Dedicated OpenRA server for Red Alert, Command & Conquer, and Dune 2000 multiplayer
Grab the automated bash script from GitHub to follow along with the video.
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mhmdali94/Docker/main/gaming/openra/openra-ubuntu.sh
chmod +x openra-ubuntu.sh
sudo bash openra-ubuntu.shThe script installs Docker, pulls the OpenRA dedicated server image, and starts the container. You can run separate containers for each mod (ra, cnc, d2k). The server runs on port 1234 TCP.
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mhmdali94/Docker/main/gaming/openra/openra-ubuntu.sh
chmod +x openra-ubuntu.sh
sudo bash openra-ubuntu.shSet server name, password, max players, and the game mod in the OpenRA server configuration. Choose ra for Red Alert, cnc for Tiberian Dawn, or d2k for Dune 2000.
# Key configuration options (passed as environment variables):
# MOD=ra # ra, cnc, or d2k
# SERVER_NAME="My OpenRA Server"
# SERVER_PASSWORD="" # empty for public
# SERVER_MAXPLAYERS=8
# SERVER_ADVERTISE=true # list on master serverOpen OpenRA, go to Multiplayer, and click Connect to Server. Enter your server IP and port 1234 to connect directly, or find the server in the online lobby list if advertise is enabled.
# Direct connect address
<your-server-ip>:1234Manage players and server settings from the in-game lobby. The server host has admin controls to kick players, change maps, and configure match settings before the game starts.
# View live server logs
docker logs -f openra-server
# Restart the server
docker restart openra-server
# In-game lobby admin controls:
# Right-click player → Kick
# Host can change map and settings before game start| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1234 TCP | Game traffic |
OpenRA is a free and open-source reimplementation of the Command and Conquer, Red Alert, and Dune 2000 real-time strategy game engines. It runs on modern operating systems with improved balance, online multiplayer, and mod support while staying faithful to the original game feel.
Self-hosting an OpenRA server gives your RTS community a private server for organized competitive or casual matches, allows installation of community mods, and provides a dedicated low-latency match server near your players without depending on the public server browser.
OpenRA uses TCP port 1234 by default for game connections. Open TCP port 1234 in your firewall. You can configure a different port if 1234 conflicts with another service.
Alternatives include the official OpenRA public server list, CnCNet (another C&C online service), and direct IP LAN play. Self-hosting provides a private low-latency server for your specific group or community.
Avoid self-hosting if you just want to play casually — the public OpenRA server browser usually has active games. Self-hosting is best for private competitive groups, tournaments, and players who need a server in a specific geographic region.
PrismaTechWork provides end-to-end infrastructure services — from initial deployment and security hardening to ongoing monitoring, automated backups, and dedicated support. Whether you need a single-server setup or a multi-site network, our team ensures your infrastructure is built right, secured properly, and maintained reliably.
OpenRA includes three built-in game mods: Red Alert (Cold War RTS with Soviet and Allied factions), Tiberian Dawn (the original Command and Conquer game), and Dune 2000 (the classic sci-fi RTS). Community mods add additional game experiences. The game assets for Red Alert and Tiberian Dawn are freely downloadable.
No. Electronic Arts released the original Command and Conquer and Red Alert game assets as freeware. OpenRA downloads them automatically on first launch. Dune 2000 requires the original game files since they are not freely released.
OpenRA is a reimplementation of the C&C engine with balance changes and modern multiplayer. CnCNet uses the original game executables with network play support, preserving the exact original gameplay. Choose OpenRA for improved balance and cross-platform play, or CnCNet for the authentic original game experience.
OpenRA supports 2 to 8 players per game, depending on the map. Most competitive games are 1v1 or 2v2. The server handles the game logic and relays moves between players. Resource requirements are minimal — even a low-cost VPS handles multiple simultaneous OpenRA game lobbies.
Yes. OpenRA records replays automatically for each multiplayer game. Access replays from the Replays menu in the main OpenRA client. Replays can be shared with other players for review. Replay files are stored in the OpenRA support directory on your machine.
Yes. The OpenRA community has created mods including Combined Arms (mixing C&C factions), Generals Alpha (C&C Generals port in development), and Metal Fatigue. Mods are distributed separately and require the same mod version on both server and clients.
Host a dedicated server, create a password-protected game lobby for each bracket match, and share the password with the two competing players. Use the built-in replay feature to record all matches for adjudication. The OpenRA Lua API also supports custom victory conditions for specialized tournament formats.
Yes. OpenRA works fully on a local network without internet. Run the server and connect clients via local IP address. The server does not need to register with the global server list for local play — clients add the server directly by IP. This is ideal for LAN parties and offline events.