The most popular abandonware strategy games
Games based on strategy allow for reasoning and planning of one’s moves and actions. The gameplay may be based on player’s turns (Turn-based Strategy) or it may be in real time (Real-Time Strategy, RTS). These games focus on strategy and tactics rather than action, sometimes with the addition of financial or logistic features.
Sort by:
Ambush at Sorinor
DOS1993 real-time strategy, real-time tactics
In Ambush at Sorinor, tactics meet fantasy in a land where ambushing people is apparently the national sport. You’re a mercenary commander picking the right team to win missions and not get horribly skewered. Battles play ou...
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel
Windows XP/98/952001protecteddemo real-time tactics
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel is a tactical role-playing game published by Interplay Entertainment in 2001. Unlike its predecessors, which were traditional RPGs with turn-based combat, Fallout Tactics took a different appr...
Battle Bugs
DOS1994 real-time tactics
What if ants could use bazookas and beetles had battle plans? Battle Bugs answers this crucial question by turning your screen into a war zone where tiny insects wage strategic warfare over leftovers. The stakes are high and the t...
The Ancient Art of War at Sea
DOS1987 real-time strategy
Syndicate Wars
DOSWindows XP/98/95Mac OS1996protected real-time tactics
Syndicate Wars is the sequel to the much acclaimed Syndicate developed by Bullfrog in its golden years. Like its predecessor, Syndicate Wars is a real-time tactics strategy game set in a cyberpunk dystopian world involving excessi...
Armada 2525
DOS1991 4x
Armada 2525 is what happens when a spreadsheet decides it wants to conquer the galaxy. This is classic 4X strategy with all the bells, whistles, and menus your early '90s heart could desire. You’ll build colonies, research t...
Cossacks: The Art of War
Windows XP/98/952001protected real-time strategy, real-time tactics
Star Command
DOS1988protected space exploration, turn-based tactics
Annals of Rome
DOS1988 kingdom simulation
In Annals of Rome, you don’t just play history — you command it, badly. This 1988 strategy title lets you take control of the Roman Empire and try to keep it from falling apart, which it will, probably because you let ...
Robo Rumble
Windows XP/98/951998 real-time strategy
Chessmaster 3000
DOS1991 chess
Cultures
Windows XP/98/952000protected sandbox strategy, real-time strategy
Jagged Alliance
DOS1994protected turn-based tactics
Command HQ
DOSMac OS1990 wargame, real-time strategy
Command HQ was developed by Microplay Software. It was one of the early real-time strategy (RTS) games and focused on global warfare, allowing players to control armies, fleets, and economies in various historical and futuristic s...
Fantasy General
DOS1996protected turn-based tactics
Fantasy General is a hex-based turn-based strategy fantasy wargame. The player can duel either against a computer or a human opponent or even take part in a longer campaign. There are two sides to chose from, one good and one evil...
Joan of Arc
DOS1989 turn-based tactics
Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes
Windows XP/98/951997 4x, wargame
Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes is an abandoned turn-based fantasy strategy game designed by Steve Fawkner, developed by SSG Strategic Studies Group and released by Red Orb Entertainment in 1997 for Windows. Warlords 3: Reign of Heroe...
Liero
DOS1999freeware artillery
Emperor of the Fading Suns
Windows XP/98/951996 4x
Lords of Conquest
DOS1987 board game
221B Baker Street
DOS1986 board game
You are Sherlock Holmes, and someone has committed a crime, possibly because they couldn’t handle the game’s UI. 221B Baker Street is a detective board game where your mind is your only weapon. And also a notepad, beca...
Chess
DOS1981 chess
Dogs of War
Windows XP/98/951996demo wargame, board game
Unnatural Selection
DOS1993 real-time tactics
Star Wars Chess
DOSWindows 3.x1993 chess
Cannon Fodder
DOS1994protected real-time tactics
War never changes—but it does get oddly cute in Cannon Fodder. Guide your tiny commandos through missions filled with explosions, carnage, and dark humor. The game mixes arcade action with light strategy, and the body count ...
Gary Grigsby's Pacific War
DOS1992protected wargame, turn-based tactics
Dungeon Keeper 2
Windows XP/98/95Mac OS1997protected sandbox strategy, god game, real-time strategy
Battle Chess 2: Chinese Chess
DOS1990protected chess
In Battle Chess 2: Chinese Chess (1990), the classic formula gets an eastern makeover—complete with new rules, a new board, and a fresh batch of animated fatalities. If you thought regular chess was confusing, welcome to xia...
V for Victory: D-day Utah Beach
DOS1991protected wargame, turn-based tactics