CnCNet
CnCNet is a free community platform dedicated to the classic Command & Conquer games. It allows you to enjoy these older titles on modern systems and easily play online multiplayer with players from around the world.
What is CnCNet?
Launched in 2009, CnCNet was born out of a desire to keep the multiplayer mode of the early Command & Conquer games alive. The project began with Command & Conquer, before gradually expanding to Red Alert, Tiberian Sun, Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge.
Its aim is simple: to preserve the classic Command & Conquer experience whilst making the games easy to play on modern computers.
In particular, CnCNet ensures their compatibility with Windows 10 and Windows 11, provides an infrastructure for online play and continues to fix technical issues or exploits that could disrupt multiplayer matches.
In 2020, the platform surpassed the milestone of 5,500 players online simultaneously, demonstrating the community’s continued enthusiasm for the older instalments of the series.
Which games are compatible?
CnCNet currently supports several classics:
- Command & Conquer
- Command & Conquer: Red Alert
- Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun
- Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
- Command & Conquer: Yuri's Revenge
- Dune 2000
The platform also hosts several major community-created mods, including Dawn of the Tiberium Age, Mental Omega, C&C Reloaded, Rise of the East and Project Phantom.
Key points
An authentic experience, adapted for modern PCs
CnCNet’s primary aim is to preserve the spirit and gameplay of the original games. However, the platform makes the necessary adaptations for modern computers, as well as offering certain optional enhancements designed to facilitate or enrich the gaming experience.
An open-source, community-driven project
CnCNet is an open-source project developed by fans, modders and volunteer developers. It is not a commercial enterprise: its development relies on the work carried out by community members in their spare time.
Anyone wishing to participate in the project can join the team and contribute to its development.
Free
CnCNet is completely free to use. The running of the project and its infrastructure is funded primarily through donations from the community.
For games that Electronic Arts has officially made free-to-play, CnCNet can offer versions adapted for modern systems. For titles that remain commercial, the CnCNet client requires you to own a copy of the game.
Compatible with digital versions
For the relevant games, CnCNet also works with the editions of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection available on Steam and in the EA app.
An independent community
CnCNet is an independent community project and is not officially affiliated with Electronic Arts or the Command & Conquer franchise.
GameSurge is one of the project’s long-standing partners and contributes in particular to its network infrastructure.
How to play?
The official CnCNet website provides the necessary downloads and instructions for each compatible game.
Depending on the game you choose, you simply need to either install the community version provided, or own the original game and then install the corresponding CnCNet client.
Once installed, the client allows you to join the multiplayer lobby, find ongoing matches or create your own match.