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

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(→‎Availability: Added in OS details.)
 
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{{disambig|the original 1996 game|the 2020 remastered version|[[Command & Conquer Remastered Collection]]}}
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
|cover        = Command and Conquer Red Alert Coverart.jpg
+
|cover        = Command & Conquer Red Alert cover.jpg
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Westwood Studios}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Westwood Studios}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Intelligent Games|Expansions}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Virgin Interactive|Original}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Virgin Interactive|1995-1998}}
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts|Current}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts|1998-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|October 31, 1996}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|November 22, 1996}}
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|October 31, 1996}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 22, 1996}}
|steam appid  =  
+
|reception    =
|gogcom page  =  
+
{{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
 
|wikipedia    = Command & Conquer: Red Alert
 
|winehq      = 158
 
|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.
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|Command & Conquer}}
 
 
'''Key points'''
 
{{++}} Released for free following the release of [[Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3|Red Alert 3]].
 
{{++}} [[#3.03p|3.03p]] fan patch is highly recommended to install.
 
{{++}} If you want a modernized C&C experience, check out [[OpenRA]].
 
{{++}} Language support can be further extended with [[#Localizations|language add-ons]].
 
{{--}} CD/ISO installer is 16-bit and doesn't run under modern operating systems, see [[#Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems|Availability]] for solution.
 
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/ C&C Communications Center forums]
+
{{mm}} [https://cnc.fandom.com/wiki/Portal:Red_Alert Command & Conquer Wiki] - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
{{mm}} [http://forums.cncnz.com/forum/34-red-alert-counterstrike-aftermath/ CNCNZ forums]
+
{{mm}} [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] (multiplayer replacement)
{{mm}} [http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]
+
{{mm}} [https://cnc.community/red-alert Red Alert section on CNC.community]
{{mm}} [http://cnc.wikia.com/wiki/EVA_Database Command & Conquer Wiki]
+
{{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|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | |  | DOS, Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | All discs, including the 2008 freeware ISO release, include both the DOS and Windows version. |  | DOS, Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B000CPKIT6 | Disc, Key | Bundled with other games in the franchise up to [[Command & Conquer: Generals|Generals]]. |  | 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| Origin | c-c-the-ultimate-collection | Origin | Bundled with other games in the franchise up to [[Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight|Tiberian Twilight]]. |  | 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 }}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|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]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
{{DLC/row| Command & Conquer: Red Alert: Counterstrike | Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations. | DOS, Windows }}
+
{{DLC/row| Counterstrike | | DOS, Windows }}
{{DLC/row| Command & Conquer: Red Alert: The Aftermath | Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations. | DOS, Windows }}
+
{{DLC/row| The Aftermath | | DOS, Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Unofficial downloads===
 
===Unofficial downloads===
{{ii}} [[OpenRA]] is a modernized open-source version of with mature support for "Red Alert".
+
{{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}} [http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra/ PortableRA] is available in installable or portable (stripped, multiplayer-only) form with add-ons. Extra contents included (PSX-exclusive cutscenes for the expansions and music).
+
{{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}} [http://funkyfr3sh.cncnet.org/files/RA1installer.exe RA1 Installer] is a special installer that can either download the game, install it from old CDs/ISOs or patch an existing installation. Extra contents included.
+
{{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://redalert1.com RedAlert1.com] is a bare-bones version optimized for multiplayer (small size, portable). Missions, music and cutscenes are omitted. The music and map editor are downloadable inside the CnCNet settings. The site offers a Mac-compatible version too.
 
 
{{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.
 
{{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.
  
 
===Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems===
 
===Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems===
{{ii}} Like many 32-bit games released during the mid-90's, the game's installer is 16-bit. This and some other issues prevents you the game from being installed (using the ISOs released by EA or the game CDs) on modern operating systems and PCs.
+
{{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 [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=1918.0 CnC-Comm forums].
+
{{++}} 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].
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert High Res.jpg|1024x768 resolution using the [[#3.03p|3.03p]] patch.}}
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert High Res.jpg|1024x768 resolution using the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p]] patch.}}
===[http://funkyfr3sh.cncnet.org/ 3.03p]===
+
 
{{ii}} Patch is included in installation via [[#Unofficial downloads|RA1 Installer]] (see above).
+
===Patches===
{{ii}} Not needed for fan-made packages, it is already present there.  
+
====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:
 
{{ii}} This patch contains:
::* Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130).
+
:* Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130) which range from compatibility tweaks to fixes for long-standing bugs.
::* New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
+
:* Includes several graphics renderers, as well as support for higher resolutions
::* Support for newer Windows systems (including 64-bit)
+
:* New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
::* Online (via [[#CnCNet|CnCNet]]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
+
:* Online (via [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
::* Support for higher resolutions
+
:* No-CD option
::* No-CD option
+
:* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions if not installed beforehand (including their soundtracks and PSX-exclusive cutscenes)
::* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions (plus PSX videos for these missions and soundtrack)
 
 
 
 
{{mm}} [https://github.com/cnc-patch/ra303p/blob/master/docs/features.md Complete feature list].
 
{{mm}} [https://github.com/cnc-patch/ra303p/blob/master/docs/features.md Complete feature list].
{{ii}} In the [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility tab]] all compatibility options should be turned off.<ref>[http://hifi.iki.fi/cnc-ddraw/#configuration CnC-DDraw optimal configuration]</ref>
+
{{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>
{{++}} Support for regular Red Alert installation, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection.
+
{{++}} Supports all retail releases (including ''The First Decade''), official freeware ISOs and ''The Ultimate Collection''.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External General.png|External general settings.}}
+
{{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===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|DOS|}}
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\*.ini}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\*.ini}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} <code>redalert.ini</code> contains normal game settings.
+
{{ii}} {{file|redalert.ini}} contains normal game settings.
{{ii}} <code>ddraw.ini</code> contains CnC-DDraw settings (present after patch).  
+
{{ii}} {{file|ddraw.ini}} contains CnC-DDraw settings (present after patch).  
{{ii}} <code>cncnet.ini</code> contains CnCNet settings.
+
{{ii}} {{file|cncnet.ini}} contains CnCNet settings.
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|DOS|}}
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\savegame.***}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\savegame.***}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[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 =
 +
|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==
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Video.png|External video settings.}}
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Options.png|External options menu (for the original release).}}
{{ii}} These are video settings alongside the [[#3.03p|fan patch]].
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Video Fan.png|External video settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/command-conquer-red-alert
+
{{Video
 +
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/command-conquer-red-alert
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 
|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 [[#3.03p|3.03p]] fan patch.
+
|widescreen resolution notes= A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
Line 115: Line 183:
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
|windowed                  = true
+
|windowed                  = hackable
|windowed notes            =  
+
|windowed notes            = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
|borderless windowed        = true
+
|borderless windowed        = hackable
|borderless windowed notes  = Disable borders, enable windowed and then <br>stretch the resolution in the configuration program.
+
|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                = n/a
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|antialiasing              = n/a
 
|antialiasing              = n/a
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
|vsync                      = true
+
|upscaling                  = unknown
|vsync notes                = Be Sure to enable OpenGL too.
+
|upscaling tech            =
|60 fps                    = true
+
|upscaling notes            =
|60 fps notes              =  
+
|vsync                      = hackable
|120 fps                    = true
+
|vsync notes                = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. Be sure to enable OpenGL too.{{cn|date=October 2015}}
|120 fps notes              =  
+
|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                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Remapping.png|External input settings.}}
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Remapping Fan.png|External input settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}}
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
|key remap                = true
+
|key remap                = hackable
|key remap notes          =  
+
|key remap notes          = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option notes =  
 
|acceleration option notes =  
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
+
|mouse sensitivity        = false
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
Line 146: Line 219:
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 
|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 156: Line 231:
 
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
|touchscreen               = false
+
|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
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
 +
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
|surround sound          = false
+
|surround sound          = n/a
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|subtitles                = false
 
|subtitles                = false
Line 178: Line 282:
 
|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              = false
 
|eax support              = false
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 +
|red book cd audio        =
 +
|red book cd audio notes  =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 187: Line 295:
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
  |audio    = yes
+
  |audio    = true
  |subtitles = no
+
  |subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = German
 
  |language  = German
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
  |audio    = yes
+
  |audio    = true
  |subtitles = no
+
  |subtitles = false
  |notes    = See [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
+
  |notes    = Censored.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = French
+
  |language  = Russian
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = hackable
  |audio    = yes
+
  |audio    = hackable
  |subtitles = no
+
  |subtitles = false
  |notes    = See [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
+
|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
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |language  = Spanish
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = hackable
  |audio    = yes
+
  |audio    = hackable
  |subtitles = no
+
  |subtitles = false
  |notes    = Fan translation, see [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
+
  |fan      = true
}}
+
  |notes    = Fan translation, see [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
{{L10n/switch
 
|language  = Russian
 
|interface = yes
 
|audio    = yes
 
|subtitles = no
 
  |notes    = Partial audio support; fan translation, see [http://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].
{{++}} RA patch also adds support for [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
 
  
 
==Network==
 
==Network==
Line 232: Line 341:
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play players    = 8
 
|lan play players    = 8
|lan play modes      =  
+
|lan play modes      = Versus
|lan play notes      =  
+
|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          = true
 
|online play players  = 8
 
|online play players  = 8
|online play modes    =  
+
|online play modes    = Versus
|online play notes    =  
+
|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        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{Network/Connections
 
{{Network/Connections
 
|matchmaking        = false
 
|matchmaking        = false
Line 246: Line 356:
 
|p2p                = true
 
|p2p                = true
 
|p2p notes          =  
 
|p2p notes          =  
|dedicated          = true
+
|dedicated          = hackable
|dedicated notes    = See: [http://cncnet.org/network-status CnCNet.org].
+
|dedicated notes    = [https://cncnet.org/status CnCNet] allows this.
 
|self-hosting      = true
 
|self-hosting      = true
 
|self-hosting notes =  
 
|self-hosting notes =  
 
|direct ip          = false
 
|direct ip          = false
 
|direct ip notes    =  
 
|direct ip notes    =  
 +
}}{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  =
 +
|udp  =
 +
|upnp =
 
}}
 
}}
 
===Online play===
 
====[http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]====
 
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=71.0 Official forums]
 
{{ii}} An unofficial community-run online service for older C&C games.
 
{{++}} Uses an external client to launch its own improved lobby that supports private games, pre-determined alliances and spawn locations, its own online map directory, map preview, spectator mode, kick/ban and better chat capabilities (ignore, whisper, [http://www.mumble.com Mumble] voice chat).
 
{{++}} Predominantly used by Red Alert players.
 
{{--}} LAN play requires Internet connection to work.
 
{{ii}} '''Already included in the 3.03p patch.'''
 
{{ii}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2469.0 Additional lobby sound add-ons]
 
 
====[http://xwis.net/ XWIS]====
 
{{mm}} [http://xwis.net/forums/ Official forums]
 
{{ii}} A semi-official, community-run replacement for Westwood Online (WOL), Westwood's online service.
 
{{ii}} In-game 'Internet' menu redirects to this service.
 
{{--}} XWIS service is not used by online Red Alert community.
 
  
 
==Issues unresolved==
 
==Issues unresolved==
{{ii}} This list assumes you're using the patch. If you experience a new game issue, please make a support thread on the [http://cnc-comm.com/community/ CnC-Comm forums].  
+
{{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].  
 
:* Flickering mouse under cnc-ddraw
 
:* Flickering mouse under cnc-ddraw
:* Left-handed mouse setups have problems with selecting multiple units.<ref>[http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2512.0 C&C Comm Center - RA95 Can't select (drag) multiple units]</ref>
+
:* 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>
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
{{ii}} '''If you have problems with The First Decade or The Ultimate Collection, be sure to check [http://www.commandandconquer.com/forums/index.php/topic/20082-common-problems-updated-07052013/ this FAQ] on EA forums.'''
 
 
 
===General fixes===
 
===General fixes===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Checklist for general troubleshooting|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Check these if you haven't}}
+
* Install the [[#Patches|patches]] properly.
{{ii}} If you have not found a fix, be sure to also check:
+
* Disable all [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] settings '''except''' for running the game and associated executables as administrator.
:# If you have installed the patches properly.
+
* In the configuration executable, check the "Back buffer in video memory" and uncheck "Allow hardware filled blits".
:# If everything in the [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility tab]] is unchecked.
+
* In the configuration executable, change the renderer until a satisfactory performance is achieved.
:# If you have enabled "Back buffer in Video memory" and disabled "Allow hardware filled blits".
+
* Enable/disable the {{code|singlecpu}} value in {{file|{{p|game}}\ddraw.ini}}.
:# If you may be able to initiate the game/lobby with administrator privileges.
 
:# If you may be able to run it using a different renderer or enabling/disabling "singlecpu" in ddraw.ini
 
:# If you changed from CnC-Ddraw to DDwrapper in Video Options.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Crash after overheating===
 
===Crash after overheating===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{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>}}
{{Fixbox/fix|Edit ddraw.ini and enable "singlecpu"|ref=<ref>[http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2233.msg13122#msg13122 C&C Comm Center - C&C overheats my laptop]</ref>}}
 
}}
 
  
 
===Game is laggy after installing the patch===
 
===Game is laggy after installing the patch===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{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>}}
{{Fixbox/fix|Change the renderer in ddraw.ini|ref=<ref>[http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2674.msg17109#msg17109 C&C Comm Center - CnC95 laggy and unresponsive after gold edition patch, help!]</ref>}}
 
}}
 
 
 
===Game speed/Map scroll rate issue===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Set the slider in-game}}
 
:* While in-game, press Esc to open a menu, press game controls and move the game speed slider to adjust the game speed or scroll rate slider to adjust the scroll speed.
 
}}
 
  
 
==="Unable to set video mode" error===
 
==="Unable to set video mode" error===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Possible fixes|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Change the resolution}}
 
 
{{ii}} There are 3 ways how to fix this error:
 
{{ii}} There are 3 ways how to fix this error:
 
:* Change the resolution.
 
:* Change the resolution.
:* Change CnC-Ddraw to DDWrapper.
+
:* Change the renderer in the fan patch's configuration tool.
 
:* Enable windowed mode.  
 
:* Enable windowed mode.  
:** If you really want to play fullscreen, you might want to check how to enable Borderless fullscreen windowed mode.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===No music in the portable version===
 
===No music in the portable version===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Go to CnCNet lobby and download the music in the settings|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}}}
{{Fixbox/fix|Go to CnCNet lobby and download the music in the settings}}
+
 
 +
===No videos after installing the patch===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Download the videos separately|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}|fix=
 +
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}}}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
===No videos after installing the patch===
+
===Cannot Alt+Tab===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=From the fan patch's configuration tool, set the renderer to either OpenGL or Direct3D 9.|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Download the videos}}
 
:* If you happen to have the game on CD, that means No-CD option is turned on. Either turn off the option in the configuration tool or download the [[#Availability|videos]].
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 342: Line 424:
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 
|dos modes              = MCGA, VGA
 
|dos modes              = MCGA, VGA
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
|64-bit executable     = unknown
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
|64-bit executable notes=  
+
|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 =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 360: Line 454:
 
|input            =  
 
|input            =  
 
|input notes      =  
 
|input notes      =  
|cutscenes        =  
+
|cutscenes        = VQA
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|multiplayer      = Westwood Online
 
|multiplayer      = Westwood Online
Line 367: Line 461:
  
 
===Maps===
 
===Maps===
{{++}} C&C has support for external maps, both [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=97.0 multiplayer] and [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=98.0 singleplayer].
+
{{++}} CnCNet includes its own online map folder.  
{{++}} CnCNet includes its own online map directory.  
 
 
{{ii}} Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.
 
{{ii}} Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=6.0 Cnc-Comm.com - Mapping discussion]
 
 
===Re-implementations===
 
{{ii}} [[OpenRA]] - community developed recreation that tries to modernize the classic gameplay and UI.
 
 
* [http://theredalert.cnclabs.com/ The Red Alert] - A total conversion of Red Alert 3
 
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 409: Line 496:
 
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 
|recHD    = 500 MB
 
|recHD    = 500 MB
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} ISA video cards are not supported
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} ISA video cards are not supported
 
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

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
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on HowLongToBeat
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on IGDB
Command & Conquer: Red Alert guide on StrategyWiki
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on MobyGames
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 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

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) <Steam-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) <Steam-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

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
Processor (CPU) Intel 486 66 MHz
System memory (RAM) 8 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
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 75 MHz
System memory (RAM) 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 40 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 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>/2229840/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (2229840) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References