OpenRA: An Open Source Engine for Classic Westwood RTS Games

Summary

OpenRA is a powerful open-source real-time strategy game engine designed to revive classic Westwood games like Command & Conquer: Red Alert and Tiberian Dawn. Written in C#, it offers cross-platform compatibility, running seamlessly on Windows, Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS X. This project provides a robust framework for playing and modding beloved RTS titles, fostering an active community around these timeless games.

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Introduction

OpenRA is a libre/free real-time strategy game engine that brings early Westwood classics back to life. Developed in C# using SDL and OpenGL, it provides a cross-platform solution for fans to enjoy and mod games such as Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn, and Dune 2000 on Windows, Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS X. This project is a testament to community-driven development, offering a modern, open-source platform for beloved RTS titles.

Installation

To get started with OpenRA, whether for playing or development, detailed instructions are available. For setting up a development environment, refer to the INSTALL.md file in the repository and the "Compiling" guide on the project's Wiki. These resources provide comprehensive steps to get OpenRA running on your system.

Examples

OpenRA comes with distributed mods that reimagine classic titles, including Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn, and Dune 2000. Beyond playing these reimagined classics, the engine offers extensive capabilities for mapping and modding. Users can create custom maps with drastically altered gameplay using the Mapping Tutorial and Lua API, or even develop entirely new total conversions with the OpenRA Mod SDK and Modding Guide.

Why Use It

OpenRA stands out as an excellent choice for several reasons. Its open-source nature encourages community contributions and transparency, while its cross-platform compatibility ensures a wide reach for players across different operating systems. The project provides a stable and actively developed engine for classic RTS games, offering a rich environment for both casual play and deep modding. It's a vibrant hub for preserving and evolving the legacy of iconic real-time strategy titles.