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Difference between revisions of "Command & Conquer: Generals"

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|cover        = Command & Conquer Generals cover.jpg
 
|cover        = Command & Conquer Generals cover.jpg
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
{{Infobox game/row/developer|EA Los Angeles}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|EA Pacific|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.bluesnews.com/a/436/ea-announces-public-test-for-command-conquer-generals|title=EA ANNOUNCES PUBLIC TEST FOR COMMAND & CONQUER GENERALS - Blue's News|date=2016-9-12}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/command-conquer-generals/5617p1.html|title=GameSpy: Command & Conquer: Generals - Page 1|date=2016-9-12}}</ref>}}
{{Infobox game/row/osxporter|i5works|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/1029718/generals.html|title=Aspyr: Command & Conquer Generals hits beta - Macworld|date=2016-7-23}}</ref>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|EA Los Angeles|Zero Hour}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|i5works|OS X|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1029718/generals.html|title=Aspyr: Command & Conquer Generals hits beta - Macworld|date=2016-7-23}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040412005141/en/Aspyr-Media-Ships-Electronic-Arts-Command-Conquer|title=Aspyr Media Inc. Ships Electronic Arts' `Command & Conquer Generals' for Macintosh - Business Wire|date=2016-7-23}}</ref>}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Aspyr Media|OS X}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|MacSoft|OS X}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|OS X}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|SAGE}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|SAGE}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|February 10, 2003}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|February 10, 2003}}
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|February 10, 2003}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|April 14, 2004}}
|steam appid  =  
+
|reception    =
|gogcom page  =  
+
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|command-conquer-generals|84}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, 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      | Bird's-eye 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            | Asia, Middle East, Sci-fi }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Command & Conquer }}
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20041010095143/http://www.eagames.com:80/official/cc/generals/us/home.jsp?ncc=1
 +
|steam appid  = 2229870
 +
|steam appid side = 2732960
 +
|gogcom id    =
 +
|hltb        = 1835
 +
|igdb        = command-conquer-generals
 +
|lutris      = command-conquer-generals
 
|strategywiki = Command & Conquer: Generals
 
|strategywiki = Command & Conquer: Generals
 +
|mobygames    = 8387
 
|wikipedia    = Command & Conquer: Generals
 
|wikipedia    = Command & Conquer: Generals
 
|winehq      = 1287
 
|winehq      = 1287
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|Command & Conquer}}
 
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{ii}} [[GameSpy]] online server browser no longer works;<ref>[http://www.ea.com/1/service-updates EA Service Updates]</ref> use [http://www.gentool.net GenTool].
+
|introduction      = '''''Command & Conquer: Generals''''' is a {{Glossary:Singleplayer}} and {{Glossary:Multiplayer}} {{Glossary:Bird's-eye view}} {{Glossary:RTS}} game featuring different factions battling against each other on a battlefield. It was developed by [[Company:EA Pacific|EA Pacific]], published by [[Company:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]] and released in 2003. The game is one of many in the [[Series:Command & Conquer|Command & Conquer]] franchise. It makes use of the [[Engine:SAGE|SAGE]] engine, which was an improved version of the [[Engine:Westwood 3D|Westwood 3D]] engine.
{{++}} Small but dedicated community.
+
 
{{--}} Framerate locked to 30 frames per second.
+
|release history  = The game was initially released on [[Windows|Windows]] on February 10, 2003. It was ported on April 14, 2004 to Mac OS X by [[Company:i5works|i5works]] and published by [[Company:Aspyr Media|Aspyr Media]], who also maintained the port over the years. Reception of the game was good, with several post-launch patches being released to fix most bugs, exploits and balancing issues. The team was subsequently merged with [[Company:EA Los Angeles|EA Los Angeles]] as its RTS division, and developed its expansion '''Zero Hour''', which got released on September 19, 2003 on Windows and later ported to Mac OS X in February 2005. The game was re-released for macOS on the [[Mac App Store]] on March 12, 2015. The expansion added a new '''Generals Challenge''' mode, new campaigns, new units and new maps.
 +
 
 +
Post-release support included 8 patches for the base game and 4 for ''Zero Hour'', as well as map editors (Worldbuilder) compatible with both titles. While no dedicated modding tools were released (instead, the community uses tools released for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'' or ''[[Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars]]'', both on the same engine), 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>
 +
 
 +
A compilation of both the main game and its expansion got released on October 21, 2003 under the name '''''Command & Conquer: Generals - Deluxe Edition'''''. The game was re-released twice as part of multiple compilations of [[Series:Command & Conquer|Command & Conquer]] games: ''Command & Conquer: The First Decade'' in February 2006 and for the first time digitally on [[Store:Origin|Origin]] on October 2, 2012 as part of ''Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection''.
 +
 
 +
On March 7, 2024, the game and its expansion were released on Steam for the first time as part of ''The Ultimate Collection''.
 +
 
 +
|current state    = As of May 2023, the game remains playable on modern Windows versions with some major technical hiccups that can be worked around; issues like [[#Technical Difficulties/Serious Error|errors when starting the game]], [[#Auto-defeat after 30 seconds|DRM issues]] and [[#"Serial key already in use" error when starting a match|serial key errors]]. A tool called [[#GenPatcher|GenPatcher]] was created by the community to more easily fix these issues,  and apply various fixes and improvements, as well as include [[#GenTool|GenTool]] for proper high resolution support, gameplay bug fixes and additional features like improved replay functionalities. Despite these efforts, the game is unstable and prone to crashing in many circumstances, including having to manage large amounts of objects on the map simultaneously, and unfixed pathfinding issues that are partly caused by improper use (or lack thereof) of pathing blockers in and around map obstacles such as hills and lakes.
 +
 
 +
The macOS version, however, was delisted from the Mac App Store in May 2020, although it is still playable for owners of the Mac App Store version who installed the App before it was delisted.
 +
 
 +
Official online services have been discontinued for all releases of the game, but community-run ones like [[#Online play|C&C:Online]] exist. As of 2023, the game retains a small but active community, the competitive side of which is organized around [https://www.gamereplays.org/cnczerohour/ GameReplays.org].
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://cnc-online.net C&C:Online] - fan-hosted multiplayer server replacement (Windows version only)
+
{{mm}} [https://cnc.fandom.com/wiki/Portal:Generals Command & Conquer Wiki] - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
{{mm}} [http://www.commandandconquer.com/ EA's Official Command & Conquer site]
+
{{mm}} [https://cnc-online.net C&C:Online] - fan-hosted multiplayer server replacement (Windows version only)
{{mm}} [http://cnc.wikia.com/wiki/Portal:Generals Command & Conquer Wiki] - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
+
{{mm}} [https://cnc.community/generals Generals section on CNC.community]
 +
{{mm}} [https://cncnz.com/games/generals/ Generals section on CNCNZ.com]
 +
{{mm}} [https://cncnz.com/games/zero-hour/ Zero Hour section on CNCNZ.com]
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.gamereplays.org/cnczerohour/ Zero Hour section on GameReplays.org]
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2229870/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions] (base game)
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2732960/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions] (Zero Hour)
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | Disc, Key | |  | Windows, OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | Disc, Key | {{DRM|SafeDisc|2}} in the original releases, {{DRM|SafeDisc|4}} in The First Decade compilation. |  | Windows, OS X }}
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B0000CE1GK | Disc, Key | Command & Conquer: Generals Deluxe Edition. |  | Windows, OS X}}
+
{{Availability/row| Origin | command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection | Origin | Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes the Zero Hour expansion. 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| Amazon | B000CPKIT6 | Disc, Key | Comes bundled in. |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 2229870 | Steam | Bundled as part of {{Store link|Steam-bundle|39394|Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection}}; includes the Zero Hour expansion (separate library/store entry). Included with {{Store feature|EA Play}}.<br>The game can be run without Steam by renaming {{file|game.dat}} to an {{file|.exe}} file.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2024-03-09}}</ref> |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id912423770 | MacApp | Command & Conquer: Generals Deluxe Edition. Updated for compatibility with modern systems. Multiplayer is not compatible with the Windows and original OS X releases. | | OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id912423770 | MacApp | Deluxe Edition. 32-bit only, delisted from stores after 64-bit update was cancelled in May 2020.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.aspyr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000214186-MacOS-Catalina-64-bit-32-bit-and-related-Questions|title=MacOS Catalina, 64-bit, 32-bit, and related Questions|date=2022-07-09}}</ref> |  | OS X | unavailable }}
{{Availability/row| Origin | c-c-the-ultimate-collection | Origin | Comes bundled in. |  | 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.
 +
{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://www.gamefront.com/games/cnc-generals/file/cnc-generals-single-player-demo GameFront] and [https://cncnz.com/downloads/generals-downloads/#demo CNCNZ.com].
 +
 
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The '''Deluxe Edition''', '''The First Decade''' and '''The Ultimate Collection''' all include the base game and the Zero Hour expansion.
 +
{{ii}} The '''Mac App Store''' did not have crossplay with the Windows and original OS X releases, and online muliplayer was eventually removed entirely in the v1.1.2 update after Apple retired Game Center invite functionality.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://macupdater.net/app_updates/appinfo/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/index.html|title=Command Conquer Generals Deluxe Edition 1.1.2 changelog|date=2022-07-09}}</ref> The '''Mac App Store''' version is playable with other Macs running the App Store version on Network/LAN mode.
 +
{{++}} The Steam version of ''Zero Hour'' does not require the base game to be installed.
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        = The expansion pack includes new factions, new campaigns and game mode, maps, and units.
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
|subscription gaming service = Available via [[EA Play]].
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} Command & Conquer: Generals Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the Zero Hour expansion
 
  
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
{{DLC/row| Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour | Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations. | Windows, OS X }}
+
{{DLC/row| Zero Hour | The Steam version can be installed without the base game.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2024-03-09|comment=The Steam version of Zero Hour is configured to check for necessary base game files in its own directory in {{folder|ZH_Generals}}}}.</ref> | Windows, OS X }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
<!-- I've tried using this and it kinda messed things up -->
+
===Patches===
 +
{{ii}} The Origin/EA app and Mac App Store versions are already patched to the latest version.
 +
 
 +
* Retail Windows Generals patch v1.08: [https://cncnz.com/downloads/generals-downloads/#patches CNCNZ], [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/command_and_conquer_generals.php Patches-Scrolls] and the [https://gentool.net/download/patches/ GenTool repository].
 +
* Retail Windows Zero Hour expansion patch v1.04: [https://cncnz.com/downloads/zero-hour-downloads/#patches CNCNZ], [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/command_and_conquer_generals_zero.php Patches-Scrolls] and the [https://gentool.net/download/patches/ GenTool repository].
 +
* Old Mac OS X version patch v1.0.4: [http://web.archive.org/web/20140627120609/http://downloads2.macgamefiles.com/files/aspyr/patches/GeneralsZeroHourMac1.0.4_EN.dmg English], [http://web.archive.org/web/20190620161826/http://downloads2.macgamefiles.com/files/aspyr/patches/GeneralsZeroHourMac1.0.4_FR.dmg French], [http://web.archive.org/web/20190620162122/http://downloads2.macgamefiles.com/files/aspyr/patches/GeneralsZeroHourMac1.0.4_DE.dmg German] <ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110827212856/http://support.aspyr.com/index.php/kb/article/000566|title=Aspyr Support Center|date=2011-08-27}}</ref>
  
===Command & Conquer Ultimate Collection Fixed Launchers (Origin)===
+
===GenPatcher===
An unofficial patch that provides a slight enhancement to the default launchers provided with the Origin release (fixes registry entries and allows [[Glossary:Command line arguments#Instructions|command line arguments]] to function properly).
+
{{++}} [https://legi.cc/downloads/genpatcher/ '''GenPatcher'''] can be used to get the game in an optimal state without having to apply these improvements by hand. Includes many of the essential fixes/additions listed below like GenTool, proper {{file|Options.ini}} creation, {{file|dbghelp.dll}} removal and more.
 +
{{ii}} Officially supports the CD, The First Decade (English), and Steam versions of the game. The 2024 updated EA App version require further testing.
  
It can be downloaded from the [http://bibber.eu/downloads/cnc-ultimate-collection-launchers/ developer's site].
+
===GenTool===
 +
{{++}} [https://www.gentool.net/ '''GenTool'''] provides improved compatibility with modern Windows versions, improved widescreen-support and enhanced/adjustable game controls, fixes several known causes of crashes and exploits, and restores online play by allowing the game to link to [[#Online llay|C&C:Online]] and adding cheat detection.
 +
{{ii}} Compatible with all Windows versions of Generals and its expansion, as long as they are patched to the latest official version.
 +
{{mm}} Included in [[#GenPatcher|GenPatcher]].
  
===Skip intro videos===
+
===Skip startup game intro===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Move, delete or rename the intro videos|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-10-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Skip intro videos|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
+
{{ii}} Needs to be applied to both Generals and its expansion pack Zero Hour separately.
# Go to <code>{{P|game}}\Data\english</code>
+
# Go to {{folder|{{P|game}}\Data\english\Movies}}
# Move, delete or rename the <code>Movies</code> folder.
+
# Move, delete or rename the following files: {{file|EA_LOGO.BIK}}, {{file|EA_LOGO640.BIK}}, {{file|sizzle_review.bik}} and {{file|sizzle_review640.bik}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 62: Line 130:
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data\|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Data\|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\}}
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/config|OS X|{{p|osxhome}}/Library/Containers/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/Data/Documents/Command & Conquer Generals/User Data/|~/Library/Containers/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/Data/Documents/Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour/User Data/}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Save\|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\Save\}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Save\|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\Save\}}
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/saves |OS X|~/Library/Containers/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/Data/Documents/Command & Conquer Generals/User Data/Save/|~/Library/Containers/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/Data/Documents/Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour/User Data/Save/}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|origin               = true
+
|discord                  =
|origin notes         =  
+
|discord notes            =
|steam cloud           =  
+
|epic games launcher      =
|steam cloud notes    =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
|uplay                =  
+
|gog galaxy                =
|uplay notes           =  
+
|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==
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Options.png|In-game options screen.}}
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Options.png|In-game options screen.}}
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Advanced Video.png|In-game advanced video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Advanced Video.png|In-game advanced video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Options.png|In-game options screen for Zero Hour expansion.}}
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Options.png|In-game options screen for Zero Hour expansion.}}
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Advanced Video.png|In-game advanced video settings for Zero Hour expansion.}}
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Advanced Video.png|In-game advanced video settings for Zero Hour expansion.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/command-conquer-generals
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/command-conquer-generals
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
|widescreen resolution      = true
+
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
|ultrawidescreen            = true
+
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
|4k ultra hd                = true
+
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov notes                  = Top-down view nearly orthographic. See [[#Camera height|Camera height]].
 
|fov notes                  = Top-down view nearly orthographic. See [[#Camera height|Camera height]].
 
|windowed                  = hackable
 
|windowed                  = hackable
|windowed notes            = Add <code>-win</code> to the shortcut target.
+
|windowed notes            = Run the game with the <code>-win</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]].
 
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 
|borderless windowed        = hackable
|borderless windowed notes  = Use [https://github.com/Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming Borderless Gaming] or [http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/?page_id=582 GeDoSaTo]
+
|borderless windowed notes  = Use [[Glossary:Borderless fullscreen windowed#Borderless Gaming|Borderless Gaming]], [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/897-gedosato/ GeDoSaTo] or [https://www.gentool.net/ GenTool].
 
|anisotropic                = false
 
|anisotropic                = false
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
|antialiasing notes        = Edit <code>AntiAliasing</code> value in <code>options.ini</code>
+
|antialiasing notes        = Edit <code>AntiAliasing</code> value in {{file|options.ini}}.
|vsync                      = false
+
|upscaling                  = unknown
|vsync notes                = Game time tied to framerate; framerate capped via other methods.
+
|upscaling tech            =
|60 fps                    = false
+
|upscaling notes            =
|60 fps notes              = 30 FPS cap. Game time tied to framerate.
+
|vsync                      = always on
 +
|vsync notes                = Cannot be disabled.
 +
|60 fps                    = hackable
 +
|60 fps notes              = 30 FPS cap. Game speed and logic tied to frame rate in singleplayer, but game logic is always tied to 30 when in multiplayer. GenTool can increase the framerate cap, but not without affecting the game speed.
 
|120 fps                    = false
 
|120 fps                    = false
|120 fps notes              = Game time tied to framerate.
+
|120 fps notes              =  
 +
|hdr                        = false
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
Line 122: Line 203:
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{ii}} Setting the resolution to something else than the game originally supports, the game crashes when alt-tabbing. There are several [[#When using Alt+Tab|workarounds available]] to fix this issue.
{{Fixbox/fix|Higher resolution}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set widescreen-resolution in-game with GenTool|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-10-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
# For Generals, open <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Options.ini</code>
+
{{++}} [[#GenTool|GenTool]] allows to set common widescreen resolution in-game and automatically adjusts camera height according to the resolution.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gamereplays.org/cnczerohour/portals.php?show=index&name=gentool&tab=8562934|title=GenTool widescreen resolution|date=2019-10-19}}</ref>
# For Zero Hour, open <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\Options.ini</code>
+
# Install [[#GenTool|GenTool]].
# Change the Resolution line to your liking, like this:
+
# Open Generals or Zero Hour.
<code>Resolution = 1920 1080</code>
+
# Go to the in-game '''Options''' menu.
 +
# Set the game to the desired resolution.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Set resolution manually in Options.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-10-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Can be used in case GenTool doesn't allow to set the specific unusual resolution that is desired.
 +
# For Generals, open {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Options.ini}}
 +
# For Zero Hour, open {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\Options.ini}}
 +
# Change the <code>Resolution</code> line to the desired values, for example: <code>Resolution = 1920 1080</code>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Camera height===
 
===Camera height===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{ii}} Adjusted camera height only applied to replays and singleplayer.
{{Fixbox/fix|Adjust camera height}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Adjust camera height in-game through GenTool|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
# For Zero Hour, go to <code>{{P|game}}\Data\INI</code> and paste the file GameData.ini into this folder
+
{{++}} This also sets the game to automatically draw the entire map to avoid visual glitches at high camera heights and odd camera angles.
# You can get a modified version of this file [http://www.moddb.com/games/cc-generals-zero-hour/downloads/modified-min-and-max-zoom-for-cc-general-zh on Mod DB]  
+
# Install [[#GenTool|GenTool]].
# Change the height of the camera to your liking, like this:
+
# Open Generals or Zero Hour.
 +
# Press {{Key|Insert}} on the keyboard to open the in-game GenTool menu.
 +
# Increase the <code>camera height</code> by a total maximum of 1000.
 +
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Adjust camera height|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
{{--}} In many versions of the game, it seems to ignore the contents in this file, causing this fix not to work.
 +
{{--}} Using this in online matches could be seen as cheating and result in a ban.
 +
{{++}} This also sets the game to automatically draw the entire map to avoid visual glitches at high camera heights and odd camera angles.
 +
# [https://www.moddb.com/games/cc-generals-zero-hour/downloads/modified-min-and-max-zoom-for-cc-general-zh Download a pre-modified GameData.ini file.]  
 +
# For Zero Hour, go to {{file|{{P|game}}\Data\INI|folder}}
 +
# Paste the downloaded {{file|GameData.ini}} file into this folder
 +
# The height of the camera can be changed to the desired height, for example:
 
<code>MaxCameraHeight = 800.0</code>
 
<code>MaxCameraHeight = 800.0</code>
 
<code>DrawEntireTerrain = Yes</code>
 
<code>DrawEntireTerrain = Yes</code>
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 152: Line 252:
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support notes  =  
 
|controller support notes  =  
Line 162: Line 264:
 
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = unknown
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
|button prompts           = unknown
+
|xbox prompts              = unknown
|button prompts notes     =  
+
|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        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
|light bar support        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = unknown
|light bar support notes   =  
+
|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 =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
|surround sound          = unknown
+
|surround sound          = true
|surround sound notes    =  
+
|surround sound notes    = Uses whatever the speaker layout is for the default playback device. Only tested on Windows 10. (When using Dolby Digital Live on a Sound Blaster Z)
 
|subtitles                = false
 
|subtitles                = false
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
|mute on focus lost      = true
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
|eax support              =  
+
|eax support              = unknown
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 195: Line 327:
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Traditional Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
Line 221: Line 361:
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = Base game only, up to version 1.07. Opening scene still retain in English voices.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 226: Line 374:
 
  |language  = Korean
 
  |language  = Korean
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
  |audio    = unknown
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
Line 244: Line 392:
 
  |audio    = unknown
 
  |audio    = unknown
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://archive.ph/0DZag|title=Novo Milênio, 22/09/2003 (archived)|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = Fan translations by [http://siberian-studio.ru/loc_gen.html Siberian GRemlin], [https://www.zoneofgames.ru/games/command_conquer_generals/files/3992.html DK team]
 +
|fan      = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
  |audio    = unknown
+
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
Line 267: Line 423:
 
|lan play modes      =  
 
|lan play modes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
|online play          = true
+
|online play          = hackable
 
|online play players  = 8
 
|online play players  = 8
 
|online play modes    =  
 
|online play modes    =  
|online play notes    = Official services have been shut down; use [http://www.gentool.net GenTool].
+
|online play notes    = Official [[GameSpy]] service has been shut down; see [[#Online play|Online play]] to get online play working again.
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
Line 291: Line 447:
 
|tcp  = 80, 6667, 28910, 29900, 29920
 
|tcp  = 80, 6667, 28910, 29900, 29920
 
|udp  = 4321, 27900
 
|udp  = 4321, 27900
|upnp =  
+
|upnp = unknown
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Online play===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install GenTool and use C&C:Online (Windows)|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{++}} This is a direct community-made replacement for the GameSpy servers, which were taken offline in 2014.
 +
{{ii}} Works for both Generals and its expansion pack, as long as it's patched to the latest version.
 +
{{ii}} GenTool is needed to redirect the login screen to the C&C:Online servers instead of the closed GameSpy ones. It also provides an anti-cheat solution for online games.
 +
# Download and install [[#GenTool|GenTool]].
 +
# Sign up on [https://cnc-online.net/connect/register C&C:Online].
 +
# Activate the account by clicking on the activation link in the confirmation mail that was send to the email address that was used during sign up.
 +
# Choose a server login and password.
 +
# Start the game.
 +
# Login online in the game with the e-mail address used to register, server password and a nickname of your choosing.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==VR support==
 +
{{VR support
 +
|gg3d name                  =
 +
|native 3d gg3d award        =
 +
|nvidia 3d vision gg3d award =
 +
|tridef 3d gg3d award        =
 +
|iz3d gg3d award            =
 +
|native 3d                  =
 +
|native 3d notes            =
 +
|nvidia 3d vision            =
 +
|nvidia 3d vision notes      =
 +
|tridef 3d                  =
 +
|tridef 3d notes            =
 +
|iz3d                        =
 +
|iz3d notes                  =
 +
|vorpx                      = hackable
 +
|vorpx modes                = G3D
 +
|vorpx notes                = User created profile, requires [[DgVoodoo 2|DGVoodoo2 v 2.55.4]]. For required ini tweaks see [https://www.vorpx.com/forums/search/Generals_1/ profile introduction]. <code>Note:</code> Profile may not work with the latest wrapper, in case of issues please report to the [https://www.vorpx.com/forums/search/Generals_1/ vorpx forum].
 +
{{ii}} Zero Hour has its [https://www.vorpx.com/forums/search/Generals_1/ own profile].
 +
|htc vive                    =
 +
|htc vive notes              =
 +
|oculus rift                =
 +
|oculus rift notes          =
 +
|osvr                        =
 +
|osvr notes                  =
 +
|windows mixed reality      =
 +
|windows mixed reality notes =
 +
|keyboard-mouse              =
 +
|keyboard-mouse notes        =
 +
|3rd space gaming vest      =
 +
|3rd space gaming vest notes =
 +
|novint falcon              =
 +
|novint falcon notes        =
 +
|trackir                    =
 +
|trackir notes              =
 +
|tobii eye tracking          =
 +
|tobii eye tracking notes    =
 +
|play area seated            =
 +
|play area seated notes      =
 +
|play area standing          =
 +
|play area standing notes    =
 +
|play area room-scale        =
 +
|play area room-scale notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
===Game does not start (Origin)===
+
===d3d8to9===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{++}} Might improve compatibility and stability of the game significantly in some specific cases by converting all older Direct3D 8 API calls and low-level shaders to more modern Direct3D 9 ones.
{{Fixbox/fix|Disable Origin In Game}}
+
{{--}} Could lead to unstable performance and could make the game crash, especially with total conversion mods.{{note|Legionnaire and Xezon from the CnC community brought these issues to light.}} Advised to only use this for singleplayer as it can possibly cause instability in multiplayer.
# Select the My Games tab in Origin.
+
{{ii}} Compatible with [[#GenTool|GenTool]].
# Right-click Generals/Zero Hour and select "Game Properties".
+
{{ii}} Proton: already contains its own API translation layer and there is thus no need for installing d3d8to9.
# Check the "Disable Origin in Game for this game" option.
+
{{mm}} Not included in [[#GenPatcher|GenPatcher]].
# Click OK and launch the game.
+
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install d3d8to9:|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-12-23|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# [https://github.com/crosire/d3d8to9/releases Download] the latest version of d3d8to9 (the {{file|d3d8.dll}} file.)
 +
# If [[#GenTool|GenTool]] is also being used: rename the file to {{file|d3d8x.dll}} to make sure GenTool is not overwritten.
 +
# Place the file in {{folder|{{P|game}}}} of both Generals and its expansion pack.
 +
# Play the game.
 
}}
 
}}
  
==="Technical Difficulties" error===
+
===DirectX 8.1 error===
{{ii}} This problem occurs on modern systems; one of the methods below should fix it.
+
{{ii}} Full error: '''Please make sure your have DirectX 8.1 or higher installed. Also verify that your video card meets the minimum requirements'''.
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install [[DirectX#Legacy version|DirectX 9.0c end-user runtime]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-10-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Remove {{file|dbghelp.dll}}|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-10-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Known issue with the game as the {{file|{{p|game}}\dbghelp.dll}} file is left in the installation folder by default and often causes problems.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Technical Difficulties/Serious Error===
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Error.png|Error message}}
 
{{Image|Command and Conquer Generals Error.png|Error message}}
 +
{{ii}} This error is shown in case of one of the many errors the game can encounter. It is thus often not clear what exactly causes this error; one of the methods below should fix most common causes:
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
====When using Alt+Tab====
{{Fixbox/fix|Set Windows XP Service Pack 2 compatibility mode}}
+
{{ii}} The game can at times crash when using {{Key|Alt|Tab}}, in particular the second time. This happens usually when the game is set to resolutions that it originally did not support.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-08-09|comment=Checked in the past: happens especially when the game is set to resolutions it originally didn't support, like set through the ini-file or through [[#GenTool|GenTool]]}}</ref>
# Go to the properties of <code>generals.exe</code> or one of its shortcuts.
+
 
# Enable Windows XP Service Pack 2 [[#Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]].
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install [[#d3d8to9|d3d8to9]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-01-13|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
# Restart the game.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use windowed mode, see [[#Video|Video]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-08-09}}</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Fully reinstall}}
 
{{ii}} A full reinstallation appears to be the solution that works for most users.<ref>http://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/544479-cc-generals-and-zero-hour-technical-difficulties/</ref>
 
# Uninstall Zero Hour (if you have it)
 
# Uninstall Generals
 
# Reboot
 
# Install Generals
 
# Patch Generals
 
# Install Zero Hour (if you have it)
 
# Patch Zero Hour (if you have it)
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
====Other scenarios====
{{Fixbox/fix|Edit Options.ini}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Create or edit Options.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://answers.ea.com/t5/C-C-The-Ultimate-Collection/READ-FIRST-Common-Issues-and-Solutions/m-p/222060/highlight/true#M687|title=answers.ea.com|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>|fix=
{{ii}} This solution involves editing <code>Options.ini</code>.<ref>http://forums.hexus.net/software/99903-vista-command-conquer-generals-zero-hour-3.html#post1039984</ref>
+
{{ii}} The install process very often fails to create {{file|Options.ini}}, causing this error.  
{{ii}} Set <code>AntiAliasing = 6</code> (maximum) for AMD/ATI or <code>AntiAliasing = 4</code> (maximum) for NVIDIA.
 
  
# Open <code>options.ini</code> if it exists, or create it if it doesn't.
+
# For Generals, go to {{folder|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Data}}
# Replace its contents with the following and save your changes:
+
# For Zero Hour, go to {{folder|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data}}
 +
# Open {{file|options.ini}} in a text editor. If it is not present, create it manually.
 +
# Replace its contents with the following and save the changes:
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
 
AntiAliasing =
 
AntiAliasing =
Line 353: Line 573:
 
VoiceVolume = 70
 
VoiceVolume = 70
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows XP SP2 (only if not using GenTool)|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install [[#d3d8to9|d3d8to9]]|ref={{cn|date=January 2020}}}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Fully reinstall|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/544479-cc-generals-and-zero-hour-technical-difficulties/|title=neowin.net|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} A full reinstallation is a last resort in case the solutions above did not work.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Auto-defeat after 30 seconds===
 +
{{ii}} Is triggered by DRM. Can even occur on legitimate installations.
 +
{{ii}} This solution refers to retail versions of the game.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use [[#GenPatcher|GenPatcher]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use [[#Restore mod support|executables from GenTool's repository]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Circumvents DRM causing this issue.
 +
{{ii}} Also incorporated in [[#GenPatcher|GenPatcher]].
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Check game's serial key registry entries|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
See [[#"Serial key already in use" error when starting a match|"Serial key already in use" error when starting a match]]
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Clean reinstall of the game as administrator|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-08-09|comment=Succesfully fixed this issue for me in the past}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Fully re-install the game with administrator privileges in hopes the registry keys will be correctly created.
 +
{{--}} Reported by the community that this fix sometimes doesn't work. Use it only as a last resort.
 +
}}
 +
 +
==="Serial key already in use" error when starting a match===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Check game's serial key registry entries|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://answers.ea.com/t5/C-C-The-Ultimate-Collection/CnC-Zero-Hour-Serial-Key-not-valid/m-p/2074#M29|title=CnC Zero Hour Serial Key not valid|date=2022-08-09}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{--}} Reported by the community that this fix often doesn't work and even on valid installations the "-" are still missing in these registry-entries.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-08-09|comment=My registry entries still miss the "-", while I'm not getting any of the errors and in the past had this fix not working for me.}}</ref>
 +
# Open the Windows Registry Editor.
 +
# For Zero Hour, go to {{Registry|{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\{{p|wow64}}\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour}}.
 +
# For Generals, go to {{Registry|{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\{{p|wow64}}\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Generals\ergc}}
 +
# Right-click on the {{Registry|(Default)}} registry entry and click on '''Modify'''.
 +
# Now add "-" at the places where it belongs in the serial code. For example, <code>123A5678B8CDD3D3P0P0</code> becomes <code>123A-5678-B8CD-D3D3-P0P0</code>. Do this for both Generals and Zero Hour registry entries.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Shell map (menu background) is static===
 +
{{ii}} It is a very rare issue.
 +
{{ii}} This can also be done intentionally by running the game with the <code>-quickstart</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]] to speed up initial loading.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows XP SP2 (only if not using GenTool)|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Arrow keys cycles through units on Zero Hour instead of moving the camera===
 +
{{ii}} Any non-English Zero Hour installation will always map unit cycling to the arrow keys (even when the latest patch was installed).
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cncgeneralscrashofwar/downloads/arrow-key-scroll-fixes Arrow Key Scroll Fixes] then rename its {{folder|English}} to your game language and paste it to {{folder|{{P|game}}\Data}}|fix=
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 362: Line 633:
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
|opengl versions        = Unknown
+
|opengl versions        = true
 
|opengl notes          = OS X only.
 
|opengl notes          = OS X only.
 
|glide versions        =  
 
|glide versions        =  
Line 370: Line 641:
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
|vulkan support        =  
+
|vulkan versions        =  
|vulkan support notes   =  
+
|vulkan notes           =  
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|shader model versions  = 1.4
 
|shader model versions  = 1.4
|shader model notes    = {{CN|date=August 2015}}
+
|shader model notes    = {{cn|date=August 2015}}
|64-bit executable     = false
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
|64-bit executable notes=  
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes     =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = true
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = false
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        = Install the [[#Patches|version 1.0.4]] patch for Intel support for the original port.<br>32-bit only as a planned 64-bit update was cancelled in May 2020 with the MacOS-version being delisted from stores by Aspyr.
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 390: Line 672:
 
|input            =  
 
|input            =  
 
|input notes      =  
 
|input notes      =  
|cutscenes        = Bink Video
+
|cutscenes        = Bink Video (Windows), QuickTime.framework (macOS)
|cutscenes notes  =  
+
|cutscenes notes  = Bink Video version 1.5.10.0
 
|multiplayer      = GameSpy
 
|multiplayer      = GameSpy
 
|multiplayer notes=  
 
|multiplayer notes=  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===[[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]]===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Command<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.cnclabs.com/generals/zerohour/command-line-arguments.aspx|title=C&C Generals: Zero Hour: Command Line Arguments - C&C Labs|date=May 2023}}</ref> !! Description
 +
|-
 +
| -win || Runs the game in windowed mode
 +
|-
 +
| -mod [path to .big file] || Runs the game with the selected mod
 +
|-
 +
| -xres [number] || Sets resolution width
 +
|-
 +
| -yres [number] || Sets resolution height
 +
|-
 +
| -nologo || Skips the EA Games logo; when using [[#GenTool|GenTool]], it skips the tool's splash stripe on startup
 +
|-
 +
| -noshellmap || Disables the shellmap in the main menu
 +
|-
 +
| -quickstart || Disables the intro and shellmap in the main menu
 +
|}
 +
 +
===Official extra map and mission===
 +
{{ii}} For Generals, EA Los Angeles released an official extra map and mission that were not included in the game.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Download and install the extra map and mission|ref={{cn}}|fix=
 +
# Download the single-player GLA-mission [https://files.cncnz.com/generals/cncgeneralsblacksheep.zip Black Sheep]; an official campaign mission which was cut from the final release, but was released in 2009 by EALA
 +
# Download the skirmish/multiplayer map [https://files.cncnz.com/generals/Flash%20Fire.zip Flash Fire] for two players
 +
# Extract the folders from the ZIP files
 +
# Place the folders in {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Maps|folder}} to be able to use them in-game
 +
# Start Generals ('''NOT''' Zero Hour)
 +
# Go to '''Solo Play''' -> '''Skirmish''' -> '''Select map''' -> '''Unofficial maps'''
 +
# Click on either <code>Black Sheep</code> or <code>Flash Fire</code>
 +
# Click on '''Accept''' to use the mission or map
 +
# Click on '''Play game'''
 +
}}
 +
 +
<!-- for pre-2024 Origin version; the current one is redone from the ground up
 +
===Restore mod support===
 +
{{ii}} The Ultimate Collection on Origin/EA app was released with no support for mods or command line arguments.
 +
{{mm}} Also incorporated in [[#GenPatcher|GenPatcher]].
 +
{{mm}} These changes can be simply reverted by using the <code>repair</code> option in Origin/EA app for each game in The Ultimate Collection.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Replace the executables of the games|ref={{cn|date=Oktober 2019}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} The executables will be replaced with original Generals and Zero Hour executables with full support for mods and command-line-parameters, but with the CD-check disabled.
 +
{{++}} Circumvents the official Generals Origin/EA app launcher by allowing to start the game directly. If desired, the game can still be started using the Origin/EA app launcher.
 +
{{++}} Fully supported by [[#GenTool|GenTool]].
 +
# Go to the [https://www.gentool.net/download/executables GenTool Executables page].
 +
# Download both the {{file|Generals108EXE.zip}} and {{file|GeneralsZH104EXE.zip}} files.
 +
# Extract {{file|generals.exe}} from {{file|Generals108EXE.zip}} archive and place it in {{file|{{P|game}}\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour\Command and Conquer Generals|folder}}. Confirm overwriting the original {{file|generals.exe}}.
 +
# Extract {{file|generals.exe}} from {{file|GeneralsZH104EXE.zip}} archive and place it in {{file|{{P|game}}\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour|folder}}. Confirm overwriting the original {{file|generals.exe}}.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use Medstar's fixed launchers (The Ultimate Collection)|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-10-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} An unofficial patch that provides a slight enhancement to the default launchers provided with the Origin release (fixes some registry entries and allows [[Glossary:Command line arguments#Instructions|command line arguments]] to function properly).
 +
{{ii}} Previous fixed launchers from Bibber were not available and supported for a while at Bibber's own request, but can be [https://bibber.eu/downloads/cnc-ultimate-collection-launchers/ downloaded] again from his site. As support and availability is unknown, it is advised to remove those and replace them with Medstar's ones.
 +
# Download the last released version from [https://github.com/Medstar117/CNC-Ultimate-Collection-Fixed-Launchers/releases GitHub] or alternatively from [https://www.moddb.com/games/cc-generals/downloads/new-fixed-ultimate-collection-launchers-v101 ModDB].
 +
# Extract the file from the ZIP file.
 +
# Run the installer.
 +
}}
 +
-->
 +
===Uncensoring the German release===
 +
{{ii}} [https://www.united-forum.de/downloads/c-c-generaele-uncut-patch.8/ Download for base game]
 +
{{ii}} [https://www.united-forum.de/downloads/c-c-generaele-die-stunde-null-uncut-patch.9/ Download for Zero Hour]
 +
 +
===[https://www.moddb.com/groups/command-conquer-westwood-fans-ea/downloads/cc-generals-combat-cards Combat Cards]===
 +
{{ii}} A singleplayer digital card game of user against AI opponent that was released in 2003 to promote Generals. The gameplay is based on the classic card game Top Trumps. The cards feature units from Generals, with each unit having the four attributes firepower, speed, cost, and build time. One of these attributes is selected at random and the player of which the value of the attribute is highest, wins the round and receives the other's players card. Whoever runs out of cards first, loses.
 +
 +
===[https://github.com/TheAssemblyArmada/Thyme Thyme]===
 +
{{ii}} Open-source community-project to use reverse-engineered code of the original Zero Hour expansion pack to completely re-implement this code, while keeping true to the original game. The intention of Thyme is to allow the fixing of bugs, implementation of new features and porting to platforms unsupported by the original.
 +
{{ii}} Only supports the original disc-based 1.04 versions. If any other version is used, the executable can be [https://github.com/TheAssemblyArmada/Thyme/wiki/Create-a-Patched-Executable patched]. Make sure that the executable of the game hasn't been altered by GenTool, GenPatcher or replaced the executables by hand as it will cause patching to fail.
 +
{{--}} Still in active development and not fully reverse-engineered yet. Expect it to contain several (severe) bugs.
 +
 +
===Modifications===
 +
{{ii}} The following mods are all for the ''Zero Hour'' expansion.
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cc-shockwave ShockWave]
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/rise-of-the-reds Rise of the Reds]
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/contra Contra]
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/zero-hour-reborn1 Zero Hour Reborn]
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cnc-untitled C&C Untitled]
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cc-generals-crazy-mod Crazy Mod]
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/command-conquer-tiberian-dawn-redux Tiberian Dawn Redux]
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/command-conquer-red-alert-redux Red Alert Redux]
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 405: Line 769:
 
|minRAM  = 128 MB
 
|minRAM  = 128 MB
 
|minHD    = 1.8 GB
 
|minHD    = 1.8 GB
|minGPU  = Nvidia Geforce 2
+
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 2
 
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon 7500
 
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon 7500
 
|minVRAM  = 32 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 32 MB
 
|minDX    = 8.1
 
|minDX    = 8.1
  
|recOS    = ME, 2000, XP, Vista, 7
+
|recOS    = ME, 2000, XP
 
|recRAM  = 256 MB
 
|recRAM  = 256 MB
|recGPU  = Nvidia Geforce 3
+
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 3
 
|recDX    = 9.0c
 
|recDX    = 9.0c
 
}}
 
}}
Line 433: Line 797:
 
|recHD    =  
 
|recHD    =  
 
|recGPU  =  
 
|recGPU  =  
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} OS X requirements are for the Mac App Store version
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} OS X requirements are for the Mac App Store version
 
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 02:06, 21 March 2024

Command & Conquer: Generals
Command & Conquer: Generals cover
Developers
EA Pacific[1][2]
Zero Hour EA Los Angeles
macOS (OS X) i5works[3][4]
macOS (OS X) Aspyr Media
Publishers
Electronic Arts
OS X Aspyr Media
Engines
SAGE
Release dates
Windows February 10, 2003
macOS (OS X) April 14, 2004
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
Controls Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS
Themes Asia, Middle East, Sci-fi
Series Command & Conquer
Command & Conquer: Generals on HowLongToBeat
Command & Conquer: Generals on IGDB
Command & Conquer: Generals guide on StrategyWiki
Command & Conquer: Generals on MobyGames
Command & Conquer: Generals on Wikipedia
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

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

Command & Conquer: Generals is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view RTS game featuring different factions battling against each other on a battlefield. It was developed by EA Pacific, published by Electronic Arts and released in 2003. The game is one of many in the Command & Conquer franchise. It makes use of the SAGE engine, which was an improved version of the Westwood 3D engine.

The game was initially released on Windows on February 10, 2003. It was ported on April 14, 2004 to Mac OS X by i5works and published by Aspyr Media, who also maintained the port over the years. Reception of the game was good, with several post-launch patches being released to fix most bugs, exploits and balancing issues. The team was subsequently merged with EA Los Angeles as its RTS division, and developed its expansion Zero Hour, which got released on September 19, 2003 on Windows and later ported to Mac OS X in February 2005. The game was re-released for macOS on the Mac App Store on March 12, 2015. The expansion added a new Generals Challenge mode, new campaigns, new units and new maps.

Post-release support included 8 patches for the base game and 4 for Zero Hour, as well as map editors (Worldbuilder) compatible with both titles. While no dedicated modding tools were released (instead, the community uses tools released for The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II or Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars, both on the same engine), the game quickly received a sizable modding and mapping community, whose projects remain popular well into the 2020s.[5]

A compilation of both the main game and its expansion got released on October 21, 2003 under the name Command & Conquer: Generals - Deluxe Edition. The game was re-released twice as part of multiple compilations of Command & Conquer games: Command & Conquer: The First Decade in February 2006 and for the first time digitally on Origin on October 2, 2012 as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection.

On March 7, 2024, the game and its expansion were released on Steam for the first time as part of The Ultimate Collection.

As of May 2023, the game remains playable on modern Windows versions with some major technical hiccups that can be worked around; issues like errors when starting the game, DRM issues and serial key errors. A tool called GenPatcher was created by the community to more easily fix these issues, and apply various fixes and improvements, as well as include GenTool for proper high resolution support, gameplay bug fixes and additional features like improved replay functionalities. Despite these efforts, the game is unstable and prone to crashing in many circumstances, including having to manage large amounts of objects on the map simultaneously, and unfixed pathfinding issues that are partly caused by improper use (or lack thereof) of pathing blockers in and around map obstacles such as hills and lakes.

The macOS version, however, was delisted from the Mac App Store in May 2020, although it is still playable for owners of the Mac App Store version who installed the App before it was delisted.

Official online services have been discontinued for all releases of the game, but community-run ones like C&C:Online exist. As of 2023, the game retains a small but active community, the competitive side of which is organized around GameReplays.org.

General information

Command & Conquer Wiki - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
C&C:Online - fan-hosted multiplayer server replacement (Windows version only)
Generals section on CNC.community
Generals section on CNCNZ.com
Zero Hour section on CNCNZ.com
Zero Hour section on GameReplays.org
Steam Community Discussions (base game)
Steam Community Discussions (Zero Hour)

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
SafeDisc 2 DRM[Note 1] in the original releases, SafeDisc 4 DRM[Note 2] in The First Decade compilation.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Origin
Origin
Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes the Zero Hour expansion. 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 the Zero Hour expansion (separate library/store entry). Included with EA Play (Steam).
The game can be run without Steam by renaming game.dat to an .exe file.[10]
Windows
Mac App Store (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Deluxe Edition. 32-bit only, delisted from stores after 64-bit update was cancelled in May 2020.[11]
macOS (OS X)
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.
A free demo version is available from GameFront and CNCNZ.com.

Version differences

The Deluxe Edition, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection all include the base game and the Zero Hour expansion.
The Mac App Store did not have crossplay with the Windows and original OS X releases, and online muliplayer was eventually removed entirely in the v1.1.2 update after Apple retired Game Center invite functionality.[12] The Mac App Store version is playable with other Macs running the App Store version on Network/LAN mode.
The Steam version of Zero Hour does not require the base game to be installed.

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack The expansion pack includes new factions, new campaigns and game mode, 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
Zero Hour The Steam version can be installed without the base game.[13]
Windows
macOS (OS X)

Essential improvements

Patches

The Origin/EA app and Mac App Store versions are already patched to the latest version.

GenPatcher

GenPatcher can be used to get the game in an optimal state without having to apply these improvements by hand. Includes many of the essential fixes/additions listed below like GenTool, proper Options.ini creation, dbghelp.dll removal and more.
Officially supports the CD, The First Decade (English), and Steam versions of the game. The 2024 updated EA App version require further testing.

GenTool

GenTool provides improved compatibility with modern Windows versions, improved widescreen-support and enhanced/adjustable game controls, fixes several known causes of crashes and exploits, and restores online play by allowing the game to link to C&C:Online and adding cheat detection.
Compatible with all Windows versions of Generals and its expansion, as long as they are patched to the latest official version.
Included in GenPatcher.

Skip startup game intro

Move, delete or rename the intro videos[15]
Needs to be applied to both Generals and its expansion pack Zero Hour separately.
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\Data\english\Movies
  2. Move, delete or rename the following files: EA_LOGO.BIK, EA_LOGO640.BIK, sizzle_review.bik and sizzle_review640.bik.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data\
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\
macOS (OS X) $HOME/Library/Containers/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/Data/Documents/Command & Conquer Generals/User Data/
~/Library/Containers/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/Data/Documents/Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour/User Data/
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2229870/pfx/[Note 3]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Save\
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\Save\
macOS (OS X) ~/Library/Containers/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/Data/Documents/Command & Conquer Generals/User Data/Save/
~/Library/Containers/com.aspyr.command.conquer.generals.appstore/Data/Documents/Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour/User Data/Save/
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2229870/pfx/[Note 3]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Origin
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game options screen.
In-game options screen.
In-game advanced video settings.
In-game advanced video settings.
In-game options screen for Zero Hour expansion.
In-game options screen for Zero Hour expansion.
In-game advanced video settings for Zero Hour expansion.
In-game advanced video settings for Zero Hour expansion.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
See Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
See Widescreen resolution.
4K Ultra HD
See Widescreen resolution.
Field of view (FOV)
Top-down view nearly orthographic. See Camera height.
Windowed
Run the game with the -win command line argument.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Use Borderless Gaming, GeDoSaTo or GenTool.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Edit AntiAliasing value in options.ini.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Cannot be disabled.
60 FPS
30 FPS cap. Game speed and logic tied to frame rate in singleplayer, but game logic is always tied to 30 when in multiplayer. GenTool can increase the framerate cap, but not without affecting the game speed.
120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Widescreen resolution

Setting the resolution to something else than the game originally supports, the game crashes when alt-tabbing. There are several workarounds available to fix this issue.
Set widescreen-resolution in-game with GenTool[16]
GenTool allows to set common widescreen resolution in-game and automatically adjusts camera height according to the resolution.[17]
  1. Install GenTool.
  2. Open Generals or Zero Hour.
  3. Go to the in-game Options menu.
  4. Set the game to the desired resolution.
Set resolution manually in Options.ini[18]
Can be used in case GenTool doesn't allow to set the specific unusual resolution that is desired.
  1. For Generals, open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Options.ini
  2. For Zero Hour, open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data\Options.ini
  3. Change the Resolution line to the desired values, for example: Resolution = 1920 1080

Camera height

Adjusted camera height only applied to replays and singleplayer.
Adjust camera height in-game through GenTool[19]
This also sets the game to automatically draw the entire map to avoid visual glitches at high camera heights and odd camera angles.
  1. Install GenTool.
  2. Open Generals or Zero Hour.
  3. Press Insert on the keyboard to open the in-game GenTool menu.
  4. Increase the camera height by a total maximum of 1000.
Adjust camera height[citation needed]
In many versions of the game, it seems to ignore the contents in this file, causing this fix not to work.
Using this in online matches could be seen as cheating and result in a ban.
This also sets the game to automatically draw the entire map to avoid visual glitches at high camera heights and odd camera angles.
  1. Download a pre-modified GameData.ini file.
  2. For Zero Hour, go to <path-to-game>\Data\INI
  3. Paste the downloaded GameData.ini file into this folder
  4. The height of the camera can be changed to the desired height, for example:

MaxCameraHeight = 800.0 DrawEntireTerrain = Yes

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Mouse acceleration
Only scroll speed can be changed
Mouse sensitivity
For scroll speed.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Uses whatever the speaker layout is for the default playback device. Only tested on Windows 10. (When using Dolby Digital Live on a Sound Blaster Z)
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Traditional Chinese
French
German
An uncensored version of C&C Generals was shortly sold. The censored version, titled "C&C Generäle", is more widely available and known and uses separate patches.
Italian
Japanese
Base game only, up to version 1.07. Opening scene still retain in English voices.
Korean
Polish
Brazilian Portuguese
[20]
Russian
Fan translations by Siberian GRemlin, DK team
Spanish

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8
Online play
8 Official GameSpy service has been shut down; see Online play to get online play working again.

Connection types

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 80, 6667, 28910, 29900, 29920
UDP 4321, 27900
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

Online play

Install GenTool and use C&C:Online (Windows)[21]
This is a direct community-made replacement for the GameSpy servers, which were taken offline in 2014.
Works for both Generals and its expansion pack, as long as it's patched to the latest version.
GenTool is needed to redirect the login screen to the C&C:Online servers instead of the closed GameSpy ones. It also provides an anti-cheat solution for online games.
  1. Download and install GenTool.
  2. Sign up on C&C:Online.
  3. Activate the account by clicking on the activation link in the confirmation mail that was send to the email address that was used during sign up.
  4. Choose a server login and password.
  5. Start the game.
  6. Login online in the game with the e-mail address used to register, server password and a nickname of your choosing.

VR support

3D modes State Notes
vorpX
G3D
User created profile, requires DGVoodoo2 v 2.55.4. For required ini tweaks see profile introduction. Note: Profile may not work with the latest wrapper, in case of issues please report to the vorpx forum.
Zero Hour has its own profile.

Issues fixed

d3d8to9

Might improve compatibility and stability of the game significantly in some specific cases by converting all older Direct3D 8 API calls and low-level shaders to more modern Direct3D 9 ones.
Could lead to unstable performance and could make the game crash, especially with total conversion mods.[Note 4] Advised to only use this for singleplayer as it can possibly cause instability in multiplayer.
Compatible with GenTool.
Proton: already contains its own API translation layer and there is thus no need for installing d3d8to9.
Not included in GenPatcher.
Install d3d8to9:[22]
  1. Download the latest version of d3d8to9 (the d3d8.dll file.)
  2. If GenTool is also being used: rename the file to d3d8x.dll to make sure GenTool is not overwritten.
  3. Place the file in <path-to-game> of both Generals and its expansion pack.
  4. Play the game.

DirectX 8.1 error

Full error: Please make sure your have DirectX 8.1 or higher installed. Also verify that your video card meets the minimum requirements.
Install DirectX 9.0c end-user runtime[23]
Remove dbghelp.dll[24]
Known issue with the game as the <path-to-game>\dbghelp.dll file is left in the installation folder by default and often causes problems.

Technical Difficulties/Serious Error

Error message
Error message
This error is shown in case of one of the many errors the game can encounter. It is thus often not clear what exactly causes this error; one of the methods below should fix most common causes:

When using Alt+Tab

The game can at times crash when using Alt+Tab , in particular the second time. This happens usually when the game is set to resolutions that it originally did not support.[25]
Install d3d8to9[26]
Use windowed mode, see Video[27]

Other scenarios

Create or edit Options.ini[28]
The install process very often fails to create Options.ini, causing this error.
  1. For Generals, go to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data
  2. For Zero Hour, go to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Data
  3. Open options.ini in a text editor. If it is not present, create it manually.
  4. Replace its contents with the following and save the changes:
AntiAliasing =
DrawScrollAnchor =
GameSpyIPAddress = 0.0.0.0
Gamma = 50
IPAddress = 0.0.0.0
IdealStaticGameLOD = High
LanguageFilter = false
MoveScrollAnchor =
MusicVolume = 55
Resolution = 800 600
SFX3DVolume = 79
SFXVolume = 71
ScrollFactor = 50
SendDelay = no
StaticGameLOD = Low
UseAlternateMouse = no
VoiceVolume = 70
Run the game in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2 (only if not using GenTool)[citation needed]
Install d3d8to9[citation needed]
Fully reinstall[29]
A full reinstallation is a last resort in case the solutions above did not work.

Auto-defeat after 30 seconds

Is triggered by DRM. Can even occur on legitimate installations.
This solution refers to retail versions of the game.
Use GenPatcher[30]
Use executables from GenTool's repository[31]
Circumvents DRM causing this issue.
Also incorporated in GenPatcher.
Check game's serial key registry entries[32]

See "Serial key already in use" error when starting a match

Clean reinstall of the game as administrator[33]
Fully re-install the game with administrator privileges in hopes the registry keys will be correctly created.
Reported by the community that this fix sometimes doesn't work. Use it only as a last resort.

"Serial key already in use" error when starting a match

Check game's serial key registry entries[34]
Reported by the community that this fix often doesn't work and even on valid installations the "-" are still missing in these registry-entries.[35]
  1. Open the Windows Registry Editor.
  2. For Zero Hour, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour.
  3. For Generals, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Generals\ergc
  4. Right-click on the (Default) registry entry and click on Modify.
  5. Now add "-" at the places where it belongs in the serial code. For example, 123A5678B8CDD3D3P0P0 becomes 123A-5678-B8CD-D3D3-P0P0. Do this for both Generals and Zero Hour registry entries.

Shell map (menu background) is static

It is a very rare issue.
This can also be done intentionally by running the game with the -quickstart command line argument to speed up initial loading.
Run the game in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2 (only if not using GenTool)[citation needed]

Arrow keys cycles through units on Zero Hour instead of moving the camera

Any non-English Zero Hour installation will always map unit cycling to the arrow keys (even when the latest patch was installed).
Use Arrow Key Scroll Fixes then rename its English to your game language and paste it to <path-to-game>\Data

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 8.1
OpenGL
OS X only.
Shader Model support 1.4 [citation needed]
ExecutablePPC 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Install the version 1.0.4 patch for Intel support for the original port.
32-bit only as a planned 64-bit update was cancelled in May 2020 with the MacOS-version being delisted from stores by Aspyr.

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System
Cutscenes Bink Video (Windows), QuickTime.framework (macOS) Bink Video version 1.5.10.0
Multiplayer GameSpy

Command line arguments

Command[36] Description
-win Runs the game in windowed mode
-mod [path to .big file] Runs the game with the selected mod
-xres [number] Sets resolution width
-yres [number] Sets resolution height
-nologo Skips the EA Games logo; when using GenTool, it skips the tool's splash stripe on startup
-noshellmap Disables the shellmap in the main menu
-quickstart Disables the intro and shellmap in the main menu

Official extra map and mission

For Generals, EA Los Angeles released an official extra map and mission that were not included in the game.
Download and install the extra map and mission[citation needed]
  1. Download the single-player GLA-mission Black Sheep; an official campaign mission which was cut from the final release, but was released in 2009 by EALA
  2. Download the skirmish/multiplayer map Flash Fire for two players
  3. Extract the folders from the ZIP files
  4. Place the folders in %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Command and Conquer Generals Data\Maps to be able to use them in-game
  5. Start Generals (NOT Zero Hour)
  6. Go to Solo Play -> Skirmish -> Select map -> Unofficial maps
  7. Click on either Black Sheep or Flash Fire
  8. Click on Accept to use the mission or map
  9. Click on Play game

Uncensoring the German release

Download for base game
Download for Zero Hour

Combat Cards

A singleplayer digital card game of user against AI opponent that was released in 2003 to promote Generals. The gameplay is based on the classic card game Top Trumps. The cards feature units from Generals, with each unit having the four attributes firepower, speed, cost, and build time. One of these attributes is selected at random and the player of which the value of the attribute is highest, wins the round and receives the other's players card. Whoever runs out of cards first, loses.

Thyme

Open-source community-project to use reverse-engineered code of the original Zero Hour expansion pack to completely re-implement this code, while keeping true to the original game. The intention of Thyme is to allow the fixing of bugs, implementation of new features and porting to platforms unsupported by the original.
Only supports the original disc-based 1.04 versions. If any other version is used, the executable can be patched. Make sure that the executable of the game hasn't been altered by GenTool, GenPatcher or replaced the executables by hand as it will cause patching to fail.
Still in active development and not fully reverse-engineered yet. Expect it to contain several (severe) bugs.

Modifications

The following mods are all for the Zero Hour expansion.
ShockWave
Rise of the Reds
Contra
Zero Hour Reborn
C&C Untitled
Crazy Mod
Tiberian Dawn Redux
Red Alert Redux

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium III 800 MHz
AMD Athlon 800 MHz
System memory (RAM) 128 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.8 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 2
ATI Radeon 7500
32 MB of VRAM
DirectX 8.1 compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 10.9.5
Processor (CPU) Intel 2.2 GHz
System memory (RAM) 4 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 5 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon HD 3870
Nvidia GeForce 330M
Intel HD 3000
256 MB of VRAM
OS X requirements are for the Mac App Store version


Notes

  1. SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[6] 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.[7]
  2. SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[8] 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.[9]
  3. 3.0 3.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/2229870/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (2229870) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.
  4. Legionnaire and Xezon from the CnC community brought these issues to light.

References

  1. EA ANNOUNCES PUBLIC TEST FOR COMMAND & CONQUER GENERALS - Blue's News - last accessed on 2016-9-12
  2. GameSpy: Command & Conquer: Generals - Page 1 - last accessed on 2016-9-12
  3. Aspyr: Command & Conquer Generals hits beta - Macworld - last accessed on 2016-7-23
  4. Aspyr Media Inc. Ships Electronic Arts' `Command & Conquer Generals' for Macintosh - Business Wire - last accessed on 2016-7-23
  5. Players Choice - Mod of the Year 2021 feature - last accessed on 2023-05-30
  6. Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
  7. Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
  8. Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
  9. Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
  10. Verified by User:Plok on 2024-03-09
  11. MacOS Catalina, 64-bit, 32-bit, and related Questions - last accessed on 2022-07-09
  12. Command Conquer Generals Deluxe Edition 1.1.2 changelog - last accessed on 2022-07-09
  13. Verified by User:Plok on 2024-03-09
    The Steam version of Zero Hour is configured to check for necessary base game files in its own directory in ZH_Generals.
  14. Aspyr Support Center - last accessed on 2011-08-27
  15. Verified by User:Plok on 2021-10-14
  16. Verified by User:Plok on 2021-10-14
  17. GenTool widescreen resolution - last accessed on 2019-10-19
  18. Verified by User:Plok on 2021-10-14
  19. Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
  20. Novo Milênio, 22/09/2003 (archived) - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  21. Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
  22. Verified by User:Plok on 2021-12-23
  23. Verified by User:Plok on 2021-10-14
  24. Verified by User:Plok on 2021-10-14
  25. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-08-09
    Checked in the past: happens especially when the game is set to resolutions it originally didn't support, like set through the ini-file or through GenTool
  26. Verified by User:Plok on 2022-01-13
  27. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-08-09
  28. answers.ea.com - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  29. neowin.net - last accessed on May 2023
  30. Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
  31. Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
  32. Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
  33. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-08-09
    Succesfully fixed this issue for me in the past
  34. CnC Zero Hour Serial Key not valid - last accessed on 2022-08-09
  35. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-08-09
    My registry entries still miss the "-", while I'm not getting any of the errors and in the past had this fix not working for me.
  36. C&C Generals: Zero Hour: Command Line Arguments - C&C Labs - last accessed on May 2023