OpenRA
Classic real-time strategy, rebuilt for the modern age.
How to install OpenRA for free
OpenRA is a free rts game released under Open Source (GPL-3.0). It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, needs about 350 MB of disk space, and requires no account, payment or trial. The fastest route is the PlayBound Launcher, which handles the download and setup in one click.
One-click install
PlayBound fetches the official release — no third-party mirrors.
Installation steps
- 1
Install the PlayBound Launcher, then find OpenRA and press Install. The launcher downloads the official release, unpacks it and creates a shortcut. This is the fastest route and it never uses third-party mirrors.
- 2
Alternatively, download OpenRA directly from the official site at https://www.openra.net. Always download from the official source — third-party mirrors of free games are a common malware vector.
- 3
Official releases are published on GitHub at github.com/OpenRA/OpenRA/releases. Pick the newest stable release matching your operating system.
- 4
Windows
Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts. If Windows SmartScreen warns about an unrecognised publisher, that is normal for open-source projects without a paid code-signing certificate — choose More info, then Run anyway.
- 5
macOS
Open the downloaded .dmg and drag the app into Applications. On first launch macOS may refuse to open it as unidentified — right-click the app and choose Open to approve it once.
- 6
Linux
Check your distribution's package manager first, which is usually the easiest route. Otherwise download the AppImage from the official site, mark it executable and run it.
chmod +x *.AppImage && ./*.AppImage - 7
Launch the game and look at the settings menu before your first session — resolution and control defaults are worth checking. OpenRA needs roughly 350 MB of free disk space.
System requirements
Minimum
2 GHz dual-core CPU · 2 GB RAM · OpenGL 2.1 GPU · 1 GB storage
Recommended
3 GHz quad-core CPU · 4 GB RAM · Dedicated GPU · 2 GB storage
Install questions
Is OpenRA free?
Yes, completely. OpenRA is open-source under GPL-3.0 with no purchase, subscription, in-game currency or advertising. The original game assets it uses were released as freeware by Electronic Arts, so the whole package is legal and free.
Is OpenRA legal?
Yes. OpenRA is a clean-room reimplementation of the game engine, and the Command & Conquer and Red Alert assets it downloads were officially released as freeware by Electronic Arts. Nothing is pirated.
Which OpenRA mod should I start with?
Red Alert. It has the largest player base, the most active ladder and the most familiar faction design. Tiberian Dawn is the closer recreation of the 1995 original if that is what you are after.
Does OpenRA have single-player campaigns?
Yes. Each mod includes the original campaign missions alongside skirmish mode against AI opponents of varying difficulty. You never need to play online.
Is OpenRA still active in 2026?
Yes. Development continues, balance patches ship regularly, and the multiplayer ladder has an ongoing population. Live server and player counts are shown on the OpenRA servers page.
Can I play OpenRA on Steam Deck?
Yes. OpenRA runs on the Steam Deck, though it is a mouse-driven RTS so a trackpad or external mouse gives a much better experience than the sticks.
How is OpenRA different from the C&C Remastered Collection?
The Remastered Collection is a paid product that upgrades the original graphics while keeping the original engine behaviour. OpenRA is free and rewrites the engine, modernising unit control, pathfinding and multiplayer — a different design philosophy rather than a cheaper version of the same thing.