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 (by rating)

Warlords II Deluxe
Warlords II Deluxe – MS-DOS cover art
Warlords II Deluxe, released in 1995 by Strategic Studies Group, is an enhanced version of the classic turn-based strategy game that immerses players in epic fantasy warfare. Set in a richly detailed world of swords, sorcery, and conquest, players…
Genre: Strategy
Release: 1995
Developer: Strategic Studies Group
Publisher: -

Defender of the Crown
Defender of the Crown – MS-DOS cover art
Defender of the Crown, released in 1986 by Cinemaware, is a visually striking strategy game set in the turbulent era of medieval England. Combining turn-based strategy, action, and cinematic storytelling, players assume the role of a Saxon noble…
Genre: Strategy
Release: 1986
Developer: Cinemaware
Publisher: -

Master of Orion
Master of Orion – MS-DOS cover art
Master of Orion, released in 1993 by MicroProse, is a genre-defining 4X strategy game that invites players to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate their way to galactic dominance. Set in a vast and procedurally generated universe, the game puts…
Genre: Strategy
Release: 1993
Developer: Simtex
Publisher: MicroProse

Battle Isle 2
Battle Isle 2 – MS-DOS cover art
Battle Isle 2, released in 1994 by Blue Byte, is a turn-based strategy game that continues the sci-fi conflict on the planet Chromos. As the commander of the Drullian forces, players are tasked with repelling the invading Titan-Net army across a…
Genre: Strategy
Release: 1994
Developer: Blue Byte
Publisher: -

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

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: -

Theme Hospital
Theme Hospital – MS-DOS cover art
Theme Hospital is a classic isometric management simulation developed by Bullfrog Productions and released for MS-DOS in 1997. As a hospital administrator, the player is tasked with building, expanding, and managing a fully functional medical…
Genre: Strategy
Release: 1997
Developer: Bullfrog Productions
Publisher: Electronic Arts

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: -