Classic MS-DOS RPG Games

The MS-DOS era was a golden age for role-playing games. Computer RPGs on DOS ranged from grid-based dungeon crawlers like Wizardry and Might & Magic, to open-world epics like Ultima VII and the early Fallout games. Developers like Origin Systems, New World Computing and Interplay Productions pushed the boundaries of character systems, branching narratives and persistent worlds. Many foundational RPG conventions — experience points, party management, inventory systems — were refined and popularised on DOS machines in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Games in the RPG genre (recently added)

Anvil of Dawn

Anvil of Dawn – MS-DOS cover art
Anvil of Dawn is a classic first-person dungeon crawler released for MS-DOS in 1995 by New World Computing. Set in a dark fantasy realm threatened by chaos, the game casts players as a lone hero chosen to confront the malevolent warlord who has…
Genre: RPG
Release: 1995
Developer: DreamForge Intertainment
Publisher: New World Computing

Fantasy Empires

Fantasy Empires – MS-DOS cover art
Fantasy Empires is a grand strategy game released in 1993 for MS-DOS by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI), set in the rich and expansive world of the Forgotten Realms. Combining empire management with role-playing elements, the game allows players…
Genre: RPG
Release: 1993
Developer: Silicon Knights
Publisher: Strategic Simulations

Wizardry VII: Crusaders of the Dark Savant

Wizardry VII: Crusaders of the Dark Savant – MS-DOS cover art
Wizardry VII: Crusaders of the Dark Savant is a 1992 MS-DOS role-playing game developed by Sir-Tech and widely regarded as one of the most ambitious entries in the classic Wizardry series. It continues the tradition of first-person, party-based…
Genre: RPG
Release: 1992
Developer: Sir-Tech
Publisher: -

Eye of the Beholder

Eye of the Beholder – MS-DOS cover art
Eye of the Beholder is a legendary first-person dungeon crawler released for MS-DOS in 1991 by Westwood Associates and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc.. Set in the famous Dungeons & Dragons world of Forgotten Realms, the game sends a party…
Genre: RPG
Release: 1991
Developer: Westwood Studios
Publisher: Strategic Simulations

Ishar 3: The Seven Gates of Infinity

Ishar 3: The Seven Gates of Infinity – MS-DOS cover art
Ishar 3: The Seven Gates of Infinity is a 1994 MS-DOS role-playing game developed and published by Silmarils. It is the third installment in the Ishar series and continues the studio’s signature blend of first-person exploration, party-based…
Genre: RPG
Release: 1994
Developer: Silmarils
Publisher: -

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar – MS-DOS cover art
Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar is a landmark fantasy role-playing game released by Origin Systems for MS-DOS in 1985. Set in the realm of Britannia, it moves beyond the traditional quest to defeat a single evil villain and instead challenges the…
Genre: RPG
Release: 1985
Developer: Origin Systems
Publisher: -

Ishar: Legend of the Fortress

Ishar: Legend of the Fortress – MS-DOS cover art
Ishar: Legend of the Fortress is a fantasy role-playing game developed and published by the French studio Silmarils in 1992. Set on the island of Kendoria, the story follows the warrior Aramir on his quest to defeat the evil sorcerer Krogh, who has…
Genre: RPG
Release: 1992
Developer: Silmarils
Publisher: -