Scorched Earth

STRATEGY 1991

Scorched Earth, released in 1991 by Wendell Hicken, is a turn-based artillery game that became a staple of early '90s PC gaming. Dubbed “The Mother of All Games,” it pits players against each other in strategic tank battles across destructible, 2D landscapes.

Players take turns adjusting angle, power, and weapon type to land the perfect shot on their opponents, all while contending with wind, terrain, and gravity. A vast arsenal—including napalm, MIRVs, and funky bombs—adds chaos and variety to every match. Customizable settings, AI difficulty, and humorous commentary make each round uniquely unpredictable and entertaining.

Known for its addictive gameplay, quirky humor, and impressive replayability, Scorched Earth is a beloved classic that laid the groundwork for many artillery games that followed. Whether playing solo or with friends, it offered endless hours of explosive fun on even the most modest hardware.

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1991
Developer: Wendell Hicken
Publisher: -

Just play it!

Tip: Press Alt + Enter to toggle fullscreen mode

Quick tips — new to MS-DOS games?

Click inside the game to give it keyboard/mouse focus.
Ctrl + F10 — release or re-capture the mouse cursor.
Saving varies by game — look for Save in the in-game menu (Esc or F1), or try F5 / F7.
Some games use passwords instead of saves — note it down!
Controls are often shown on the game's intro or title screen — don't skip them.
🖥️ CRT filter is on by default for that authentic monitor look. Toggle it with Alt+F7 or the CRT: ON/OFF button in the bottom-right corner of the game. Your preference is remembered.