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In Red Alert 3 and its expansion Uprising, each unit has a special ability. Special abilities have a wide range of effects, ranging from switching to a different weapon, activating a special attack, or even transforming into a different unit.

The game itself classify special abilities into three categories:

  • Instant Effect: Abilities that take effect upon activation.
  • Toggle Mode: A pair of abilities that transform the unit in some way.
  • Targeted Ability: Abilities that require a target to be used.

Special abilities[]

Allies[]

Infantry[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Attack Dog Icons
Attack dog
RA3 Amplified Bark Icons Amplified Bark
(Instant Effect)
Stuns nearby enemy infantry with a deafening yalp. May then maul with impunity.
RA3 Peacekeeper Icons
Peacekeeper
RA3 Riot Shield Icons
RA3 Shotgun Icons
Riot Shield
Shotgun
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to using a bulletproof shield, which can make it easier to get up nice and close.
Switches to the Grummond-8 pump shotgun, which is effective in close-quarters combat.
RA3 Javelin Soldier Icons
Javelin soldier
RA3 Javelin Launcher Icons
RA3 Laser Lock Icons
Laser-Guided Mode
Self-Guided Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Makes missiles hit faster and harder, though the launcher takes longer to get a laser lock.
Reverts back to the standard missile config, which offers faster target locking.
RA3 Allied Engineer Icons
Engineer
RA3 Deploy Medical Tent Icon
RA3 Pack up Medical Tent Icon
First-Aid Tent
Pack Up
(Toggle Mode)
Unpacks a makeshift triage center that automatically heals nearby infantry.
Stuffs medical supplies back into briefcase to resume Engineerish responsibilities.
RA3 Spy Icons
Spy
RA3 Bribe Icons Bribe
(Instant Effect)
Persuades nearby hostiles to turn coat for a low, low price. Who says loyalty can't be bought?
RA3U Cryo Legionaires Icons
Cryo Legionnaire
(Uprising only)
RA3U Jetpack Icons Boost Kick
(Targeted Ability)
Launches feet-first towards a target point, damaging or shattering any foes in the area.
RA3 Tanya Icons
Tanya
RA3 Timebelt Icons Timebelt
(Instant Effect)
Snaps Tanya back several moments in time ago using her one-of-a-kind belt knuckle.

Vehicle[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Prospector Icons
Prospector
RA3 Deploy Icons Deploy
(Targeted Ability)
Begins converting to a Command Hub, so that other structures can be built nearby.
RA3 Multigunner IFV Icons
Multigunner IFV
RA3 Allied Evacuate Icons Evacuate Passenger
(Instant Effect)
Unloads the passenger of the IFV and reverts to the standard weapon configuration.
RA3 Guardian Tank Icons
Guardian tank
RA3 Target Painter Icons
RA3 Smoothbore Cannon Icons
Target Painter
Main Gun
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to using a targeting laser that makes foes much more vulnerable to attack.
Switches to using the 90 mm smoothbore gun, which is effective against enemy armor.
RA3 Athena Cannon Icons
Athena cannon
RA3 Aegis Shield Icons Aegis Shield
(Instant Effect)
Generates an emergency energy barrier to temporarily repel incoming fire.
RA3 Mirage Tank Icons
Mirage tank
RA3 Gap Field Icons
RA3 Strike Mode Icons
Gap Generator
Strike Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Projects a camo field that cloaks friendly units. Cannot self-disguise or fire in this mode.
Reverts to combat-and-ambush config. Gains unassuming camouflage when idle.
RA3U Pacifier FAV Icons
Pacifier FAV
(Uprising only)
RA3U Unpack Artillery Icons
RA3U Pack up Artillery Icons
Unpack Artillery
Pack Up Artillery
(Toggle Mode)
Fastens firmly into the ground in order to use the Grand Cannon long-range artillery.
Detaches from the ground, retracts the Grand Cannon, and readies two 7.62 mm miniguns.
RA3U FutureTank X-1 Icons
FutureTank X-1
(Uprising only)
RA3U Riot Beam Icons Riot Beam
(Targeted Ability)
Fires ultrahigh-energy beams toward a target point, likely incinerating anything in the way.
RA3 Allied MCV Icons
MCV
RA3 Allied Unpack Icons Unpack
(Targeted Ability)
Converts to a Construction Yard, which builds all sorts of military structures.

Aircraft[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Vindicator Icons
Vindicator
RA3 Allied Return to Base Icons Return to Base
(Instant Effect)
Causes the Vindicator to hightail it back to an Airbase to repair and rearm.
RA3 Apollo Fighter Icons
Apollo fighter
RA3 Allied Return to Base Icons Return to Base
(Instant Effect)
Causes the Apollo Fighter to hightail it back to an Airbase to repair and rearm.
RA3 Cryocopter Icons
Cryocopter
RA3 SHRINK Beam Icons S.H.R.I.N.K. Beam
(Targeted Ability)
Zaps ground units down to an embarassing and easily crushable yet speedy little size.
RA3 Century Bomber Icons
Century bomber
RA3 Paradrop Icons Paradrop
(Instant Effect)
Kicks any infantry out of the Century Bomber. Don't worry, they get parachutes.
RA3U Harbinger Gunship Icons
Harbinger gunship
(Uprising only)
RA3U Chain Gun Icons
RA3U Collider Cannons Icons
Chain Gun
Collider Cannons
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to a 25 mm anti-personnel weapon that can chew through infantry in droves.
Re-enables the vaunted Collider Cannons, which pack the punch of the Allies' ultimate weapon.

Vessel[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Dolphin Icons
Dolphin
RA3 Jump Icons High Jump
(Targeted Ability)
Leaps up and out of the water, possibly eluding surface attacks in the process.
RA3 Riptide ACV Icons
Riptide ACV
RA3 Allied Evacuate Icons Evacuate Passengers
(Instant Effect)
Drops off any infantry riding inside, so they can join the fight. Usable only on land.
RA3 Hydrofoil Icons
Hydrofoil
RA3 Weapon Jammer Icons
RA3 AA Gun Icons
Weapon Jammer
AA Gun
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to using the Scramblegun weapon jammer, which stops target from firing.
Swaps out the Weapon Jammer for the Icarus 20 mm CIWS anti-aircraft cannon.
RA3 Assault Destroyer Icons
Assault destroyer
RA3 Black Hole Armor Icons
RA3 Main Gun 1 Icons
Black Hole Armor
Main Gun
(Toggle Mode)
Supercharges defensive strength while drawing incoming fire. Cannot attack in the meantime.
Stops automatically absorbing all incoming fire in order to keep using the main gun.
RA3 Aircraft Carrier Icons
Aircraft carrier
RA3 Blackout Missile Icons Blackout Missile
(Targeted Ability)
Launches a special warhead that temporarily disables any electrical systems in the vicinity.

Structure[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Allied Construction Yard Icons
Construction yard
RA3 Allied Packup Icons Pack Up
(Instant Effect)
Converts to a Mobile Construction Vehicle, which may then redeploy to new locations.
RA3 Airbase Icons
Airbase
RA3 Allied Return to Base Icons Recall Aircraft
(Instant Effect)
Orders any aircraft that were docked at this Airbase to turn back and head home.
RA3 Multigunner Turret Icons
Multigunner turret
RA3 Allied Evacuate Icons Evacuate Occupant
(Instant Effect)
Unloads the turret's occupant and reverts to standard all-purpose configuration.

Soviet Union[]

Infantry[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 War Bear Icons
War bear
RA3 Amplified Roar Icons Amplified Roar
(Instant Effect)
Paralyzes nearby enemy infantry with a deafening war cry. Also tenderizes meat.
RA3 Conscript Icons
Conscript
RA3 Molotov Cocktail Icons
RA3 Assault Rifle Icons
Molotov Cocktails
Assault Rifle
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to improvised grenades packing an explosive punch. Garrisoned foes, beware.
Switches to using the ADK-45 assault rifle, a cheap and fairly reliable firearm.
RA3 Flak Trooper Icons
Flak trooper
RA3 Magnetic Mine Icons
RA3 Flak Cannon switch
Magnetic Mines
Flak Cannon
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to using thrown anti-vehicle explosives, which go off if the Flak Trooper is crushed.
Switches to the Vorona Steelshot Flak Cannon, which is most effective against aircraft.
RA3 Combat Engineer Icons
Combat engineer
RA3 Construct Bunker Icons Battle Bunker
(Targeted Ability)
Erects a formidable bunker for a nominal fee, which infantry can garrison for protection.
RA3 Tesla Trooper Icons
Tesla trooper
RA3 Electro Magnetic Disruptors Icons
RA3 Tesla Weapon Icons
EM Disruptors
Tesla Coilguns
(Toggle Mode)
Radiates a disruption field that stops nearby enemy vehicles... and the Tesla Trooper.
Did you miss being able to shoot terrible bolts of lightning at your enemies?
RA3U Desolator Trooper Icons
Desolator trooper
(Uprising only)
RA3U Splattershot Mode Icons
RA3U Deathspray Mode Icons
Splattershot Mode
Deathspray Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to firing globs of armor corroding filth. Rinse with Deathspray for best results.
Switches back to spraying streams of poisonous fluids, which can melt flesh and bone.
RA3 Natasha Icons
Natasha
RA3 Driver Snipe Icons Pilot Snipe
(Targeted Ability)
Cleanly dispatches the operator of an enemy vehicle. Infantry may recover the vehicle.

Vehicle[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3U Mortar Cycle Icons
Mortar cycle
(Uprising only)
RA3U Porta Mortar Icons
RA3 Molotov Cocktail Icons
Porta-Mortar
Molotov Flurry
(Toggle Mode)
Unpacks a light artillery piece for use against medium-to-long-range targets.
Packs up the Mortar so the sidecar gunner can resume dishing out explosive cocktails.
RA3 Soviet Ore Collector Icons
Ore collector
RA3 Reactive Armor Icons
RA3 Cargo Bay Icons
Reactive Armor
Cargo Bay
(Toggle Mode)
Deploys special ceramic armor, which also reduces speed and covers the cargo hold.
Folds up the anti-tank armor, regaining mobility and the ability to carry out ore gathering.
RA3 Sputnik Icons
Sputnik
RA3 Soviet Unpack Icons Unpack
(Targeted Ability)
Begins converting to an Outpost, which enables other structures to build up nearby.
RA3 Terror Drone Icons
Terror drone
RA3 Electro-Stasis Ray Icon
RA3 Dismantler Claws Icon
Electro-Stasis Ray
Dismantler Claws
(Toggle Mode)
Switches from its primary attack mode to an immobilizing ray that stops enemy vehicles.
Switches to the dismantler claws, which can bore into enemy combatants.
RA3 Sickle Icons
Sickle
RA3 Flea Jump Icons Flea Jump
(Targeted Ability)
Springs into or out of battle, onto higher ground, into crowds of infantry, and more.
RA3U Reaper Icons
Reaper
(Uprising only)
RA3U Proto Jump Icon Proto Jump
(Targeted Ability)
Leaps up and crashes down on the target area or foe. Becomes entrenched and immobile.
RA3 Bullfrog Icons
Bullfrog
RA3 Man Cannon Icons Man Cannon
(Targeted Ability)
Launches infantry and terror drones over obstacles, over large areas and from the water, however, while parachuting down the infantry are vunerable to anti-air fire.
RA3 Hammer Tank Icons
Hammer tank
RA3 Leech Beam Icons
RA3 Main Cannon 2 Icons
Leech-Beam
Main Weapons
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to using the Leech-Beam, which siphons armor and weapons from target vehicles.
Switches to the 85 mm autoloading cannon, along with any leeched secondary weapon.
RA3U Grinder Icons
Grinder
(Uprising only)
RA3U Turbo Charge Icons Turbo-Charge
(Instant Effect)
Fires on all cylinders for a sudden burst of speed, useful for overtaking cowardly foes.
RA3 V4 Rocket Launcher Icons
V4 rocket launcher
RA3 Cluster Missile Icons
RA3 Single Warhead Icons
Multi-Warheads
Precision-Warheads
(Toggle Mode)
Readies special ordnance that splits apart in flight, causing widespread damage.
Readies standard ballistic ordnance that explodes on contact in an exact location.
RA3 Apocalypse Tank Icons
Apocalypse tank
RA3 Magnetic Harpoon Icons
RA3 Main Cannons Icons
M-Harpoon
Main Guns
(Toggle Mode)
Switches from the main guns to the Magnetic Harpoon, which draws in vehicles for the kill.
Switches to dual 125mm Drakon HEAT cannons, which can devastate any known armor.
RA3 Soviet MCV Icons
MCV
RA3 Soviet Unpack Icons Unpack
(Targeted Ability)
Unpacks into a Construction Yard, which assembles other military facilities.
RA3 Tesla Tank Icons
Tesla tank
(Campaign only)
RA3 Electro Magnetic Disruptors Icons
RA3 Twin Tesla Coil Icons
EM Disruptors
Twin Tesla Coils
(Toggle Mode)
Radiates a disruption field that stops nearby enemy vehicles... and the Tesla Tank.
Switches off the EM Disruptors in favor of being able to shoot terrible lightning once more.

Aircraft[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Twinblade Icons
Twinblade
RA3 Evacuate Passengers Icons Evacuate Passengers
(Instant Effect)
Drops off any infantry riding in the passenger cabin or vehicles hanging in tow.
RA3 Mig Icons
MiG fighter
RA3 Soviet Return to Base Icons Recall Aircraft
(Instant Effect)
Causes the MiG Fighter to immediately turn tail and double back to an Airfield to rearm.
RA3 Kirov Airship Icons
Kirov airship
RA3 Use Volatile Fuel Icons
RA3 Use Propellers Icons
Gastroburners
Propellers
(Toggle Mode)
Yields more-respectable top speeds as unstable chemicals eat away at overall hull integrity.
Reverts to standard slow-and-ominous speed and stops taking damage from chemical burn.

Vessel[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Stingray Icons
Stingray
RA3 Tesla Surge Icon Tesla Surge
(Instant Effect)
Jolts surrounding waters with intense electrical current, briefly disabling the Stingray.
RA3 Akula Submarine Icons
Akula sub
RA3 Ultratorpedoes Icons Ultratorpedoes
(Instant Effect)
Launches a pair of unguided, high-yield torpedoes to smash into anything dead ahead.
RA3 Dreadnought Icons
Dreadnought
RA3 Sacrifice Launchers Icon
RA3 Safe Mode Icon
Sacrifice Launchers
Safe Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Pushes rocket launchers past safety limits for faster firing--and internal damage.
Gives up the faster rate of fire to stop internal meltdowns from causing further damage.

Structure[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Soviet Construction Yard Icons
Construction yard
RA3 Soviet Packup Icons Pack Up
(Instant Effect)
Converts to a Mobile Construction Vehicle, which may lumber off to greener pastures.
RA3 Airfield Icons
Airfield
RA3 Soviet Return to Base Icons Recall Aircraft
(Instant Effect)
Orders any aircraft that were docked at this Airfield to return to base immediately.
RA3 Construct Bunker Icons
Battle bunker
RA3 Soviet Evacuate Icon Evacuate Bunker
(Instant Effect)
Release any troops crammed inside, trading protection for mobility and cleaner air.

Empire of the Rising Sun[]

Infantry[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Imperial Warrior Cameo
Imperial warrior
RA3 Banzai Charge Icons Banzai Charge
(Instant Effect)
Powers on a beam katana that provides a brief burst of speed and can slice through infantry.
RA3 Tankbuster Icons
Tankbuster
RA3 Burrow Icons
RA3 Leave Burrow Icons
Spider Burrow
Leave Burrow
(Toggle Mode)
Escapes into a spider hole for increased protection and to avoid being crushed.
Backs out of the spider hole to resume fighting like a man. Regain honor when possible.
RA3 Imperial Engineer Icons
Engineer
RA3 Sprint Icons Sprint
(Instant Effect)
Begins running with shameful abandon for a while. Causes fatigue, ridicule.
RA3U Archer Maiden Icons
Archer maiden
(Uprising only)
RA3U Barrage Shot Icons Barrage Shot
(Targeted Ability)
Fires a specially-armed arrow that bursts into white-hot, infantry shredding spikes.
RA3 Shinobi Icons
Shinobi
RA3 Smoke Bomb Icon Smoke Bomb
(Instant Effect)
Vanishes in a puff of smoke, causing enemy assailants to lose their target in bewilderment.
RA3 Rocket Angel Icons
Rocket Angel
RA3 Paralysis Whip Icons
RA3 Combat Mode Icons
Paralysis Whip
Combat Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Switches from photon rockets to the Paralysis Whip, which locks down surface targets.
Switches to the photon rocket array, which overwhelms targets with countless warheads.
RA3 Yuriko Omega Icons
Yuriko Omega
RA3 Psychokinetic Burst Icons Psychokinetic Burst
(Instant Effect)
Blasts incalculable violent psionic energy in all directions, crushing minds and bodies.

Vehicle[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Nanocore Icons
Nanocore
RA3 Empire Unpack Icons Unfurl
(Targeted Ability)
Initiates nano-unfurling sequence, converting to a/an (building name) in seconds.
RA3 Imperial Ore Collector Icons
Ore collector
RA3 Security System Icons
RA3 Collect Ore Icons
Security System
Cargo Bay
(Toggle Mode)
Flips the cargo hold to reveal an anti-personnel weapon that can repel enemy forces.
Packs up the heavy machine gun to resume ore-gathering operations.
RA3 Sudden Transport Icons
Sudden transport
RA3 Empire Evacuate Icons Evacuate Passengers
(Instant Effect)
Unloads any infantry inside, causing the Sudden Transport's disguise to shut off.
RA3 Mecha Tengu Icons
Mecha Tengu
RA3 Jet Tengu Icons
Jet Tengu
RA3 Jet Mode Icons
RA3 Mecha Mode Icons
Jet Mode
Mecha Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to Jet Tengu flight configuration for air superiority and superior mobility.
Switches to amphibious Mecha Tengu mode for anti-infantry fast-attack capability.
RA3 Tsunami Tank Icons
Tsunami tank
RA3 Nano Deflectors Icons Nanodeflectors
(Instant Effect)
Boosts defensive strength by temporarily diverting nanomachines from the main gun.
RA3 Striker VX Icons
Striker-VX
RA3 Chopper VX Icons
Chopper-VX
RA3 Chopper Mode Icon
RA3 Striker Mode Icon
Chopper Mode
Striker Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Takes to the skies in the Chopper-VX configuration, which can assault surface targets.
Touches down to take on aerial threats in the ground-based Striker-VX configuration.
RA3U Steel Ronin Icons
Steel Ronin
(Uprising only)
RA3U Power Wave Icons Power Wave
(Targeted Ability)
Slams the ground with violent energy that courses forward, consuming all in its path.
RA3 Wave Force Artillery Icons
Wave-force artillery
RA3 Premature Discharge Icons Premature Discharge
(Instant Effect)
Bypasses the normally-slow firing sequence for an immediate-yet-less-potent attack.
RA3 King Oni Icons
King Oni
RA3 Bull Rush Icon Bull Rush
(Targeted Ability)
Charges the enemy head-on, smashing into or simply crushing any foes along the way.
RA3 Empire MCV Icons
MCV
RA3 Empire Unpack Icons Unpack
(Targeted Ability)
Transforms to a Construction Yard, which can create other military structures.
RA3 Shogun Executioner Icons
Shogun Executioner
(Campaign only)
RA3 Omega Shockwave Icons Omega Shockwave
(Instant Effect)
Drives all three wave-force blades into the earth, causing mass destruction.

Aircraft[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Burst Drone Icon
Burst drone
RA3 Self Destruction Icons Self-Destruct
(Instant Effect)
Initiates countdown to fiery sacrifice. May cause collateral damage and grief.

Vessel[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Yari Mini-sub Icons
Yari mini-sub
RA3 Last Voyage Icons Last Voyage
(Targeted Ability)
Makes a beeline at an enemy with intent to crash into and destroy it. One use per Mini-Sub.
RA3 Sea-Wing Icons
Sea-Wing
RA3 Sky-Wing Icons
Sky-Wing
RA3 Emerge Icons
RA3 Submerge Icons
Air Emerge
Sea Submerge
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to the flying Sky-Wing form, which provides anti-personnel close air support.
Switches to submersible configuration to make aircraft feel most disagreeable.
RA3 Naginata Cruiser Icons
Naginata cruiser
RA3 Torpedo Type S Icons Torpedo Type-S
(Instant Effect)
Launches a fanlike spread of ship-killing warheads, held in concealed secondary launchers.
RA3 Shogun Battleship Icons
Shogun battleship
RA3 Ramming Speed Icons Ramming Speed
(Targeted Ability)
Supercharges engines' top speed, such that enemy ships can be pulverized on contact.
RA3 Nanocore Icons
Giga-Fortress core
(Uprising only)
RA3 Empire Unpack Icons Unfurl
(Targeted Ability)
Initiates transformation sequence into the massive Giga-Fortress. Must be on water.
RA3U Giga Fortress Naval Mode Icons
RA3U Giga Fortress Air Mode Icons
Giga-Fortress
(Uprising only)
RA3U Air Transform Icons
RA3U Naval Transform Icons
Sky Fortress Mode
Sea Fortress Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to aerial form, whose infamous Gods' Breath Device could tear the Earth asunder.
Switches back to floating form, whose myriad weapons could make the seas boil over.

Structure[]

Unit Cameo Ability Description
RA3 Empire Construction Yard Icons
Construction yard
RA3 Empire Packup Icons Pack Up
(Instant Effect)
Converts to a Mobile Construction Vehicle, which may then reposition as necessary.
RA3 Defender VX Icons
Defender-VX
RA3 Airdestroyer Mode Icon
RA3 Defender Mode Icon
Airdestroyer Mode
Defender Mode
(Toggle Mode)
Switches to anti-air configuration, which automatically fires on enemy aircraft.
Switches to anti-surface configuration, which automatically fires on enemy land or sea units.
RA3 Wave-Force Tower Icons
Wave-force tower
RA3 Premature Discharge Icons Premature Discharge
(Instant Effect)
Bypasses the normally-slow firing sequence for an immediate-yet-less-potent attack.

See also[]

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