Command & Conquer: Generals beginner build order and supply guide
Build an economy that can keep producing while your first units scout.
Edition covered
Original 2003 Generals for PC. Zero Hour is a separate expansion; its generals, units and challenge mode are outside this guide.
Establish collection before expansion
Place the supply building near a usable supply source and watch the collection route. Each faction uses different collectors, so copying the exact number of vehicles or workers from another faction can waste money.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Supply source | Place a Supply Center or Supply Stash nearby | Start recurring income |
| Collector route | Inspect Chinooks, trucks or workers | Reduce travel and congestion |
| Production | Add the faction production structure | Replace losses during combat |
| Scout | Reveal likely approach routes | Choose relevant counters |
Make the first army answer a threat
Use a scout to identify infantry, vehicles and aircraft. Build a small mixed force before investing in an expensive technology structure; a production queue is useful only while your collectors remain alive.
| Observed threat | Useful response | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Mass infantry | Anti-infantry weapons and area damage | Do not rely only on tank cannons |
| Aircraft | Missile or gun-based anti-air | Ground-only defenses leave a gap |
| Armor | Anti-tank weapons with an infantry screen | Specialists need protection |
| Distant defenses | Artillery or a different attack route | Avoid repeated frontal losses |
Keep another builder available
A lost dozer or worker can delay every planned structure. Move builders away from the fighting and preserve a route to replace essential power or supply buildings.
Do not spend every dollar on static defense
Defenses protect a location but cannot escort a collector to a new supply pile. If the starting supplies are running low, budget for an expansion and the units needed to hold it.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Original publisher manual | files.cncnz.com |