Abandonware DOS title

Open world games sorted by release date

An open-world video game is a genre of video game where the player is given a large, expansive virtual world (or universe) to explore and interact with. In contrast to linear games that follow a predetermined path or level-based progression, open-world games typically offer freedom and non-linearity, allowing players to roam and engage with the game world at their own pace.

Open-world games often feature vast landscapes or cities that can be freely traversed, and they often include a variety of activities, missions, or quests for players to undertake. These games commonly provide a range of gameplay options, such as exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, character development, and interacting with non-player characters (NPCs).

Popular examples of open-world games include The Elder Scrolls series (e.g., Morrowind), the Grand Theft Auto series, Ultima 7, Darklands, and Star Control 2, among many others.

Most popular open world games

ultima1-3

Ultima 1: The First Age of Darkness

DOS1981 Origin Systems
Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness is a seminal role-playing video game developed by Richard Garriott and released by California Pacific Computer Company in 1981. It is the first game in the long-running and influential Ultima se...
ultima2-08

Ultima 2: Revenge of the Enchantress

DOS1983 Origin Systems
The second chapter of the Ultima saga is much similar to the first one (same top down visual, same dungeon 3d visual, same gameplay), although there are many small improvements. The series begins to take the shape of the detailed,...
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Lords of Midnight

DOS1984remake Beyond Software
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Autoduel

DOS1985 Origin Systems
What do you get when you mix Mad Max, Car Wars, and a fondness for vehicular homicide? You get Autoduel (1985, DOS), a top-down driving RPG where your car is your castle and your guns are your diplomatic policy. Part racing game, ...
doomdark-revenge-01

Doomdark's Revenge

DOS1985 Beyond Software
Doomdark's Revenge is a strategy and role-playing video game developed by Mike Singleton and originally released in 1985 for DOS and various home computer systems, including the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and Commodore 64. It is th...
ultima3-2

Ultima 3: Exodus

DOSMac OS1985 Origin Systems
Ultima III: Exodus is a role-playing video game developed by Richard Garriott and published by Origin Systems. It was released in 1983 for the Apple II and later ported to various other platforms such as the Commodore 64, MS-DOS, ...
ultima4-6

Ultima 4: Quest of the Avatar

DOS1985freeware Origin Systems
Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar is one of the most influential and innovative role-playing games (RPGs) in video game history. Released in 1985 by Richard Garriott under the Origin Systems banner, it is the fourth installment of th...
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Psi 5 Trading Company

DOS1986protected Distinctive Software
starflight-3

Starflight

DOS1986 Binary Systems
Starflight is a classic space exploration and role-playing video game released in 1986 by Binary Systems and published by Electronic Arts. It is known for its innovative gameplay, as well as its open-ended approach to space explor...
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Arctic Fox

DOS1987 Dynamix
Tank controls + polar bears + Cold War vibes = Arctic Fox. In this early vehicular combat sim, you're piloting a futuristic snow tank across an icy wasteland to stop some aliens or Russians or alien Russians. The plot is thin, the...
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Elite

DOS1987freeware Firebird
pirates-2

Sid Meier's Pirates!

DOS1987protected MicroProse Software
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Starlord

DOS1987
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Tau Ceti

DOS1987 Thunder Mountain
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The Faery Tale Adventure: Book I

DOS1987 MicroIllusions
captainblood-2

Captain Blood

DOSMac OS1988 ERE Informatique
Captain Blood is a space exploration video game released in 1988. It was developed by the French company ERE Informatique, and it was designed by Philippe Ulrich and Didier Bouchon. The game is set in a futuristic universe, where ...
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Galdregon's Domain

DOS1988 Pandora
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Ultima 5: Warriors of Destiny

DOS1988 Origin Systems
Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny is a role-playing video game developed and published by Origin Systems in 1988. It is the fifth installment in the highly influential Ultima series, created by Richard Garriott. Initially release...
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Wasteland

DOS1988protected Interplay Productions
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Demon's Winter

DOS1989protected SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
dont-go-alone-03

Don't Go Alone

DOS1989 Sterling Silver Software
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Knights of Legend

DOS1989 Origin Systems
Knights of Legend is a tactical role-playing game (RPG) released by Origin Systems in 1989 for MS-DOS, the Apple II, and the Commodore 64. Known for its complex gameplay and strategic depth, the game provides a turn-based combat e...
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Legacy of the Ancients

DOS1989 Quest Software
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Miami Vice

DOS1989 Capstone Software
The Miami Vice game developed by Capstone Software and released in 1989 for MS-DOS was an action-strategy game based on the popular TV show. Unlike other arcade-style adaptations, this version had a unique blend of driving, strate...
spacerogue-2

Space Rogue

DOS1989 Origin Systems
Space Rogue is a science fiction RPG developed by Richard Garriott's Origin and desined by Paul Neurath. Space Rogue combines a 3D space simulation with a top down view RPG gameplay. As a space pilot you can hunt bou...
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Tangled Tales

DOS1989 Origin Systems
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The Magic Candle

DOS1989 Mindcraft Software
The Magic Candle: Volume 1 is the first chapter of a series of fantasy old school RPGs. The Magic Candle was developed and released by Mindcraft Software in 1989 for DOS but was also published for Apple II and Commodore 64. The wh...
timesoflore-4

Times of Lore

DOS1989 Origin Systems
Times of Lore is an abandoned action RPG designed by Chris Roberts, developed and released by Origin Systems in 1989 for DOS and many more 8 bit and 16 bit platforms. Compared to Ultima (the much more popular franchise also by Ori...