Abandonware strategy games sorted by release date
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.
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Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness
DOS1995protected4.2/5 real-time strategy
Warlords 2 Deluxe
DOS19953.6/5 4x
Worms
DOS1995protecteddemo4.2/5 artillery
X-COM: Terror from the Deep
DOS1995protected4.1/5 turn-based tactics
X-COM: Terror from the Deep is a DOS science fiction tactical strategy game and the sequel to one of the most popular DOS games in history, X-COM: UFO Defense. Terror from the Deep was designed by Stephen Goss (the original X-COM was designed by Julian Gollop) and was published by MicroProse Software in 1995. Terror from the Deep doesn't change the...
Battlestar
Windows 3.x1996freeware3.8/5 board game
Birthright: The Gorgon's Alliance
Windows XP/98/9519964.2/5 board game, kingdom simulation
Blood & Magic
DOS19963.9/5 real-time strategy
Cave Wars
DOS19964.2/5 real-time tactics
Chaos Overlords
Windows XP/98/95Mac OS1996protected3.2/5 board game
Civilization 2
Windows XP/98/9519964.2/5 4x
Civilization II is a turn-based strategy game developed by MicroProse and released in 1996. It's the second installment in the "Civilization" series, created by Sid Meier. The game builds upon the concept of its predecessor, Civilization, and expands on its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and depth.In Civilization II, players take on the role of a le...
Command & Conquer: Red Alert
DOS1996freeware4/5 real-time strategy
Command & Conquer: Red Alert is a real-time strategy (RTS) video game developed by Westwood Studios and published by Virgin Interactive in 1996. It is part of the Command & Conquer series and is set in an alternate history where World War II never occurred, leading to a different global conflict.The success of Red Alert led to several seque...
Conquest of the New World (Deluxe Edition)
DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.2/5 4x
Conquest of the new world is a turn-based strategy game that lets you control one of 6 different nations in their attempt to colonize the new continent. The gameworld is represented in an isometric point of view. Combat is a mini-game taking place on a battlefield where victory can be achieved by killing enemy troops or capturing the enemy's flag.
Deadlock: Planetary Conquest
Windows XP/98/95Windows 3.x1996protected4.1/5 4x
Dogs of War
Windows XP/98/951996demo4.2/5 wargame, board game
Emperor of the Fading Suns
Windows XP/98/9519964/5 4x
Fantasy General
DOS1996protected4.2/5 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, each with unique and colorful units.
Genocide
DOS1996freeware3.9/5 artillery
Heroes of Might and Magic II
DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.2/5 turn-based tactics
Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games
DOS1996protected4.2/5 turn-based tactics
Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares
DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.3/5 4x
Master of Orion II is a 4X turn-based sci-fi strategy game set in space. Master of Orion 2 gives the player an empire to run by controlling food and production, managing economy and researching new technology. The player can wage war against other races or use spies and diplomacy to achieve victory.
Over the Reich
Windows XP/98/95Windows 3.x19963.9/5 wargame
Star Control 3
DOS1996protected4/5 shoot 'em up
Star General
Windows XP/98/95DOS1996protected4.2/5 turn-based tactics, wargame
Star General is a turn-based strategy game developed by Catware and published by SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.). It was released in 1996 for MS-DOS and later for Windows. The game is set in a science fiction universe where players take command of one of five different factions, each vying for control of the galaxy.In Star General, players comman...
Syndicate Wars
DOSWindows XP/98/95Mac OS1996protected4/5 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 excessive violence, mega-corporations, bleak urban environment. Syndicate Wars also supports a multi-player co-op mode via LAN.
The Settlers II: Veni, Vidi, Vici
DOSMac OS1996protected3.9/5 sandbox strategy, real-time strategy, city building
Z
DOS1996protected4/5 real-time strategy
Z is a real-time strategy game developed by The Bitmap Brothers and originally released in 1996 for MS-DOS. It's known for its fast-paced gameplay, humorous style, and distinctive art design.In Z, players control a robot army across various battlefields, aiming to conquer territories and defeat enemy forces. The game features a tongue-in-cheek narr...
Age of Empires
Windows XP/98/951997protecteddemo4.2/5 real-time strategy
Age of Empires, published by Microsoft and developed by Ensemble Studios, is one of the most popular historical RTS and started a successful series. The player must guide a civilization from prehistory to the iron age, battling other civilizations, building and gathering resources.
Checkers for Windows
Windows 3.x19974.1/5 board game
Combat Chess
Windows XP/98/951997protected3.9/5 chess
Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor
Windows XP/98/9519973.7/5 real-time strategy