Abandonware DOS title

The best turn-based tactics games

Turn-based tactical video games are a genre of strategy games where gameplay is divided into turns, during which players take sequential actions with their units or characters. In turn-based tactical games, players typically control a group of units, such as soldiers, heroes, or specialized characters, and navigate them across a grid-based map or environment. Each turn, players can move their units, attack enemies, use special abilities, or perform other actions within the game's mechanics and rules.

The turn-based nature of these games allows players to carefully consider their options and plan their moves strategically, taking into account factors like terrain, unit strengths and weaknesses, and the overall objectives of the game. Typically, the outcome of battles or encounters is determined by a combination of factors such as unit statistics, positioning, and sometimes random chance. Some well-known examples of turn-based tactical games include the XCOM series, Heroes of Might and Magic series, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Jagged Alliance. 

Most popular turn-based tactics games

Jagged Alliance 2
strategyWindows XP/98/95, Linux, Mac
X-COM: Ufo Defense
strategyDOS
jagged-alliance-2-04

Jagged Alliance 2

Windows XP/98/95LinuxMac1999protected4.3/5 Sir-tech Software
Jagged Alliance 2 is a turn-based tactical role-playing strategy game developed by Sir-Tech and released in 1999 for Windows. It is the sequel to the original Jagged Alliance and has earned a reputation as one of the best games in the turn-based strategy genre.Set in the fictional country of Arulco, Jagged Alliance 2 presents players with the task ...
ufo-5

X-COM: Ufo Defense

DOS1994protected4.3/5 MicroProse Software
UFO: Enemy Unknown (or X-COM: Ufo Defense) is a sci-fi tactical strategy game created by Julian Gollop set in a not-to-distant future where aliens are invading the Earth. The gameplay switches between tactical combat, where you fight aliens in a turn-based fashion, and strategic micromanagement, where you manage your X-COM base and personnel.
peoples-general-06

People's General

Windows XP/98/951998protected4.2/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
sword-of-aragon-05

Sword of Aragon

DOS1989protected4.2/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
steelpanthers-6

Steel Panthers

DOS19954.2/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
Steel Panthers is the first game in the Steel Panthers series. It was released in 1995 by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI). This initial release laid the foundation for the series and introduced players to the turn-based tactical wargame experience that would be further developed in subsequent titles. The game focused on armored warfare and featur...
jagged-alliance-1-10

Jagged Alliance

DOS1994protected4.2/5 Sir-tech Software
age-of-wonders-09

Age of Wonders

Windows XP/98/951999protecteddemo4.2/5 Triumph Studios
conflict-korea-05

Conflict: Korea

DOS1992protected4.2/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
grisby-pacific-war-03

Gary Grigsby's Pacific War

DOS1992protected4.2/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
gulf-strike-04

Gulf Strike

DOS19864.2/5 Microcomputer Games Inc.
ufo2000-03

UFO 2000

WindowsLinux2004freeware4.2/5
jagged-alliance-deadly-games-09

Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games

DOS1996protected4.2/5 Sir-tech Software
lempereur-02

L'Empereur

DOS19914.2/5 KOEI
merchant-colony-07

Merchant Colony

DOS19914.2/5 Impressions Games
perfectgeneral-1

The Perfect General

DOS19914.2/5 White Wolf Productions
The Perfect General is a turn-based strategy military game developed by White Wolf Productions and released in 1991 by Quantun Quality Production. The Perfect General gameplay is quite simple compared to other wargames, but it's based on a solid set of rules and let the players progress at their own pace through missions and scenarios. The Perfect ...
xcom2-7

X-COM: Terror from the Deep

DOS1995protected4.2/5 MicroProse Software
X-COM: Terror from the Deep is a DOS science fiction tactical strategy game, the sequel of one of the most popular DOS games in history X-COM Ufo Defense. Terror from the Deep was designed by Stephen Gross (the X-COM original being designed by Julian Gollop) and was published by MicroProse Software back in 1995. Terror from the deep doesn't change ...
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101: The Airborne Invasion of Normandy

Windows XP/98/9519984.2/5 Empire Interactive
homm3-11

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia

Windows XP/98/951999protected4.2/5 New World Computing
fantasygeneral-1

Fantasy General

DOS1996protected4.2/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
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.
homm2-10

Heroes of Might and Magic II

DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.2/5 New World Computing
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Conflict in Vietnam

DOS19864.2/5 MicroProse Software
spacecrusade-1

Space Crusade

DOS19924.2/5 Gremlin Graphics / Gremlin Interactive
panzer_004

Panzer General

DOS1994protected4.2/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
Panger General is a turn based strategy wargame developed by SSI set in World War 2. The player can choose Axis or Allies and fight against the AI or another human player in more than 30 scenarios on a classic hex based map.
conflict-europe-07

Conflict: Europe

DOS19894.2/5 Personal Software Services
Conflict Europe is an abandoned turn-based top-down strategy game set in Europe. The game was developed by Personal Software Services and released by Mirrorsoft in 1989 for DOS, Amiga and Atari ST.
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Heroes of Might and Magic

DOSWindows XP/98/951995protected4.2/5 New World Computing
xcom3-09

X-COM: Apocalypse

DOSWindows XP/98/951997protected4.1/5 Mythos Software
X-COM: Apocalypse is the third installment of the very popular X-COM franchise. After X-COM: Ufo Defence and Terror From the Deep, fans expected another smash hit. Apocalypse is quite different under many aspects, from gameplay to aesthetics. X-COM Apocalypse was designed by Julian Gollop (the same designer that brought the original X-COM to l...
ums-2-07

UMS 2: Nations at War

DOSMac19904.1/5 Intergalactic Development
v4vmarket_007

V for victory: Market-Garden

DOS1993protected4.1/5 Atomic Games
pacific-general-03

Pacific General

Windows XP/98/951997protected4.1/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
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V for victory: Gold-Juno-Sword

DOS1993protected4.1/5 Atomic Games