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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Attack dog |
|
Amplified Bark (Instant Effect) |
Stuns nearby enemy infantry with a deafening yalp. May then maul with impunity. |
 Peacekeeper |
 
|
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. |
 Javelin soldier |
 
|
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. |
 Engineer |
 
|
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. |
 Spy |
|
Bribe (Instant Effect) |
Persuades nearby hostiles to turn coat for a low, low price. Who says loyalty can't be bought? |
 Cryo Legionnaire (Uprising only) |
|
Boost Kick (Targeted Ability) |
Launches feet-first towards a target point, damaging or shattering any foes in the area. |
 Tanya |
|
Timebelt (Instant Effect) |
Snaps Tanya back several moments in time ago using her one-of-a-kind belt knuckle. |
Vehicle[]
| Unit | Cameo | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Prospector |
|
Deploy (Targeted Ability) |
Begins converting to a Command Hub, so that other structures can be built nearby. |
 Multigunner IFV |
|
Evacuate Passenger (Instant Effect) |
Unloads the passenger of the IFV and reverts to the standard weapon configuration. |
 Guardian tank |
 
|
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. |
 Athena cannon |
|
Aegis Shield (Instant Effect) |
Generates an emergency energy barrier to temporarily repel incoming fire. |
 Mirage tank |
 
|
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. |
 Pacifier FAV (Uprising only) |
 
|
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. |
 FutureTank X-1 (Uprising only) |
|
Riot Beam (Targeted Ability) |
Fires ultrahigh-energy beams toward a target point, likely incinerating anything in the way. |
 MCV |
|
Unpack (Targeted Ability) |
Converts to a Construction Yard, which builds all sorts of military structures. |
Aircraft[]
| Unit | Cameo | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Vindicator |
|
Return to Base (Instant Effect) |
Causes the Vindicator to hightail it back to an Airbase to repair and rearm. |
 Apollo fighter |
|
Return to Base (Instant Effect) |
Causes the Apollo Fighter to hightail it back to an Airbase to repair and rearm. |
 Cryocopter |
|
S.H.R.I.N.K. Beam (Targeted Ability) |
Zaps ground units down to an embarassing and easily crushable yet speedy little size. |
 Century bomber |
|
Paradrop (Instant Effect) |
Kicks any infantry out of the Century Bomber. Don't worry, they get parachutes. |
 Harbinger gunship (Uprising only) |
 
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Dolphin |
|
High Jump (Targeted Ability) |
Leaps up and out of the water, possibly eluding surface attacks in the process. |
 Riptide ACV |
|
Evacuate Passengers (Instant Effect) |
Drops off any infantry riding inside, so they can join the fight. Usable only on land. |
 Hydrofoil |
 
|
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. |
 Assault destroyer |
 
|
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. |
 Aircraft carrier |
|
Blackout Missile (Targeted Ability) |
Launches a special warhead that temporarily disables any electrical systems in the vicinity. |
Structure[]
| Unit | Cameo | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Construction yard |
|
Pack Up (Instant Effect) |
Converts to a Mobile Construction Vehicle, which may then redeploy to new locations. |
 Airbase |
|
Recall Aircraft (Instant Effect) |
Orders any aircraft that were docked at this Airbase to turn back and head home. |
 Multigunner turret |
|
Evacuate Occupant (Instant Effect) |
Unloads the turret's occupant and reverts to standard all-purpose configuration. |
Soviet Union[]
Infantry[]
| Unit | Cameo | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 War bear |
|
Amplified Roar (Instant Effect) |
Paralyzes nearby enemy infantry with a deafening war cry. Also tenderizes meat. |
 Conscript |
 
|
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. |
 Flak trooper |
 
|
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. |
 Combat engineer |
|
Battle Bunker (Targeted Ability) |
Erects a formidable bunker for a nominal fee, which infantry can garrison for protection. |
 Tesla trooper |
 
|
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? |
 Desolator trooper (Uprising only) |
 
|
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. |
 Natasha |
|
Pilot Snipe (Targeted Ability) |
Cleanly dispatches the operator of an enemy vehicle. Infantry may recover the vehicle. |
Vehicle[]
| Unit | Cameo | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Mortar cycle (Uprising only) |
|
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. |
 Ore collector |
 
|
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. |
 Sputnik |
|
Unpack (Targeted Ability) |
Begins converting to an Outpost, which enables other structures to build up nearby. |
 Terror drone |
 
|
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. |
 Sickle |
|
Flea Jump (Targeted Ability) |
Springs into or out of battle, onto higher ground, into crowds of infantry, and more. |
 Reaper (Uprising only) |
|
Proto Jump (Targeted Ability) |
Leaps up and crashes down on the target area or foe. Becomes entrenched and immobile. |
 Bullfrog |
|
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. |
 Hammer tank |
 
|
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. |
 Grinder (Uprising only) |
|
Turbo-Charge (Instant Effect) |
Fires on all cylinders for a sudden burst of speed, useful for overtaking cowardly foes. |
 V4 rocket launcher |
 
|
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. |
 Apocalypse tank |
 
|
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. |
 MCV |
|
Unpack (Targeted Ability) |
Unpacks into a Construction Yard, which assembles other military facilities. |
 Tesla tank (Campaign only) |
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Twinblade |
|
Evacuate Passengers (Instant Effect) |
Drops off any infantry riding in the passenger cabin or vehicles hanging in tow. |
 MiG fighter |
|
Recall Aircraft (Instant Effect) |
Causes the MiG Fighter to immediately turn tail and double back to an Airfield to rearm. |
 Kirov airship |
 
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Stingray |
|
Tesla Surge (Instant Effect) |
Jolts surrounding waters with intense electrical current, briefly disabling the Stingray. |
 Akula sub |
|
Ultratorpedoes (Instant Effect) |
Launches a pair of unguided, high-yield torpedoes to smash into anything dead ahead. |
 Dreadnought |
 
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Construction yard |
|
Pack Up (Instant Effect) |
Converts to a Mobile Construction Vehicle, which may lumber off to greener pastures. |
 Airfield |
|
Recall Aircraft (Instant Effect) |
Orders any aircraft that were docked at this Airfield to return to base immediately. |
Battle bunker |
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Imperial warrior |
|
Banzai Charge (Instant Effect) |
Powers on a beam katana that provides a brief burst of speed and can slice through infantry. |
 Tankbuster |
 
|
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. |
 Engineer |
|
Sprint (Instant Effect) |
Begins running with shameful abandon for a while. Causes fatigue, ridicule. |
 Archer maiden (Uprising only) |
|
Barrage Shot (Targeted Ability) |
Fires a specially-armed arrow that bursts into white-hot, infantry shredding spikes. |
 Shinobi |
|
Smoke Bomb (Instant Effect) |
Vanishes in a puff of smoke, causing enemy assailants to lose their target in bewilderment. |
 Rocket Angel |
 
|
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. |
 Yuriko Omega |
|
Psychokinetic Burst (Instant Effect) |
Blasts incalculable violent psionic energy in all directions, crushing minds and bodies. |
Vehicle[]
| Unit | Cameo | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nanocore |
|
Unfurl (Targeted Ability) |
Initiates nano-unfurling sequence, converting to a/an (building name) in seconds. |
 Ore collector |
 
|
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. |
 Sudden transport |
|
Evacuate Passengers (Instant Effect) |
Unloads any infantry inside, causing the Sudden Transport's disguise to shut off. |
 Mecha Tengu  Jet Tengu |
 
|
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. |
 Tsunami tank |
|
Nanodeflectors (Instant Effect) |
Boosts defensive strength by temporarily diverting nanomachines from the main gun. |
 Striker-VX  Chopper-VX |
 
|
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. |
 Steel Ronin (Uprising only) |
|
Power Wave (Targeted Ability) |
Slams the ground with violent energy that courses forward, consuming all in its path. |
 Wave-force artillery |
|
Premature Discharge (Instant Effect) |
Bypasses the normally-slow firing sequence for an immediate-yet-less-potent attack. |
 King Oni |
|
Bull Rush (Targeted Ability) |
Charges the enemy head-on, smashing into or simply crushing any foes along the way. |
 MCV |
|
Unpack (Targeted Ability) |
Transforms to a Construction Yard, which can create other military structures. |
 Shogun Executioner (Campaign only) |
|
Omega Shockwave (Instant Effect) |
Drives all three wave-force blades into the earth, causing mass destruction. |
Aircraft[]
| Unit | Cameo | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Burst drone |
|
Self-Destruct (Instant Effect) |
Initiates countdown to fiery sacrifice. May cause collateral damage and grief. |
Vessel[]
| Unit | Cameo | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Yari mini-sub |
|
Last Voyage (Targeted Ability) |
Makes a beeline at an enemy with intent to crash into and destroy it. One use per Mini-Sub. |
 Sea-Wing  Sky-Wing |
 
|
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. |
 Naginata cruiser |
|
Torpedo Type-S (Instant Effect) |
Launches a fanlike spread of ship-killing warheads, held in concealed secondary launchers. |
 Shogun battleship |
|
Ramming Speed (Targeted Ability) |
Supercharges engines' top speed, such that enemy ships can be pulverized on contact. |
Giga-Fortress core (Uprising only) |
|
Unfurl (Targeted Ability) |
Initiates transformation sequence into the massive Giga-Fortress. Must be on water. |
  Giga-Fortress (Uprising only) |
 
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Construction yard |
|
Pack Up (Instant Effect) |
Converts to a Mobile Construction Vehicle, which may then reposition as necessary. |
 Defender-VX |
 
|
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. |
 Wave-force tower |
|
Premature Discharge (Instant Effect) |
Bypasses the normally-slow firing sequence for an immediate-yet-less-potent attack. |