README.md

RA2-on-Win11

Instruction on how to run the Origin version of Red Alert 2 on Windows 11 with full resolution patch

Downloading your bought copy of RA2+YR from Origin:

1. Download RA2+YR from within the Origin client.
2. Download https://bibber.eu/downloads/cnc-ultimate-collection-launchers/
3. Unzip "cnc-ultimate-collection-launchers.zip"
4. Run and install "C&C Ultimate Collection Launchers Setup.exe"
5. Choose RA2+YR in the installer menu.
6. When it's done, copy the following folder to another location:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Command and Conquer Red Alert II"

To, for example: "C:\RA2"

Installing the patches:

In your copy of the above folder, "C:\RA2" in the example, do the follwing:

1. Download this: https://github.com/CnCNet/cnc-ddraw

Direct link: https://github.com/CnCNet/cnc-ddraw/releases/latest/download/cnc-ddraw.zip

2. Extract the zip file into the copied folder from above. There should now be a new folder called "Shaders", and some new files in "C:\RA2": cnc-ddraw config.exe ddraw.dll ddraw.ini

Configuring ddraw:

1. Run "C:\RA2\cnc-ddraw config.exe"

2. Go to Display Settings (should be opened by default) and: Set Presentation to "Borderless" Enable "Maintain aspect ratio" Disable "VSync" Enable "Adjust mouse sensitivity" Enable "Lock cursor to window / screen"

3. Go to Advanced Settings: Set Renderer to "OpenGL" Set Shader to "Shaders\interpolation\bilinear.glsl" Disable "Limit frame rate" Disable "Enable windowboxing / integer scaling" Enable "Show window borders in windowed mode" Disable "Remember window position and size"

4. Go to Compability Settings: Set "Limit game speed" to 60. i'll show how to specify it more fine grained later. Disable all other (5) settings

5. Exit "cnc-ddraw config.exe"

6. Open "ddraw.ini" and:

Find the line "maxgameticks=60", should be on line 85. Set it to your preferred speed. (I recommend somewhere around 100.)

7. Save and exit the "ddraw.ini" file.

Configuring resolution:

1. Open "RA2.INI"
2. Find the video section and change the defaults to your resolution like this (for 1080p in this example):

ScreenWidth=1920 ScreenHeight=1080

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the file "RA2MD.INI"

4. Do not try to change the resolution from within the game. Always change it from these two above configuration files.

Run "C:\RA2\RA2Launcher.exe" Choose the game, RA2 or YR. Enjoy.

OPTIONAL: Setting up CNCNet for a revived multiplayer experience:

1. Download CnCNet5_YR_Installer.exe from here: https://cncnet.org/yuris-revenge#download

Direct link: https://downloads.cncnet.org/CnCNet5_YR_Installer.exe

2. Make a copy of the "C:\RA2" folder to, for instance, "C:\RA2_CNCNET"

3. Run "CnCNet5_YR_Installer.exe"

4. MAKE SURE you choose "C:\RA2_CNCNET" instead of the default: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Command and Conquer Red Alert II"

5. MAKE SURE you do not choose "C:\RA2" as well.

6. It will start automatically. Make sure to press Yes to edit the settings.

7. Exit the game.

8. Edit "C:\RA2_CNCNET\ddraw.ini".

9. On line 79 it should say the same value you chose before, eg: maxgameticks=100

10. Save the file.

Run ""C:\RA2_CNCNET\CnCNetYRLauncher.exe" for the CNCNet multiplayer client. Enjoy.

OPTIONAL: Removing the Origin version to save HDD space:

1. Open Origin.
2. Uninstall RA2.