Abandonware DOS title

The most popular 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
Heroes of Might and Magic II
strategyDOS, Windows XP/98/95
X-COM: Ufo Defense
strategyDOS

Turn-based tactics games

  • jagged-alliance-2-04
    Windows XP/98/95LinuxMac1999protected4.3/5 Sir-tech Software

    I'm a fan of the original X-COM. I think it's one of the best turn-based tactics games ever released for DOS. Unfortunately, games like X-COM are not many. Jagged Alliance 2 has a similar tactical component: you give turn-based orders to a team of mercenaries, mission after mission. There's no management component (at least not as extensive as in t...

  • homm2-10
    DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.2/5 New World Computing
  • ufo-5
    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.

  • kingsbounty-1
    DOSMac19904/5 New World Computing
  • 101-invasion-normandy-05
    Windows XP/98/9519984.2/5 Empire Interactive
  • homm3-11
    Windows XP/98/951999protected4.2/5 New World Computing
  • panzer_004
    DOS1994protected4.1/5 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.

  • frontline-v14-01
    DOS19903/5 Cases Computer Simulations
  • panzerl-general-2-08
    Windows XP/98/951997protected4/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
  • heroesmightmagic1-6
    DOSWindows XP/98/951995protected4.2/5 New World Computing
  • starcommand-4
    DOS1988protected4/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
  • spacecrusade-1
    DOS19924.2/5 Gremlin Graphics / Gremlin Interactive
  • age-of-wonders-09
    Windows XP/98/951999protected4.2/5 Triumph Studios
  • empire-deluxe-07
    DOSWindows 3.x19934/5 White Wolf Productions
  • clash-of-steel-07
    DOS1993protected4/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
  • civilwar-1
    DOS19873.3/5 Avalon Hill
  • steelpanthers-1
    DOS1995protected4.2/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
  • peoples-general-06
    Windows XP/98/951998protected4.3/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
  • 5th-fleet-07
    DOS19944.3/5
  • fantasygeneral-1
    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.

  • jagged-alliance-1-10
    DOS1994protected4.2/5 Sir-tech Software
  • fantasy-empires-07
    DOS1993protected4/5 Silicon Knights
  • lempereur-02
    DOS19914.2/5 KOEI
  • xcom2-7
    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 ...

  • v4vmarket_007
    DOS1993protected4.1/5 Atomic Games
  • ums-1
    DOS19884.1/5 Intergalactic Development
  • crusade-in-europe-01
    DOS19853.9/5 MicroProse Software
  • conflictvietnam-4
    DOS19864.1/5 MicroProse Software
  • decision_desert-05
    DOS19853.8/5 MicroProse Software
  • gary-grisby-war-in-russia-08
    DOS1993protected3.8/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.