FAQ

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General

Generals Online is not just another GameSpy emulator - it's a complete reimagining of multiplayer services for Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour.

Built upon the source code released by Electronic Arts, this community-driven project revitalizes and modernizes the game's multiplayer experience, improving stability, client functionality, and overall service reliability - all while preserving the original gameplay you know and love.

Please check the information on our main page.

Either run the simple installer, or download the zip version and extract the files into your C&C Generals: Zero Hour install directory. The files should be next to your 'generals.exe' file.

No. GeneralsOnline can be installed onto your current Generals installation.

Yes.

Yes.

No. GeneralsOnline is standalone and does not modify your installation. You can continue to run the 'standard' Generals game alongside GeneralsOnline.

Yes.

Yes.

Run GeneralsOnlineZH.exe or use the desktop shortcut (if you installed using the installer).

GeneralsOnline is only tested and developed against the Steam and EA Origin/Play versions of the game.

We do not modify the protections which Electronic Arts has applied to the game in any way, shape or form.

We recommend buying the game on Steam as this is the best place to play at this time.

Generals Online supports 3 login methods. Steam, Discord, Generals Online accounts (coming soon).

You can check the service-status channel in our Discord, or on our Status Page.

Our bug tracker will be available soon. Feedback and ideas can be shared in our Discord.



Technical

We release updates regularly. Your game will automatically update itself when you enter the multiplayer section of the game.

No. Generals Online is standalone and needs no additional software.

Most likely not. 99% of networks shouldn't require you to forward ports. We recommend trying Generals Online without port forwarding first.

We do not pre-define the port you have to use. You can access your router & forward any port you want (UDP).

After you forward your port, navigate to the options in game and enter your selected port in the box. Generals Online will now utilize your specified port.

Note that you will still be able to play GeneralsOnline without manually forwarding a port, but additional latency may be incurred.

We utilize the latest industry standard encryption (AES256-GCM) for network traffic. This is more secure than the original C&C Generals game.

The first time you access the multiplayer menu you may get a Windows firewall pop-up. This is because the application is a 'new application' to the firewall and is attempting network/internet communication. Hitting allow will enable you to proceed.



Relays

Relays allow users who would otherwise be unable to connect to each other to do just that. It is a commonly used mechanism in modern RETAIL games and behaves similar to the Tunnels system utilized on CNCNet for earlier C&C games.

Typically not. In certain environments, a relayed connection may even be faster than a direct connection due to the premium backbone being used.

Relays connections are formed dynamically on a player-to-player basis, ensuring each P2P connection utilizes the server location with the lowest latency for that particular pair of players. Users within one lobby/match can utilize different servers in different regions to achieve optimal latency.

Yes. The relay servers do not have access to the encryption keys that would be required to read the traffic they are relaying.

We thank you for your interest, however, we do not have a need for community relays at this time. Generals Online utilizes the CloudFlare backend which is available in 330 cities in 125 countries and has a latency of ~50ms from 95% of the worlds population.






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 GeneralsOnline © 2025
Generals Online is not associated with or endorsed by Command & Conquer, Electronic Arts Inc, Steam, Valve Corporation, Discord Corporation. or their subsidiaries.
All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

GeneralsOnline – A Modern, re-implementation of Command & Conquer Generals Online.