How to Host an OpenRA Red Alert Server (Dedicated Lobby 2026)

To host an OpenRA Red Alert server, run the Red Alert build of OpenRA in server mode: on Linux, ./OpenRA-Red-Alert-x86_64.AppImage --server followed by Server.* options such as Server.Name, Server.ListenPort, Server.AdvertiseOnline and Server.Password. The server listens on TCP port 1234 by default. Players join from Multiplayer in the in game browser or with Direct Connect, and every player must run exactly the same OpenRA release as the server.

Why a dedicated server instead of hosting from the game?

OpenRA can host a lobby from the client, and for a one off game that is fine. A dedicated server is better when:

• The lobby needs to stay up. Practice partners, coaching sessions and weekly league nights want the same lobby at the same address every time, not one that disappears when the host's PC sleeps.
• The host has a poor connection. On a dedicated server nobody's home upload is carrying the game.
• You do not want to forward ports at home. A hosted server already has a reachable address.

OpenRA is free and open source. It downloads the Red Alert content it needs on first launch, so nobody in your group has to own the original game. OpenRA is an independent project and is not made or endorsed by Electronic Arts.

What do you need?

Very little. The server relays orders between players instead of simulating the whole battle, so memory stays low.

Connection quality matters far more than RAM for an RTS. Pick a server location close to your players.

Step 1: Get the Red Alert build

Download OpenRA from openra.net or the OpenRA GitHub releases. On Linux, each mod has its own AppImage, so use OpenRA-Red-Alert-x86_64.AppImage. Make it executable:

chmod +x OpenRA-Red-Alert-x86_64.AppImage

Use a release build (named like release-20250330) unless your whole community has agreed on a playtest build. The version question comes up again below, because it causes most join failures.

Step 2: Start the server

./OpenRA-Red-Alert-x86_64.AppImage --server \
  Server.Name="Tesla Coil Tuesdays" \
  Server.ListenPort=1234 \
  Server.AdvertiseOnline=True \
  Server.Password="" \
  Server.EnableSingleplayer=False \
  Server.EnableGeoIP=True \
  Server.ShareAnonymizedIPs=True

On Windows, the installed OpenRA folder contains a server program you run with the same Server.* arguments plus Game.Mod=ra.

There are more, including map pools, ban lists, replays and vote kick timing. Our OpenRA dedicated server settings guide explains each one.

Step 3: Open the port

OpenRA uses TCP. Forward TCP 1234 (or your ListenPort) to the server machine and allow it through the firewall. With AdvertiseOnline=True the server announces itself to the OpenRA master server, but a listing is useless if players cannot reach the port behind it. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side.

Step 4: Join

1. Launch OpenRA and pick the Red Alert mod.
2. Let the first launch install the game content it asks for.
3. Click Multiplayer. A public server shows in the list. For a private one, click Direct Connect and enter the IP and port.
4. Type the password if the lobby asks.

The first player to join an empty dedicated lobby becomes its admin. They pick the map, set the options, add bots and start the game. If they leave, admin passes to the player connected longest. On league nights, agree who goes in first.

The version rule

OpenRA only lets a client join a server on the exact same release. A friend on playtest-20260222 cannot join a release-20250330 server, and the browser hides incompatible servers by default. When someone says "I cannot see your server," ask which version they have before anything else. Our guide to OpenRA servers not showing or version mismatch goes deeper.

Practical advice for a group: everyone installs the current stable release from openra.net and nobody auto updates to a playtest without telling the others.

Keeping a community lobby healthy

• Name it clearly. Include the purpose, for example "RA 1v1 practice" or "RA league Thursdays".
• Use a password for scheduled events so randoms do not take slots, and remove it afterwards if you want a public lobby.
• Keep anonymized IPs on. There is little reason to show players each other's addresses.
• Restart weekly. Long running lobbies are fine, but a restart after a release update is mandatory.

The easy option

A GamezServers OpenRA Red Alert server installs the Red Alert server for you and gives it its own address, so nobody forwards ports. The control panel has the server name, Public Server switch, password, single player, GeoIP and anonymized IP settings, and the live console shows who connects. It runs on the 1 GB plan, and Sleep when empty can stop it on quiet weeks, so a small community pays very little for an always ready lobby.

FAQ

What port does an OpenRA server use?

TCP 1234 by default, set with Server.ListenPort.

Do players need to own Red Alert?

No. OpenRA is free and downloads the Red Alert content it needs on first launch.

Why can't my friend see my OpenRA server?

Usually a version mismatch: OpenRA hides servers running a different release. Make sure everyone runs the same release as the server, or have them use Direct Connect if the server is not public.

Who is the admin of an OpenRA dedicated lobby?

The first player to join an empty lobby. Admin moves to the longest connected player if they leave.

Can I play against bots on a dedicated server?

Yes. The lobby admin can fill slots with AI. Server.EnableSingleplayer also lets one player start a match alone against bots.