Ore Refineries and Harvesters

Command & Conquer Remastered Collection: secure your victory by mastering Tiberium or Ore collection with efficient Ore Refineries and Harvesters.

Mastering the economy is paramount in Command & Conquer. The Ore Refinery and its accompanying Harvester units are the backbone of your resource-gathering operations. Understanding their mechanics, optimal placement, and defensive strategies is crucial for building a powerful base and overwhelming your opponents. This guide will break down how to effectively utilize these essential economic components to ensure a steady flow of Tiberium or Ore, fueling your war machine.

The Ore Refinery is the central hub for all resource collection in Command & Conquer. It's where your Harvesters deposit the mined Ore or Tiberium, which is then converted into credits. The Harvester is the autonomous vehicle responsible for traveling to Ore fields, mining the resources, and returning them to the Refinery. Efficient management of these units directly impacts your ability to produce more units, construct advanced buildings, and ultimately achieve victory. Neglecting your economy is a surefire path to defeat.

The Ore Refinery: Your Economic Heartbeat

The Ore Refinery is a vital structure that must be protected at all costs. It has a limited capacity for storing resources, so it's important to have multiple Refineries on larger maps or when facing an opponent who can disrupt your supply lines. Building your first Refinery is usually one of the initial steps after establishing your Construction Yard. Its placement can be strategic; consider proximity to your base for quick defense, but also ensure it's within a reasonable distance of the nearest Ore fields to minimize Harvester travel time.

The Harvester: Your Resource Collector

Harvesters are automatically produced by the Ore Refinery. Each Refinery can typically support a certain number of Harvesters (often two or three). These units are AI-controlled and will automatically seek out the nearest Ore field, mine it, and return to the Refinery. They are relatively slow and vulnerable, making them prime targets for enemy raids. It's essential to keep an eye on your Harvesters and provide them with protection, especially when they are far from your base.

Strategic Considerations

• Harvester Pathing: Harvesters will automatically find the closest Ore. On maps with multiple Ore patches, you might need to build additional Refineries to utilize them efficiently.
• Defense: Place defensive structures like Guard Towers or basic infantry near your Ore Refineries and Harvester paths. A few well-placed units can deter early harassment.
• Expansion: As your initial Ore fields deplete, you'll need to expand. This often means building a new Refinery closer to a new Ore deposit. This is a critical juncture where you are vulnerable.
• Harvester Count: Don't over-produce Harvesters. While more can mean faster collection, they also consume credits and can clog up your Refinery if not managed. The optimal number usually depends on the distance to Ore and the number of active Ore fields.
• Sabotage: In Tiberian Dawn, Nod's Stealth Generators can make Harvesters invisible, posing a significant threat. GDI's Ion Cannon can also be used to destroy enemy Refineries.

Table: Unit Stats (Illustrative)

Unit	Cost	Build Time	Health	Primary Function
Ore Refinery	$1000	Medium	High	Resource collection hub
Harvester	(Built by Refinery)	Fast	Medium	Mines and transports Ore

By understanding and implementing these strategies, you'll ensure your economy remains robust, allowing you to out-produce and outmaneuver your opponents on the battlefield.