Abandonware DOS title

Open world games

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

Elona
rpgWindows XP/98/95
albion-4

Albion

DOSWindows XP/98/9519954.2/5 Blue Byte Software
Albion is a science fiction role-playing game (RPG) developed and published by German studio Blue Byte Software. It was released in 1995 for MS-DOS and later for Amiga. Albion is notable for its blend of traditional RPG elements with a unique setting and storyline.The game takes place on the planet Albion, a world with a rich history and diver...
aleshar-05

Aleshar World of Ice

DOS19973.8/5
alphaman-02

AlphaMan

DOS19953.7/5
amberstar-08

Amberstar

DOS19924/5 Thalion
Amberstar is a fantasy old school RPG very similar to Ultima 6 that uses a top-down view for interiors and small locations and a first person pseudo 3D view for everything else. Unfortunately, the sequel (called Ambermoon) was available for Amiga only and no version existed for DOS or Windows. Amberstar was developed and published by Thalion for DO...
anachronox-06

Anachronox

Windows XP/98/952001protected4.1/5 Ion Storm
arcanum-10

Arcanum: of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

DOS2001protected4.2/5 Troika Games
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is a classic role-playing game developed by Troika Games and published by Sierra On-Line. It was released in 2001 for Microsoft Windows. The game is set in a unique steampunk fantasy world where magic and technology coexist, often in conflict.Players assume the role of a customizable protagonist who starts ...
arctic-fox-05

Arctic Fox

DOS19873.9/5 Dynamix
ascii-sector-02

Ascii Sector

Windows 10/11LinuxDOS2007freeware4.1/5
auto-duel-05

Autoduel

DOS19853.9/5 Origin Systems
Autoduel is an abandoned top-down open world post apocalyptic RPG/driving game hybrid designed by Chuck Bueche and Richard Garriott of Ultima fame. Autoduel was developed by Origin Systems and was released in 1985 for DOS, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST, C64, Apple II, Macintosh, Amiga. Autoduel is based on a board game designed by Steve Jackson himself.
bad-blood-03

Bad Blood

DOS19904.2/5 Origin Systems
blades-exile-02

Blades of Exile

Windows 3.xMac OSWindows XP/98/951997freeware4/5 Spiderweb Software
Blades of Exile is a classic role-playing video game developed by Spiderweb Software. It's the third installment in the "Exile" series. The game was released in 1997 for Mac OS, and later for Windows in 1998.In Blades of Exile, players control a party of adventurers who explore the underground world of Exile/Avernum, a vast network of caves and dun...
bloodstone-3

Bloodstone: an Epic Dwarven Tale

DOS19934/5 Mindcraft Software
captainblood-2

Captain Blood

DOSMac OS19883.9/5 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 players take on the role of Captain Blood, a human abducted by an alien race known as the Thiiny. The gameplay revolves a...
challenge-of-the-five-realms-5

Challenge of the Five Realms

DOS1992protected3.8/5 MicroProse Software
crazy-taxi-01

Crazy Taxi

Windows XP/98/9520024.1/5 Sega
Crazy Taxi is an abandoned driving / racing game developed by Sega and released by Activision in 2002 for Windows and other platforms (it's an arcade conversion). Crazy Taxi is set in a city full of potential passengers: get them on your taxi and drive them to various destinations in time.
daemonsgate-05

Daemonsgate

Windows XP/98/95DOSLinuxMac OS1993protected3.9/5 Imagitec Design
darklands-3

Darklands

DOSLinuxWindows XP/98/95Mac OS1992protected4/5 MicroProse Software
Darklands was a unique historical isometric RPG that mixed real historical data from medieval Germany during the 15th century with a touch of folklore and fantasy. Unfortunately it was also the only Microprose RPG of that kind and beauty. The original game box contained a huge manual with info on european folklore (including the live...
demons-winter-2

Demon's Winter

DOS1989protected3.8/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
disciples-of-steel-04

Disciples of Steel

DOS19943.9/5
divine-divinity-01

Divine Divinity

Windows 10/11Mac OS2002protected4.3/5 Larian Studios
Divine Divinity is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by Larian Studios and released in 2002. It's the first game in the Divinity series, which has since expanded with several sequels and spin-offs. The game is set in a fantasy world called Rivellon, which is threatened by the rise of an evil force known as the Black Ring. Players take on the role...
dont-go-alone-03

Don't Go Alone

DOS19894/5 Sterling Silver Software
doomdark-revenge-01

Doomdark's Revenge

DOS19853.9/5 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 the sequel to the earlier game Lords of Midnight and is known for its unique combination of strategy, adventure, and story...
dragon-strike-07

Dragon Strike

DOS1990protected3.4/5 Westwood Studios
dungeons-of-kairn-02

Dungeons of Kairn

DOS19893.6/5
elite-1

Elite

DOS1987freeware4.1/5 Firebird
eliteplus-5

Elite Plus

DOS1991freeware4/5 Realtime Games
elona-02

Elona

Windows XP/98/952007freeware4.3/5
Elona (short for Eternal League of Nefia) is a free roguelike RPG developed by Japanese indie developer named Noa in 2007. Its gameplay combines elements of open-world exploration, dungeon crawling, and life simulation. It has complex gameplay mechanics, and high replayability. Elona offers a sandbox world where players can pursue various role...
entomorph-05

Entomorph: Plague Of The Darkfall

Windows XP/98/95Windows 3.xMac OS1995protected3.9/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.