Step 2: Run The Red Alert Mod

warning The commands listed here are for macOS and GNU/Linux users. Windows-specific instructions need to be written into this book.

• Still in the openra directory, launch the engine directly into the Red Alert (ra) mod

$ ./laungame.sh Game.Mod=ra

Installing the mod's assets (one-time only)

If this is your first time running the ra mod (which it probably will be, unless you've done these steps previously) you will need the original game assets (art, audio, etc.).

Fortunately, the engine has a mechanism for asset downloading & installation (defined by the ModContent node of the mod's manifest which we will cover in a future chapter).

Double-fortunately, the games Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, and Tiberian Sun were made freeware back in 2008 with the larger C&C community now hosting the original game assets.

The default mods each integrate with these file hosts so players can easily install these now-freeware assets.

When prompted (immediately upon attempting to launch the ra mod) click the Quick Install button.

This may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection & speed.

Once the content finishes installing the engine takes you directly to the main menu of Red Alert.

Consider playing a few singleplayer skirmishes against some A.I. players to reward yourself.

tip Quit the game entirely and change the ra portion of the last command you ran in your terminal to another mod's ID (such as ts) and see what happens