The iconic real-time strategy series Command & Conquer has seen a decline in attention from its publisher, EA, over the past few years. However, passionate modders have stepped in to keep the spirit alive using open-source platforms like OpenRA. For nearly a decade, these dedicated fans have been enhancing the original Command & Conquer and its sequel Red Alert by introducing new quality-of-life features and improvements. Among these efforts is an ambitious mod called Combined Arms, which has been under development for almost four years and recently received a significant update from developer Inqubi. This project boasts enough content to stand as an original installment within the C&C universe.
While it’s impossible to encapsulate every change and addition made in Combined Arms due to their sheer volume, it’s worth noting that this mod includes all five factions from across the Command & Conquer series. Each faction comes with distinct sub-factions that offer unique abilities, units, upgrades, and bonuses. For example, players choosing the USA sub-faction of the Allies can enjoy enhanced aerial capabilities; conversely, selecting Psi-Corps for the Soviets grants access to mind-control units.
Combined Arms cleverly integrates elements from not only Command & Conquer and Red Alert but also incorporates assets from Red Alert 2 and Tiberium Wars while introducing a plethora of new sprites designed in line with the classic chunky aesthetic of C&C.
The campaign mode of Combined Arms consists of 34 missions that weave together narrative threads connecting various titles within the franchise’s timeline. Additionally, players can enjoy nine fresh tracks that remix classic compositions by Frank Klepacki—the original composer for many games in this beloved series.
Although Combined Arms may not possess all of the polish found in 2020’s Command & Conquer Remastered Collection—an updated version celebrated for its enhancements—it does showcase numerous quality-of-life improvements brought forth by OpenRA’s engine. These include accessibility options tailored for modern gamers such as ultrawide monitor support and build queues among other features.
As it stands today, Combined Arms ranks as one of Moddb’s most popular mods—currently sitting at number four on their list—and after experiencing it firsthand myself; I wholeheartedly recommend any fan of Command & Conquer or real-time strategy games give it a try. The mod is conveniently available as a standalone download; simply grab your copy directly from Moddb’s website.
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