resolution and user interface, with the Windows version also supporting online multiplayer via Westwood Online's infrastructure instead of only LAN. The community gradually abandoned the DOS version once more powerful computers became more commonplace, and the Windows version is considered the de facto way to play.

The Counterstrike expansion pack was released in April 1997 with a new set of missions, while The Aftermath followed in October 1997 with new units, its own set of campaigns, and balancing changes. The expansions would be combined into the Retaliation release for the Sony PlayStation along with unique cutscenes for that platform, which were subsequently ported to the Windows release by the community, and were officially included in the Remastered Collection version of the game in June 2020.

The game received several patches, the latest batch of which (3.00-3.03) came out to a select group of testers in 1999 with rebalancing in mind (primarily for The Aftermath), but was quietly pulled by the developers for unknown reasons, yet shared small parts of the underlying code with the then-upcoming Tiberian Sun.

The base version of Red Alert was made available as freeware on August 31, 2008 to promote the release of Red Alert 3.

The Windows version has multiple issues running on modern systems without modification, ranging from installation issues due to a 16-bit installer to rendering and launch issues. The unofficial 3.03p fan patch alleviates all compatibility problems and long-standing gameplay bugs, and is integrated with CnCNet. Homepages of both projects include modified downloads of the full game, so as to simplify installation for new users, making the official freeware ISO images obsolete.

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[1], 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.

Open-source versions with continued development are found in the Vanilla Conquer repository, based on the official source code of the Remastered Collection version of the game.

General information

Command & Conquer Wiki - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
CnCNet (multiplayer replacement)
Red Alert section on CNC.community
Red Alert section on C&C Communications Center
Red Alert section on CNCNZ.com
Red Alert Archive - old fansite with a lot of custom content
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 All discs, including the 2008 freeware ISO release, include both the DOS and Windows version.
DOS
Windows
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 The Windows version included in The First Decade has no disc check. The terrain editors and the DOS version still have disc checks.
DOS
Windows
Official website
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 Version that has been released for free by EA.
DOS
Windows
Origin
Origin
 Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes both expansions. Pre-packaged with DDrawCompat. Included with EA Play.
Manual link for EA App purchase.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes both expansions. Pre-packaged with DDrawCompat. Included with EA Play (Steam).
The game can be run without Steam if ra95.dat is renamed to an .exe file.[2]
Windows

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack The expansion packs includes new campaigns, maps, and units.
Freeware Released for free by Electronic Arts in 2008. Expansion packs are de facto considered free by the community and distributed without issue.
Subscription gaming service Available via EA Play.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Counterstrike
DOS
Windows
The Aftermath
DOS
Windows

Unofficial downloads

RA1 Installer is a modified installer that can either download the game, install it from existing CDs/ISOs or patch an existing installation. Extra contents can be downloaded depending on the settings used.
Vanilla Conquer provides native source port builds based on source code released with the Remastered Collection.
OpenRA is a modernized open-source version, but with considerable changes to the gameplay which were not part of the original design.
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-'90s, the game's installer is 16-bit. This and some other issues prevents 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 CnCNet forums.

Essential improvements

1024x768 resolution using the 3.03p patch.
1024x768 resolution using the 3.03p patch.

Patches

Official

Official patches are available.

3.03p Fan Patch

Patch is included in the installation via RA1 Installer (see above).
Not necessary to download when using fan-made packages, as it is already present there.
This patch contains:
  • Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130) which range from compatibility tweaks to fixes for long-standing bugs.
  • Includes several graphics renderers, as well as support for higher resolutions
  • New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
  • Online (via CnCNet) and LAN playability up to 8 players
  • No-CD option
  • Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions if not installed beforehand (including their soundtracks and PSX-exclusive cutscenes)
Complete feature list.
In the compatibility tab for all executables, all compatibility options should be turned off except running as administrator.[3]
Supports all retail releases (including The First Decade), official freeware ISOs and The Ultimate Collection.

Game data

External general settings (for the fan patch).
External general settings (for the fan patch).
In-game options menu.
In-game options menu.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS
Windows <path-to-game>\*.ini[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2229840/pfx/[Note 2]
redalert.ini contains normal game settings.
ddraw.ini contains CnC-DDraw settings (present after patch).
cncnet.ini contains CnCNet settings.

Save game data location

System Location
DOS
Windows <path-to-game>\savegame.***[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2229840/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Origin
Steam Cloud

Video

External options menu (for the original release).
External options menu (for the original release).
External video settings (for the fan patch).
External video settings (for the fan patch).
In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 A fan patch is required.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
A fan patch is required.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
A fan patch is required. Disable borders, enable windowed, then stretch the resolution in the patch configuration program.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
A fan patch is required. Be sure to enable OpenGL too.[citation needed]
60 FPS
A fan patch is required.
120+ FPS
A fan patch is required.

Input

External input settings (for the fan patch).
External input settings (for the fan patch).

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
A fan patch is required.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
For DOSBox set in the DOSBox configuration file.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
Controller types

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Censored.
Russian
Partial audio support; fan translation, see Language add-ons.
Spanish
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
Uses IPX protocol. Use 3.03p fan patch or IPXwrapper to work around this.
Alternatively, the CnCNet client includes its own workaround.
Online play
8 Versus
Lobbies point to XWIS by default since October 20, 2005 as part of an agreement with EA.[1] CnCNet is a more popular alternative, and uses the 3.03p fan patch to re-enable support alongside a wide range of other features (spectator mode, private games, alliances, spawn location selection and more).

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
CnCNet allows this.
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Issues unresolved

This list assumes that the 3.03p fan patch is installed. If you experience a new game issue, please make a support thread on the CnCNet forums.
  • Flickering mouse under cnc-ddraw
  • Left-handed mouse setups have problems with selecting multiple units.[4]

Issues fixed

General fixes

Checklist for general troubleshooting[citation needed]
  • Install the patches properly.
  • Disable all compatibility mode settings except for running the game and associated executables as administrator.
  • In the configuration executable, check the "Back buffer in video memory" and uncheck "Allow hardware filled blits".
  • In the configuration executable, change the renderer until a satisfactory performance is achieved.
  • Enable/disable the singlecpu value in <path-to-game>\ddraw.ini.

Crash after overheating

Edit ddraw.ini and enable singlecpu[5]

Game is laggy after installing the patch

Change the renderer in the fan patch's configuration tool[6]

"Unable to set video mode" error

Possible fixes[citation needed]
There are 3 ways how to fix this error:
  • Change the resolution.
  • Change the renderer in the fan patch's configuration tool.
  • Enable windowed mode.

No music in the portable version

Go to CnCNet lobby and download the music in the settings[citation needed]

No videos after installing the patch

Download the videos separately[citation needed]

If the game was installed manually from the CD or official ISOs, the no-CD option in the fan patch's configuration tool is ignoring the movie files on the disc, in which case they need to be copied to <path-to-game>.

Cannot Alt+Tab

From the fan patch's configuration tool, set the renderer to either OpenGL or Direct3D 9.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
DirectDraw 3
DOS video modes MCGA, VGA
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Cutscenes VQA
Multiplayer Westwood Online

Maps

CnCNet includes its own online map folder.
Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.

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


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 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).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References