Classic MS-DOS Strategy Games

Strategy games thrived on MS-DOS, benefiting from the keyboard and mouse interface that PCs offered over consoles. Turn-based games like Civilization and Master of Orion offered deep empire-building and diplomacy, while Dune II and Command & Conquer invented and popularised the real-time strategy genre. City-builders like SimCity and Theme Park gave players creative control over virtual worlds. DOS strategy games rewarded patience, planning and long-term thinking — and many of them still feel remarkably modern to play today.

Games in the "strategy" genre (recently added)

Jagged Alliance
Jagged Alliance – MS-DOS cover art
Jagged Alliance, released in 1995 by Sir-Tech for MS-DOS, is a tactical turn-based strategy game that combines deep gameplay mechanics with a gripping narrative. Set on the tropical island of Metavira, players take on the role of a commander tasked…
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1995
Developer: Madlab Software
Publisher: Sir-Tech

Centurion: Defender of Rome
Centurion: Defender of Rome – MS-DOS cover art
Centurion: Defender of Rome, released in 1990 by Electronic Arts, is a strategy game that places players in the role of a Roman centurion tasked with building and leading the Roman Empire to glory. Combining elements of turn-based strategy,…
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1990
Developer: Bits of Magic
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Warcraft: Orcs & Humans
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans – MS-DOS cover art
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, released in 1994 by Blizzard Entertainment, is a landmark real-time strategy (RTS) game that laid the foundation for one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history. Set in the fantasy world of Azeroth, the game pits the…
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1994
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: -

The Settlers
The Settlers – MS-DOS cover art
The Settlers, released in 1993 by Blue Byte, is a groundbreaking real-time strategy and city-building game that invites players to build and manage a thriving medieval settlement. Players oversee every aspect of their growing community, from…
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1993
Developer: Blue Byte
Publisher: Ubisoft

North & South
North & South – MS-DOS cover art
North & South, released in 1989 by Infogrames, is a unique blend of strategy and action that brings the American Civil War to life with a mix of humor and historical themes. Based on the popular French-Belgian comic series Les Tuniques Bleues, the…
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1990
Developer: Infogrames
Publisher: -

SimCity
SimCity – MS-DOS cover art
SimCity, released in 1989 by Maxis, is a groundbreaking city-building simulation game that pioneered the genre and became an instant classic. In "SimCity," players take on the role of a city planner and mayor, tasked with designing, building, and…
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1989
Developer: Maxis
Publisher: -

Civilization
Civilization – MS-DOS cover art
Sid Meier's Civilization, released in 1991 by MicroProse Software, is a groundbreaking strategy game that set the standard for the 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) genre. In "Civilization," players take on the role of a leader guiding…
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1991
Developer: MicroProse
Publisher: -