The best 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.
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Jagged Alliance 2
Windows XP/98/95LinuxMac OS1999protected4.3/5 turn-based tactics
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 ...
Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes
Windows XP/98/9519974.3/5 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 Heroes is part of the Warlords game series and features quite a few multiplayer modes: from LAN to PBEM.
X-COM: Ufo Defense
DOS1994protected4.3/5 turn-based tactics
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.
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.
Twilight 2000
DOS19914.3/5 board game, real-time tactics, wargame
War of the Lance
DOS1990protected4.3/5 wargame
Space Hulk
DOS19934.3/5 board game, real-time tactics
Space Hulk is an abandoned real-time tactical strategy game set in the Warhammer 40000 universe, developed and released by Electronic Arts in 1993 for DOS and Amiga systems. In Space Hulk, the player is tasked with wiping out hordes of aliens by the means of a squad of Space Marines armored and armed to the teeth. Space Hulk is the adaptation...
Empire Earth
Windows XP/98/952001protected4.3/5 real-time strategy
Empire Earth is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Stainless Steel Studios and released by Sierra Entertainment in 2001. It's often compared to the "Age of Empires" series due to its similar gameplay mechanics and historical setting. However, "Empire Earth" stands out with its unique concept of spanning the entire history of mankind, from...
Jagged Alliance
DOS1994protected4.3/5 turn-based tactics
Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye
DOS19954.3/5 kingdom simulation
Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye is a strategy video game developed by KOEI and released in 1995. It is set in a mythical version of ancient Ireland and draws heavily from Celtic mythology, particularly focusing on the legendary figure Balor of the Evil Eye. Players take on the role of a clan leader, managing their tribe's resources, engagi...
Global Conquest
DOS19924.3/5 board game
Lords of Midnight: The Citadel
DOS19954.3/5 first-person party-based RPG
Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings
Windows XP/98/951999protecteddemo4.2/5 real-time strategy
Colonization
DOSWindows 3.xLinuxMac OS1994protected4.2/5 4x
Colonization is a turn-based strategy 4x game developed and published by MicroProse in 1994 for DOS, Windows 3.1, Linux and Mac. The setting is the European Colonization of the New World. Colonization gameplay and interface are similar to Civilization, another Sid Meier game. However, there are some differences between Civilization and Colonization...
Civilization
DOSWindows 3.xMac OS19914.2/5 4x
Civilization is the critically acclaimed strategy game designed by Sid Meier and Bruce Campbell Shelley that became a staple in 4X turn-based strategy. Civilization was developed by MicroProse Software and released in 1991 for DOS, Windows 3.x, Amiga, Atari ST, Mac, etc. Civilization was followed by sequels, the last one being published recently. T...
Ogre
DOS19864.2/5 wargame, board game
Sword of Aragon
DOS1989protected4.2/5 4x, kingdom simulation, turn-based tactics
Mega lo Mania
DOS19924.2/5 god game, real-time strategy
Mega lo Mania, also known as Mega-Lo-Mania: The Battle for Elysium in some regions, is a real-time strategy (RTS) video game developed by Sensible Software and published by Image Works. It was originally released in 1991 for various platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS, and later on other systems like the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive). The ...
Battle Chess
DOS1988protected4.2/5 board game, chess
Chess was a niche genre in video gaming. There were lots of chess simulations: black and white very old games, licensed games from chess champions, etc. No one ever attempted to broaden the audience until Interplay published Battle Chess. Battle Chess appeal was almost entirely focused on the animations when two pieces ended on the same square.
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...
Dogs of War
Windows XP/98/951996demo4.2/5 wargame, board game
People's General
Windows XP/98/951998protected4.2/5 wargame, turn-based tactics
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines
Windows XP/98/951998protected4.2/5 real-time tactics
Populous 2: Trials of the Olympian Gods
DOSMac OS1993protected4.2/5 sandbox strategy, god game, real-time strategy
Populous 2: Trials of the Olympian Gods is an old sandbox strategy god-game. As the title suggests, the setting is more of less ancient Greek mythology and you're a god (hence the god-game label). Populous 2 is the sequel of the much acclaimed Populous, designed by Peter Molineaux. Populous 2 was developed by Bullfrog and published by Electronic Ar...
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.
Cave Wars
DOS19964.2/5 real-time tactics
Dominium
DOS19924.2/5 real-time strategy
Age of Wonders
Windows XP/98/951999protecteddemo4.2/5 turn-based tactics
Strip Poker Deluxe
DOS1994NSFW4.2/5 cards
Dune 2000
Windows XP/98/9519984.2/5 real-time strategy
Dune 2000 is an abandoned science fiction classic real-time strategy game based on the popular Dune franchise. The Dune "universe" took form in the books of science fiction writer Frank Herbert and went on to include movies, TV series, comics, and of course video games. Dune 2000 is one of the finest RTS of its era; it was developed by We...