The First Tiberium War between the GDI and the sinister Brotherhood of Nod is nearing its end. In an attempt to revert the scales of war to their favor, the brotherhood kidnaps top three Tiberium research specialists. The GDI commando Captain Nick "Havoc" Parker is sent on a mission to rescue the scientists. As he battles the forces of the Brotherhood on the way to his objective, the Captain discovers the abductors' true intention, and realizes that the outcome of the entire war depends on the success of his mission.

Command & Conquer: Renegade is a first-person 3D shooter set in the Command & Conquer universe. Game progression is mission-driven; most missions have primary, secondary, and tertiary objectives. A few drivable vehicles are available. Though the gameplay does not deviate from traditional FPS formula, scripted events and some of the mission objectives share common themes and features with the real-time strategy games of the series. The multiplayer emulates RTS gameplay to a larger extent, putting players in control of either GDI or the Brotherhood forces, and requiring them to harvest tiberium in order to upgrade the armies.