About Red Alert 2
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 came out for Windows in October 2000, developed by Westwood Pacific and published by Electronic Arts. It’s a real-time strategy game set in an alternate history where the Soviet Union invades the United States, and you command either the Allies or the Soviets. Prism Tanks, Kirov airships, mind-controlling Yuri and the time-bending Chrono Legionnaire gave it a playful, over-the-top style, and its live-action cutscenes are remembered fondly. An expansion, Yuri’s Revenge, followed in 2001.
How it runs in your browser
Chrono Divide is a fan project that recreates the Red Alert 2 engine with web technology, so the game runs in a browser tab without plugins. It isn’t a copy of the original program: the team rebuilt how the game works, with the goal of matching the original game feature for feature. It’s still marked as a beta.
The game itself isn’t included. The first time you open it, Chrono Divide asks for the original game files: you can import an installed copy of Red Alert 2, or an archive of its .mix files from your computer or a web address. After that, it uses those files for the art, sounds and maps.
Online multiplayer is the focus. Matches run through Chrono Divide’s own servers, so there’s no port forwarding to set up. Ranked Quick Match, with 1v1 and 2v2 leaderboards, uses a free account that you can sign in to with Discord or a nickname and password. There are also skirmish games against the computer, replays and support for many classic mods, and all of the original multiplayer maps are supported.
Controls and devices
You can choose between the classic left-click controls and modern right-click controls. The project says it works on phones and tablets as well as computers; we haven’t tested that yet, and a mouse is still the easiest way to manage a base and an army.
Who it’s for
If you own Red Alert 2 and want online matches without fighting old network code, Chrono Divide is the easiest way back in. Without the original files it won’t start, so check that you have them before you sit down to play.
Is Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 Free, Safe and Official?
Do I need my own copy of Red Alert 2?
Yes. The first time you start Chrono Divide, it asks for the original game’s files. You can import an installed copy, or an archive containing its .mix files from your computer or a web address.
Can I play Red Alert 2 online in the browser?
Yes. Chrono Divide runs its own servers, so online matches work without port forwarding. Ranked Quick Match, including 2v2 with a friend, uses a free Chrono Divide account. You can also play skirmish games against the computer.
Is this the official game?
No. Chrono Divide is a non-profit fan project and is not affiliated with Electronic Arts.
