Multiplay Online

Entering the Online Battlefield Arena:

After launching the game click on “Multiplayer”, then click “Online”. You will briefly see a screen that will automatically check for any updates. At the following screen enter your e-mail address, nickname (code name other operatives will see you as) and a password of your choice. Click on “Remember My Info” to save your settings, then click “Create Account”. You will then be prompted to choose your location at the “Select Your Locale” window. If you've already created an account previously, then you would simply click "login".

At the “Generals Online Welcome” screen you will see the “QuickMatch” and “Custom Match” multiplayer setup buttons. The “My Persona” button will show your player stats once you’ve participated in a battle. 

QuickMatch: This feature offers the quickest and easiest way to get into a game. More info coming on this feature.

Custom Match: While not as fast as “QuickMatch”, this option allows you more flexibility in finding and selecting opponents. Here you can view games waiting to start and view information about each game. You can also view operatives waiting in the lobby in the window on the right. You can communicate with all operatives in the lobby by typing in the box at the bottom of the screen and pressing “Enter”. When communicating with all operatives in the lobby the text appears “red” in the communications window. You can communicate with a specific operative by clicking on their name in the lobby window first and then typing your message as usual. When communicating with a specific operative the text will appear “blue” in the communications window. 

The “Name” and “Connection” buttons will display games alphabetically or by connection speed (ping). Clicking on either “Create Game*” or “Join Game” will bring you to the arbitration screen. If you’re hosting the game you can choose a map at this screen. All participants choose their color, army and team (if any) at this screen. The host clicks “Start Game” to begin. All other players click “Accept” to begin.

*When creating a game a dialog box will appear that allows you to name your game and password protect it.

Sandbox Mode: This mode allows you to play on a multiplayer map without opponents. This will help you get familiar with the maps and try out the various structures and units of your chosen army. Holding down the “Ctrl” key and left clicking with a unit selected will allow you to fire their weapons with out actually having an enemy to fire at (see the “Keyboard Command Shortcuts” section HERE). Create a game in the same manner as a “Custom Match” multiplayer game. When clicking “Create Game” enter a password in the dialog box that appears to prevent other opponents from entering. When you get to the arbitration screen (the screen that appears after clicking “Create Game”) choose your color, army and map. Make sure there are no other opponents in the remaining slots. Click “Start Game” to begin.