This guide covers how to set up your OpenRA dedicated server on Legion Hosting, configure startup variables, manage server settings, and connect to your server. OpenRA recreates and modernizes classic Command & Conquer real-time strategy games. Three mods are available: Red Alert, Dune 2000, and Tiberian Dawn. For admin commands, player management, and troubleshooting, see OpenRA Admin Commands.
1. First Start
- Log in to GPanel and select your OpenRA server.
- Go to the Startup tab and review the configurable variables (see Section 2).
- Set your SERVER_NAME and adjust visibility settings as needed.
- Return to the Console tab and click Start.
- Wait for the console to display
Starting dedicated server for modto confirm the server is ready.
2. GPanel Startup Variables
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
SERVER_NAME | OpenRAServer | Server name displayed in the lobby. |
PUBLIC | false | List the server publicly. true = visible in the OpenRA lobby browser. |
SINGLEPLAYER | false | Allow singleplayer mode. |
AUTH | false | Require authentication for players joining. |
PASSWORD | (empty) | Server password. Empty = no password required. |
GEOIP | false | Enable GeoIP location display for players. |
ANONYMOUS | true | Anonymize player IPs. true = hide player IPs. |
3. Available Mods
Each OpenRA mod is a standalone server installation. The mod is determined by which egg was used when creating the server.
| Mod | Based On | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Red Alert | C&C: Red Alert | Cold War setting with Allies vs. Soviets. Features naval combat and the Chronosphere. |
| Dune 2000 | Dune 2000 | Desert warfare on Arrakis. Three houses (Atreides, Harkonnen, Ordos) fight for spice control. |
| Tiberian Dawn | C&C: Tiberian Dawn | The original C&C experience. GDI vs. Nod fighting over Tiberium resources. |
4. Server Configuration
All startup parameters are passed via command-line arguments from GPanel startup variables. The key settings are:
Making the Server Public
To list your server in the OpenRA lobby browser:
- Set PUBLIC to
truein GPanel Startup variables. - Restart the server.
- Your server will now appear in the in-game server browser.
Password Protection
Set a password via the PASSWORD startup variable. Players will be prompted to enter it when joining. Leave empty for no password.
Privacy Settings
- ANONYMOUS =
true(default): Player IP addresses are anonymized. - GEOIP =
true: Show country flags next to player names in the lobby.
5. How to Connect
- Download and install OpenRA from openra.net.
- Launch the mod that matches your server (Red Alert, Dune 2000, or Tiberian Dawn).
- Click Multiplayer.
- If the server is public, find it in the server browser.
- For direct connect, click Direct IP and enter your server IP and port.
- Enter the password if prompted.
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Need Help?
If you run into issues with your OpenRA server that are not covered here, open a support ticket and include your server IP, a description of the problem, and any relevant error messages from the GPanel console.