Can I play Command & Conquer online for free?

Yes — you can play Command & Conquer right here in your browser for free, with no installation and no plugins, on both desktop and mobile.

What platform does Command & Conquer run on?

Command & Conquer is a MS-DOS / PC game from 1995.

When was Command & Conquer released?

Command & Conquer was released in 1995.

Who made Command & Conquer?

Command & Conquer was developed by Westwood Studios.

What genre is Command & Conquer?

Command & Conquer falls under: Strategy.

How do I save my progress in Command & Conquer?

Save inside the game itself — via its own menu, or F2/F3. And if you log in (free), your position is also stored in the cloud, so you can continue on another computer or phone.

Is it legal to play Command & Conquer online here?

You play it in your browser via an emulator. For how we handle abandonware and copyright, see our "Is it legal?" page.

How do I control Command & Conquer?

The controls are in the Controls section on this page. The keyboard is usually all you need — arrow keys to move and Ctrl, Alt or Space for actions.

Can I play Command & Conquer on mobile?

Yes — it runs right in your browser on phones and tablets too. Just tap Play, nothing to install.

Command & Conquer

– MS-DOS

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ControlsEnter/Space start/selectEsc menuShareware

1995 · Strategy · Westwood Studios · MS-DOS / PC

Game info_□✕

About Command & Conquer

The briefing doesn't feed you text on screen—it's a real actor in uniform staring at you from the monitor, sending you into action. This live-action atmosphere made Command & Conquer something more than just strategy—it felt like you were commanding a real war.

The conflict itself revolves around a rare resource called Tiberium and two factions fighting over it: the military GDI and the terrorist Brotherhood of NOD. You pick a side, build your base, harvest Tiberium with harvesters, produce units, and push the enemy off the map, mission after mission.

Command & Conquer took the foundation laid by Dune 2 and perfected it. Finally you could select multiple units at once and send them with a mouse drag—a small thing that completely transformed control and became the genre standard. The game runs fast, it's clear, and the enemy won't give you a moment's rest.

Both sides play differently. GDI bets on heavy, expensive tech, NOD on speed, sabotage, and dirty tricks. This gives each campaign its own rhythm and forces you to change tactics depending on which side you're fighting for and what you're up against.

A huge part of its fame comes from the atmosphere. Cinematic cutscenes between missions, voiced unit callouts, and especially the energetic rock soundtrack by Frank Klepacki that gave battles real punch. All of this together made C&C an experience, not just clicking on a map.

The game comes from Westwood Studios, the same people behind Dune 2, and here they pushed their genre to the peak. From today's perspective, the controls take some getting used to, but the momentum and atmosphere still work. Download it free and return to one of the foundations of real-time strategy.

Controls

The manual describes a mouse-driven interface.

Left-click a unit to select it, then left-click the ground to move or an enemy to attack.
Right-click cancels the current mode and deselects.
Hold the left button and drag a white box to select a group.
Push the cursor to a screen edge to scroll the map.
The Sidebar button in the top right opens the build menu. Repair (wrench) and Sell ($) modes stay on until you right-click.

Versions and ports

The first release was for DOS in September 1995. The Windows version, sold as Gold, Special Gold Edition or SVGA Version depending on the country, adds the Mac interface, higher resolution and online play. The Covert Operations expansion came out in 1996 and also works with the Windows version. Petroglyph's Remastered Collection (5 June 2020) added the console missions on PC, and EA released the original source code in February 2025.

System requirements

The manual lists a 486 at 66 MHz, 8 MB of RAM, MS-DOS 5.0, a 256-color MCGA display, a mouse, 20 MB of disk space and a double-speed CD-ROM drive. The Windows version asks for Windows 95 or 98 and a Pentium 75.

How to run it today

The Windows version has trouble on modern systems, from its 16-bit installer to launch errors. The unofficial Command & Conquer Gold Project 1.06 patch adds support for current 64-bit Windows, higher resolutions and LAN or online play for up to six players. CnCNet offers a lean installer built for multiplayer. Both sites provide the full game as a ready installer.

Where to buy it legally

EA released the Windows version as freeware in 2007, so the original is free. If you prefer a store copy, Steam sells it with Covert Operations (DRM removed, DDrawCompat included) inside the Ultimate Collection bundle or with EA Play. The Remastered Collection adds 4K graphics that you can switch back to the classic look.

You're playing the free shareware version of Command & Conquer — the first episode its creators released for free. The full game is still on sale:

Command & Conquer PC – Amazon »

Factory sealed original from 1995Command & Conquer PC 1995 Big Box CIB Westwood Sealed Inner Jewel CaseView on eBay »

Factory sealed originalRare PC Video Game Command & Conquer Big Box Lot Covert Operations Games Sealed!View on eBay »

Original big boxCommand & Conquer Big Box PC CD-ROM Game Westwood Studios CIB Complete VintageView on eBay »

Command & Conquer C&C T Shirt Gamer T Vintage TView on eBay »

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Videos and guides

Longplaythe whole game start to finish · YouTube Walkthroughhow to get through when you are stuck · YouTube Soundtrackmusic from the game · YouTube Speedrunfastest runs of the game · speedrun.com

Command & Conquer FAQ

Can I play Command & Conquer online for free?: Yes — you can play Command & Conquer right here in your browser for free, with no installation and no plugins, on both desktop and mobile.
What platform does Command & Conquer run on?: Command & Conquer is a MS-DOS / PC game from 1995.
When was Command & Conquer released?: Command & Conquer was released in 1995.
Who made Command & Conquer?: Command & Conquer was developed by Westwood Studios.
What genre is Command & Conquer?: Command & Conquer falls under: Strategy.
How do I save my progress in Command & Conquer?: Save inside the game itself — via its own menu, or F2/F3. And if you log in (free), your position is also stored in the cloud, so you can continue on another computer or phone.
Is it legal to play Command & Conquer online here?: You play it in your browser via an emulator. For how we handle abandonware and copyright, see our "Is it legal?" page.
How do I control Command & Conquer?: The controls are in the Controls section on this page. The keyboard is usually all you need — arrow keys to move and Ctrl, Alt or Space for actions.
Can I play Command & Conquer on mobile?: Yes — it runs right in your browser on phones and tablets too. Just tap Play, nothing to install.