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

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
 
(271 intermediate revisions by 38 users not shown)
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−
{{infobox
+
{{disambig|the original 1996 game|the 2020 remastered version|[[Command & Conquer Remastered Collection]]}}
−
|cover         = cncra-win-cover.jpg
+
{{Infobox game
−
|developer     = Westwood Studios
+
|cover       = Command & Conquer Red Alert cover.jpg
−
|publisher    = Virgin Interactive
+
|developers  =
−
|engine       = Westwood 2D
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Westwood Studios}}
−
|release dates = 1996
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Intelligent Games|Expansions}}
 +
|publishers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Virgin Interactive|1995-1998}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts|1998-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 +
|engines      =
 +
|release dates=
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|November 22, 1996}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 22, 1996}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|command-conquer-red-alert|90}}
 +
|taxonomy     =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | Freeware, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Top-down view}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Multiple select, Point and select }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | RTS }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles       | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Europe, Sci-fi }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Command & Conquer }}
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/19990223224652/http://www.westwood.com/games/ccuniverse/redalertpc/index.html
 +
|steam appid  = 2229840
 +
|gogcom id    =
 +
|hltb        = 1837
 +
|igdb        = command-conquer-red-alert
 +
|lutris      = command-conquer-red-alert
 +
|strategywiki = Command & Conquer: Red Alert
 +
|mobygames    = 485
 +
|wikipedia    = Command & Conquer: Red Alert
 +
|winehq      = 158
 +
|license      = former commercial
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  = All versions of ''Red Alert'' were combined DOS/Windows releases, despite some (primarily North American) boxes displaying one or the other on the front. They differ in their default resolution and user interface, with the Windows version also supporting online multiplayer via Westwood Online's infrastructure instead of only LAN. The community gradually abandoned the DOS version once more powerful computers became more commonplace, and the Windows version is considered the ''de facto'' way to play.
 +
 
 +
The '''''Counterstrike''''' expansion pack was released in April 1997 with a new set of missions, while '''''The Aftermath''''' followed in October 1997 with new units, its own set of campaigns, and balancing changes. The expansions would be combined into the ''Retaliation'' release for the Sony PlayStation along with unique cutscenes for that platform, which were subsequently ported to the Windows release by the community, and were officially included in the ''[[Command & Conquer Remastered Collection|Remastered Collection]]'' version of the game in June 2020.
 +
 
 +
The game received several patches, the latest batch of which (3.00-3.03) came out to a select group of testers in 1999 with rebalancing in mind (primarily for ''The Aftermath''), but was quietly pulled by the developers for unknown reasons, yet shared small parts of the underlying code with the then-upcoming ''[[Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun|Tiberian Sun]]''.
 +
 
 +
The base version of ''Red Alert'' was made available as freeware on August 31, 2008 to promote the release of ''[[Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3|Red Alert 3]]''.
 +
 
 +
|current state    = The Windows version has multiple issues running on modern systems without modification, ranging from [[#Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems|installation issues due to a 16-bit installer]] to rendering and launch issues. The unofficial [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p]] fan patch alleviates all compatibility problems and long-standing gameplay bugs, and is integrated with [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]. Homepages of both projects include modified downloads of the full game, so as to simplify installation for new users, making the official freeware ISO images obsolete.
 +
 
 +
The official multiplayer service, Westwood Online, was redirected to the also community-run [https://xwis.net/ XWIS] server in 2005 in agreement with [[Company:Electronic Arts|EA]]'s German community team<ref name="XWIS2005">{{Refurl|url=https://ppmforums.com/topic-9241/bye-bye-wol-xwis-is-the-official-online-gaming-service-now/|title=Bye Bye WOL! XWIS is the official online gaming service now! <nowiki>|</nowiki> Project Perfect Mod|date=2024-03-08}}</ref>, and using the in-game multiplayer menus lead to it without any additional configuration, but this service is presently seldom used due to CnCNet's quality-of-life improvements.
 +
 
 +
Open-source versions with continued development are found in the [https://github.com/TheAssemblyArmada/Vanilla-Conquer Vanilla Conquer] repository, based on the official source code of the ''Remastered Collection'' version of the game.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{:Command & Conquer (series)}}
 
−
'''Key points'''
 
−
{{++}} [[#3.03p-Iran|3.03p-Iran]] patch is highly recommended as it brings back LAN functionality, replaces officially-supported [http://xwis.net/ XWIS] servers with more populated [http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] online service, adds high resolutions, Counterstrike and Aftermath missions, eliminates CD-checking and offers better Windows (32 and 64-bit) and Wine compatibility besides fixing a great number of bugs.
 
−
{{--}} France and England are still debuffed in multiplayer; England has thinner instead of thicker armor and France has a slower instead of faster rate of fire.
 
−
{{ii}} In order to play online with [[#3.03p-Iran|CnCNet]], start the game with cncnet.exe. To play LAN, start the game as usual.
 
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{mm}} [http://forums.cncnz.com/forum/34-red-alert-counterstrike-aftermath/ CNCNZ subforum]
+
{{mm}} [https://cnc.fandom.com/wiki/Portal:Red_Alert Command & Conquer Wiki] - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
−
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=94.0 CnC-Comm subforum (+Maps)]
+
{{mm}} [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] (multiplayer replacement)
−
{{mm}} [http://www.commandandconquer.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?19-Red-Alert Official EA subforum]
+
{{mm}} [https://cnc.community/red-alert Red Alert section on CNC.community]
 +
{{mm}} [https://cnc-comm.com/red-alert Red Alert section on C&C Communications Center]
 +
{{mm}} [https://cncnz.com/games/red-alert/ Red Alert section on CNCNZ.com]
 +
{{mm}} [http://ra.afraid.org/ Red Alert Archive] - old fansite with a lot of custom content
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2229840/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
  
−
== Availability ==
+
==Availability==
−
{{Availability Table|
+
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra/ Fanmade Installer] | {{ID|DRM-free}} |A completely patched up version of the game.<br>[http://www.filehippo.com/download_dotnet_framework_3/ .NET Framework] (Filehippo) is needed for Config to work.}}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | All discs, including the 2008 freeware ISO release, include both the DOS and Windows version. |  | DOS, Windows }}
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://na.llnet.cnc3tv.ea.com/u/f/eagames/cnc3/cnc3tv/RedAlert/RedAlert1_AlliedDisc.rar Allied] and [http://na.llnet.cnc3tv.ea.com/u/f/eagames/cnc3/cnc3tv/RedAlert/RedAlert1_SovietDisc.rar Soviet] (EA servers) | {{ID|Retail}} | ISOs released for free by EA. Can be downloaded from the below }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | The Windows version included in The First Decade has no disc check. The terrain editors and the DOS version still have disc checks. | | DOS, Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| official | https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115944/http://www.commandandconquer.com/classic | disc | Version that has been released for free by EA. |  | DOS, Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Origin | command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection | Origin | Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes both expansions. Pre-packaged with [[Glossary:Display wrapper|DDrawCompat]]. Included with {{Store feature|EA Play}}. <br> [https://www.ea.com/games/command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-the-ultimate-collection/buy/pc Manual link for EA App purchase].  |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 2229840 | Steam | Bundled as part of {{Store link|Steam-bundle|39394|Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection}}; includes both expansions. Pre-packaged with [[Glossary:Display wrapper|DDrawCompat]]. Included with {{Store feature|EA Play}}.<br>The game can be run without Steam if {{file|ra95.dat}} is renamed to an {{file|.exe}} file.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2024-03-09}}</ref> | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
 
−
{{Fixbox/instructions|Best way to install CDs and ISOs }}
+
==Monetization==
−
{{++}}Works on 32 and 64-bit systems.
+
{{Monetization
−
{{++}}No need for downloading and mounting ISOs.
+
|ad-supported          =  
−
{{++}}Patches up the game with latest community-made patches.
+
|dlc                    =
−
{{ii}}Download the Red Alert Installer from [http://redalert95.tk/ redalert95.tk]
+
|expansion pack        = The expansion packs includes new campaigns, maps, and units.
−
{{#widget:YouTube|id=orLzfmYsAAA}}
+
|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]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{ii}} Game is also bundled with other games in the franchise on [[Command & Conquer: The First Decade]] or newer [http://www.commandandconquer.com/collection/en?utm_source=CNC_Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=CNC_Traffic_TUC The Ultimate Collection].
+
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Counterstrike | | DOS, Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| The Aftermath | | DOS, Windows }}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Unofficial downloads===
 +
{{ii}} [https://funkyfr3sh.cnc-comm.com/ RA1 Installer] is a modified installer that can either download the game, install it from existing CDs/ISOs or patch an existing installation. Extra contents can be downloaded depending on the settings used.
 +
{{ii}} [https://github.com/TheAssemblyArmada/Vanilla-Conquer Vanilla Conquer] provides native source port builds based on source code released with the ''[[Command & Conquer Remastered Collection|Remastered Collection]]''.
 +
{{ii}} [[OpenRA]] is a modernized open-source version, but with considerable changes to the gameplay which were not part of the original design.
 +
{{ii}} [http://paulthetall.com/red-alert-mac/ Mac OSX Wineskin package] - Mac-compatible web installer that works outside the box. Includes single-player campaign and extra contents for the single-player.
 +
 
 +
===Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems===
 +
{{ii}} Like many 32-bit games released during the mid-'90s, the game's installer is 16-bit. This and some other issues prevents the game from being installed (using the ISOs released by EA or the game CDs) on modern operating systems and PCs.
 +
{{++}} The RA1 Installer (see above) includes an option to install games from original CDs/ISOs and patch the installation afterwards. More information available at [https://forums.cncnet.org/topic/1165-how-to-install-red-alert-1-on-windows-xp-vista-7-8-10-linux-mac-32-64bit/ CnCNet forums].
 +
 
 +
==Essential improvements==
 +
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert High Res.jpg|1024x768 resolution using the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p]] patch.}}
 +
 
 +
===Patches===
 +
====Official====
 +
{{ii}} [http://ra.afraid.org/html/downloads/patches.html Official patches] are available.
  
−
== Improvements ==
+
====[http://funkyfr3sh.cncnet.org/ 3.03p Fan Patch]====
−
[[File:RA-hires.jpg|300px|thumb|right|1024x768 resolution using the [[#3.03p-Iran|3.03p-Iran]] patch.]]
+
{{ii}} Patch is included in the installation via [[#Unofficial downloads|RA1 Installer]] (see above).
−
=== Patches ===
+
{{ii}} Not necessary to download when using fan-made packages, as it is already present there.
−
====[http://redalert95.tk/ 3.03p-Iran]====
 
 
{{ii}} This patch contains:
 
{{ii}} This patch contains:
−
::* Latest official 3.03 patch and 3.03p-Iran<ref>http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra303p-iran</ref> patch along with other community fixes
+
:* Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130) which range from compatibility tweaks to fixes for long-standing bugs.
−
::* Support for newer Windows systems and Mac/Linux through emulation
+
:* Includes several graphics renderers, as well as support for higher resolutions
−
::* Online (provided by [http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
+
:* New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
−
::* High-resolution graphics
+
:* Online (via [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
−
::* No-CD setting
+
:* No-CD option
−
::* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions
+
:* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions if not installed beforehand (including their soundtracks and PSX-exclusive cutscenes)
−
{{mm}} You can find the list of full changes in [http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra303p-iran/features.txt the changelog].
+
{{mm}} [https://github.com/cnc-patch/ra303p/blob/master/docs/features.md Complete feature list].
−
{{ii}} Web installer and a zipped version available.
+
{{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>
−
{{ii}} Compatibility mode, 256 colors and 640x480 should be turned OFF in the compatibility tab<ref>http://hifi.iki.fi/cnc-ddraw/#configuration</ref>.
+
{{++}} Supports all retail releases (including ''The First Decade''), official freeware ISOs and ''The Ultimate Collection''.
−
{{ii}} It is not recommended to install CnCNet alone as most players use 3.03 version and the patch installs CnCNet anyway.
 
−
{{ii}} You need to have .Net Framework installed for Config to work. You can download it from [http://www.filehippo.com/download_dotnet_framework_3/ Filehippo servers].
 
−
{{++}} Movies and music from PlayStation Retaliation and music from the expansions ("Music Add-on") can be additionally downloaded from the same site.
 
−
{{++}} Support for regular Red Alert installation, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection.
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
−
===Game install directory===
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External General Fan.png|External general settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}}
−
{{Game Location Table|
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Options.png|In-game options menu.}}
−
{{Game Location Table/row|Default (NOT the [[#Availability|Fan download]])|C:\Westwood\REDALERT}}  
+
 
−
{{Game Location Table/row|[[Command & Conquer: The First Decade|The First Decade]]|C:\Program Files (x86)\EA GAMES\Command & Conquer The First Decade\Command & Conquer Red Alert(tm))}}
+
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/config|DOS|}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\*.ini}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} {{file|redalert.ini}} contains normal game settings.
 +
{{ii}} {{file|ddraw.ini}} contains CnC-DDraw settings (present after patch).
 +
{{ii}} {{file|cncnet.ini}} contains CnCNet settings.
  
−
=== Configuration file location ===
+
===Save game data location===
−
{{Game Location Table|
+
{{Game data|
−
{{Game Location Table/row|Default|C:\Westwood\REDALERT\redalert.ini}}
+
{{Game data/saves|DOS|}}
−
{{Game Location Table/row|DDraw|C:\Westwood\REDALERT\ddraw.ini}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\savegame.***}}
−
{{Game Location Table/row|CnCNet|C:\Westwood\REDALERT\cncnet.ini}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Save game location===
+
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
−
{{Game Location Table|
+
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
{{Game Location Table/row|Default|C:\Westwood\REDALERT\savegame.***}}
+
|discord                  =
 +
|discord notes            =
 +
|epic games launcher      =
 +
|epic games launcher notes =
 +
|gog galaxy                =
 +
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                    = true
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = true
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =
 +
|xbox cloud                =
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===[[Save game cloud syncing]]===
+
==Video==
−
{{Save Game Cloud Syncing|
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Options.png|External options menu (for the original release).}}
−
{{Save Game Cloud Syncing/row| [[GameSave Manager]] | false | It has to be set up manually<ref>http://www.gamesave-manager.com/?s=support&c=custom_entry</ref> }}
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Video Fan.png|External video settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}}
 +
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 +
{{Video
 +
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/command-conquer-red-alert
 +
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 +
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
 +
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
 +
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 +
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 +
|widescreen resolution notes= A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 +
|multimonitor              = false
 +
|multimonitor notes        =
 +
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
 +
|ultrawidescreen notes      =
 +
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
 +
|4k ultra hd notes          =
 +
|fov                        = n/a
 +
|fov notes                  =
 +
|windowed                  = hackable
 +
|windowed notes            = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 +
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 +
|borderless windowed notes  = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. Disable borders, enable windowed, then stretch the resolution in the patch configuration program.
 +
|anisotropic                = n/a
 +
|anisotropic notes          =  
 +
|antialiasing              = n/a
 +
|antialiasing notes        =
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = hackable
 +
|vsync notes                = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. Be sure to enable OpenGL too.{{cn|date=October 2015}}
 +
|60 fps                    = hackable
 +
|60 fps notes              = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 +
|120 fps                    = hackable
 +
|120 fps notes              = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|color blind                = false
 +
|color blind notes          =
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Input==
−
[[File:RedAlertConfig.png|300px|thumb|right|Video and input settings]]
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Remapping Fan.png|External input settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}}
−
{{ii}} These are video and input settings in the fanmade patch.
+
{{Input
−
{{Video Settings
+
|key remap                = hackable
−
|widescreen_resolution      =true
+
|key remap notes          = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required.
−
|widescreen_resolution_notes=
+
|acceleration option      = false
−
|multimonitor               =false
+
|acceleration option notes =
−
|multimonitor_notes         =
+
|mouse sensitivity        = false
−
|windowed                  =true
+
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
−
|windowed_notes            =
+
|mouse menu                = true
−
|fullscreen                =true
+
|mouse menu notes          =
−
|fullscreen_notes           =Disable borders, enable windowed and then stretch the resolution in the configuration program.
+
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
−
|vsync                      =true
+
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
−
|vsync_notes                =Be Sure to enable OpenGL too.
+
|touchscreen               = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|controller support        = false
 +
|controller support notes  =
 +
|full controller          = unknown
 +
|full controller notes    =
 +
|controller remap          = unknown
 +
|controller remap notes    =
 +
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 +
|xinput controllers        = unknown
 +
|xinput controllers notes  =
 +
|xbox prompts              = unknown
 +
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4              = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes         = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=
 +
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 +
|simultaneous input        = unknown
 +
|simultaneous input notes  =  
 +
|steam input api           = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input Settings==
+
==Audio==
−
{{Input Settings
+
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
−
|key_remap                  =true
+
{{Audio
−
|key_remap_notes            =There's a Hotkey editor tab in the Config!
+
|separate volume          = true
−
|acceleration_option       =false
+
|separate volume notes    =
−
|acceleration_option_notes =
+
|surround sound          = n/a
 +
|surround sound notes    =
 +
|subtitles                = false
 +
|subtitles notes          =
 +
|closed captions          = false
 +
|closed captions notes    =
 +
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 +
|mute on focus lost notes =
 +
|eax support              = false
 +
|eax support notes        =
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 +
|red book cd audio       =  
 +
|red book cd audio notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Network Settings==
+
{{L10n|content=
−
There are 2 online services to choose for Red Alert: [http://xwis.net/ XWIS] and [http://cncnet.org CnCNet]. XWIS is officially-supported by EA and works internally by clicking the "Internet" button. On the other hand, CnCNet is supported by the CnCNet community and runs by  executing cncnet.exe which boosts a player into "Network" screen. CnCNet is also much more popular with over 100 players playing every day; that's why the patch and the fan download has CnCNet. Unfortunately, XWIS and CnCNet can't coexist for now so CnCNet settings are presented in this section.
+
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = Censored.
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = hackable
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|fan      = true
 +
|notes    = Partial audio support; fan translation, see [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = hackable
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|fan      = true
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, see [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
{{++}} RA patch also adds support for [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/89-cc-red-alert-language-add-ons/ Language add-ons].
  
−
In order to play the game online with CnCNet, you can choose two main options: peer-to-peer or tunneled mode. Generally, peer-to-peer is faster, but may need some [[Port Forwarding|network configuration]]. There are 2 options of doing this:
+
==Network==
−
# Automatic setup by [http://cncnet.org/download CnCNet Tester] with instructions<ref>http://cncnet.org/setup-guide</ref> below.
+
{{Network/Multiplayer
−
# Manual setup (instructions [http://redalert95.tk/4/ here]).
+
|local play          =
 +
|local play players  =
 +
|local play modes    =
 +
|local play notes    =
 +
|lan play            = true
 +
|lan play players    = 8
 +
|lan play modes      = Versus
 +
|lan play notes      = Uses IPX protocol. Use [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p fan patch]] or [https://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXwrapper] to work around this.<br>Alternatively, the [https://cncnet.org CnCNet] client includes its own workaround.
 +
|online play          = true
 +
|online play players  = 8
 +
|online play modes    = Versus
 +
|online play notes    = Lobbies point to [https://xwis.net/ XWIS] by default since October 20, 2005 as part of an agreement with EA.<ref name="XWIS2005" /> [https://cncnet.org/ CnCNet] is a more popular alternative, and uses the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p fan patch]] to re-enable support alongside a wide range of other features (spectator mode, private games, alliances, spawn location selection and more).
 +
|asynchronous        =
 +
|asynchronous notes  =
 +
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Network/Connections
−
{{Fixbox/instructions|CnCNet Tester}}
+
|matchmaking        = false
−
{{ii}} Only works with UPnP enabled routers.
+
|matchmaking notes  =
−
:# Download the zip file and extract it anywhere.
+
|p2p                = true
−
:# Run the tool.
+
|p2p notes          =
−
:# In the left corner of the program you should see a button called "Get All Port Mappings" and click it. In the box to the right you should see the text "Starting UPNP Device Search...".
+
|dedicated          = hackable
−
:# If you get a response after the message "Starting UPNP Device Search" go ahead and click the "Map My Port" button otherwise see Manual setup.
+
|dedicated notes    = [https://cncnet.org/status CnCNet] allows this.
 +
|self-hosting      = true
 +
|self-hosting notes =
 +
|direct ip          = false
 +
|direct ip notes    =
 +
}}{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  =
 +
|udp  =
 +
|upnp =
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Issues Fixed==
+
==Issues unresolved==
−
{{ii}} If you have an issue, be sure to check this [http://redalert1.com/build.txt FAQ] first.
+
{{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
 +
:* 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>
  
−
=== General fix ===
+
==Issues fixed==
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
===General fixes===
−
{{Fixbox/fix|General fix}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Checklist for general troubleshooting|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{ii}} If you have a problem, be sure to also check:
+
* Install the [[#Patches|patches]] properly.
−
:# If you have installed the patch properly.
+
* Disable all [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] settings '''except''' for running the game and associated executables as administrator.
−
:# If everything in the compatibility tab is unchecked (Right click shortcut -> Properties).
+
* In the configuration executable, check the "Back buffer in video memory" and uncheck "Allow hardware filled blits".
−
:# If you have enabled "Back buffer in Video memory" and disabled "Allow hardware filled blits" in Config.
+
* In the configuration executable, change the renderer until a satisfactory performance is achieved.
−
:# If you may be able to run it using a different renderer or enabling/disabling Single CPU affinity in Config.
+
* Enable/disable the {{code|singlecpu}} value in {{file|{{p|game}}\ddraw.ini}}.
−
:# If you changed from CnC-Ddraw to DDwrapper in Video Options.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
=== Config won't run ===
+
===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|Unable to set video mode}}
 
−
:* You need to install [http://www.filehippo.com/download_dotnet_framework_3/tech/ .Net Framework].
 
−
}}
 
  
−
=== Game speed/Map Scroll Rate issue===
+
===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|Game speed}}
 
−
:* Either set it in the Config or 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|Unable to set video mode}}
 
 
{{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 [[#Video settings|Borderless fullscreen windowed mode]].
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Mac/Linux Emulation==
+
===No music in the portable version===
−
{{++}} This game usually performs well in Wine<ref>http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=727</ref>.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Go to CnCNet lobby and download the music in the settings|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}}}
−
{{ii}} This is an emulation guide for the fan-made packs, not for the ISOs or CDs.
+
 
−
{{ii}} This is a guide to emulation using PlayonLinux/PlayonMac and can be also set on [[Wine]] with same configuration.
+
===No videos after installing the patch===
−
{{ii}} You need to have Mono installed for Config to work.
+
{{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}}}}.
 +
}}
  
−
:#Download [http://playonmac.com PlayonMac] or [http://playonlinux.com PlayonLinux] and install it.
+
===Cannot Alt+Tab===
−
:#Open, click "Install" and then "Install a non-listed program" at the bottom.
+
{{Fixbox|description=From the fan patch's configuration tool, set the renderer to either OpenGL or Direct3D 9.|fix=
−
:#Choose "Install a program in a new virtual drive" and then check "Configure Wine" (Name of the virtual drive doesn't matter)
+
}}
−
:#In the libraries tab, add ddraw.dll and wsock32.dll to override list; write them and click Add (one at a time).
 
−
:#After configuring Wine, select the executable and extract the game.
 
−
:#Add shortcuts for RA95.exe and CnCNet.exe (and Config.exe for configuration).
 
−
:#Have fun!
 
−
==General Information==
 
−
===Open-source implementation===
 
−
[[File:OpenRA.jpg|250px|thumb|right|OpenRA]]
 
−
[http://openra.res0l.net/ OpenRA] is an implementation that is multiplatform. It has a completely reimagined interface, supports high resolutions and is very well-supported. However, it's multiplayer-only and music has to be put separately into its Application Data folder.
 
  
−
===Multiple languages===
+
==Other information==
−
C&C patch also supports multiple languages. They can be found [http://redalert95.tk/ here] under language packs section. Currently available languages are (besides English) German, French, Spanish and Russian.
+
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      =
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    = 3
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        =  
 +
|opengl notes          =  
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              = MCGA, VGA
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = false
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app =
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app =
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
}}
  
−
===Mods===
+
===Middleware===
−
Mods for this game are scarce, but there are some that are quite neat. [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2136.0 Command & Conquer: Classic Revolution] is an Aftermath mod which pitches the USA against the Soviet Union, in a battle for the world. Gather oil from derricks, refine it and choose what weapons to obliterate your opponent with. There are also some total conversions of the gamelike a Red Alert 3 conversion called [http://theredalert.cnclabs.com/download.aspx The Red Alert].
+
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            =
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        = VQA
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      = Westwood Online
 +
|multiplayer notes=  
 +
}}
  
 
===Maps===
 
===Maps===
−
Red Alert has support for external maps, both multiplayer and singleplayer. Links for them is at the beginning of this article as well as at [http://redalert95.tk/maps.html Redalert95.tk]. There's even a map creator you can find on [https://github.com/Iran/RAED-Standalone/blob/master/RAED%20Standalone.zip GitHub].
+
{{++}} CnCNet includes its own online map folder.  
 +
{{ii}} Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.
  
−
== System Requirements ==
+
==System requirements==
−
{{System Requirements
+
{{System requirements
−
|OSfamily = Windows
+
|OSfamily = DOS
  
−
|minOS = Windows 95 and above
+
|minOS   = 5.0
−
|minproc = 75 MHz Pentium
+
|minCPU  = Intel 486 66 MHz
−
|minmem = 8 MB
+
|minRAM  = 8 MB
−
|minHD = 20 MB
+
|minHD   = 40 MB
−
|minGPU = 1 MB video card
+
|minGPU   = VGA or MCGA (256 colour) video card
 +
|minVRAM  =
  
−
|recOS = Windows 95 and above
+
|recOS   = 6.2
−
|recproc = 120 MHz Pentium
+
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 75 MHz
−
|recmem = 32 MB
+
|recRAM  = 16 MB
−
|recHD = 500 MB
+
|recHD   =  
−
|recGPU = 1 MB video card
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
== See Also ==
+
{{System requirements
−
* [[Command & Conquer: The First Decade]]
+
|OSfamily = Windows
 +
 
 +
|minOS    = 3.1, 95
 +
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 75 MHz
 +
|minRAM  = 8 MB
 +
|minHD    = 40 MB
 +
|minGPU  = PCI video card
 +
|minVRAM  = 1 MB
 +
|minDX    = 3
  
−
== References ==
+
|recOS    = 98
−
<references/>
+
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 120 MHz
 +
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|recHD    = 500 MB
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} ISA video cards are not supported
 +
}}
  
−
[[Category:Windows]]
+
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 13:51, 9 March 2024

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

Command & Conquer: Red Alert
Command & Conquer: Red Alert cover
Developers
Westwood Studios
Expansions Intelligent Games
Publishers
1995-1998 Virgin Interactive
1998-present Electronic Arts
Re-release Sold Out Software
Release dates
DOS November 22, 1996
Windows November 22, 1996
Reception
Metacritic 90
Taxonomy
Monetization Freeware, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Top-down view
Controls Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS
Themes Europe, Sci-fi
Series Command & Conquer
Icon overlay.png
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on HowLongToBeat
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Command & Conquer: Red Alert guide on StrategyWiki
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on MobyGames
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
⤏ Go to series page
Command & Conquer 1995
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 1996
Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor 1997
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun 1999
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 2000
Command & Conquer: Renegade 2002
Command & Conquer: Generals 2003
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars 2007
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 2008
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising 2009
Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight 2010
OpenRA (unofficial) 2010
Command & Conquer (2013) Cancelled
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection 2020
Renegade X (unofficial) EA

Command & Conquer: Red Alert is a singleplayer and multiplayer top-down view RTS game in the Command & Conquer series.

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

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

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

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

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

The official multiplayer service, Westwood Online, was redirected to the also community-run XWIS server in 2005 in agreement with EA's German community team[1], and using the in-game multiplayer menus lead to it without any additional configuration, but this service is presently seldom used due to CnCNet's quality-of-life improvements.

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

General information

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

Availability

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

Monetization

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

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Counterstrike
DOS
Windows
The Aftermath
DOS
Windows

Unofficial downloads

RA1 Installer is a modified installer that can either download the game, install it from existing CDs/ISOs or patch an existing installation. Extra contents can be downloaded depending on the settings used.
Vanilla Conquer provides native source port builds based on source code released with the Remastered Collection.
OpenRA is a modernized open-source version, but with considerable changes to the gameplay which were not part of the original design.
Mac OSX Wineskin package - Mac-compatible web installer that works outside the box. Includes single-player campaign and extra contents for the single-player.

Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems

Like many 32-bit games released during the mid-'90s, the game's installer is 16-bit. This and some other issues prevents the game from being installed (using the ISOs released by EA or the game CDs) on modern operating systems and PCs.
The RA1 Installer (see above) includes an option to install games from original CDs/ISOs and patch the installation afterwards. More information available at CnCNet forums.

Essential improvements

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

Patches

Official

Official patches are available.

3.03p Fan Patch

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

Game data

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

Configuration file(s) location

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

Save game data location

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

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Origin
Steam Cloud

Video

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

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

Input

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

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

Audio

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

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

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Censored.
Russian
Partial audio support; fan translation, see Language add-ons.
Spanish
Fan translation, see Language add-ons.
RA patch also adds support for Language add-ons.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8 Versus
Uses IPX protocol. Use 3.03p fan patch or IPXwrapper to work around this.
Alternatively, the CnCNet client includes its own workaround.
Online play
8 Versus
Lobbies point to XWIS by default since October 20, 2005 as part of an agreement with EA.[1] CnCNet is a more popular alternative, and uses the 3.03p fan patch to re-enable support alongside a wide range of other features (spectator mode, private games, alliances, spawn location selection and more).

Connection types

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

Issues unresolved

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

Issues fixed

General fixes

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

Crash after overheating

Edit ddraw.ini and enable singlecpu[5]

Game is laggy after installing the patch

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

"Unable to set video mode" error

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

No music in the portable version

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

No videos after installing the patch

Download the videos separately[citation needed]

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

Cannot Alt+Tab

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

Other information

API

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

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Cutscenes VQA
Multiplayer Westwood Online

Maps

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

System requirements

DOS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 5.0 6.2
Processor (CPU) Intel 486 66 MHz Intel Pentium 75 MHz
System memory (RAM) 8 MB 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 40 MB
Video card (GPU) VGA or MCGA (256 colour) video card
Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 3.1, 95 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 75 MHz Intel Pentium 120 MHz
System memory (RAM) 8 MB 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 40 MB 500 MB
Video card (GPU) PCI video card
1 MB of VRAM
DirectX 3 compatible
ISA video cards are not supported


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References