Abandonware DOS title

Classic Windows XP/98/95 games

At the end of the DOS era, as personal computing evolved, the industry shifted towards the latest offerings from Microsoft in terms of Operating Systems. This transition marked a significant milestone as PCs began to adopt Windows, with version 3.1 heralding a new era of computing. With its user-friendly interface and enhanced capabilities, Windows quickly gained traction, captivating the attention of both users and software developers alike.

The subsequent releases of Windows, notably Windows 95, 98, and Windows XP, marked significant milestones in the evolution of gaming on the PC platform. Titles like Age of Empires and the Civilization series exemplified the newfound potential of gaming on Windows.

However, with progress came challenges, and one of the most persistent issues was backward compatibility. As newer versions of Windows were introduced, ensuring compatibility with legacy games became increasingly complex. Attempting to run older games on modern Windows systems often proved to be a daunting task, fraught with technical hurdles and compatibility issues. In many cases, resorting to emulation software, such as MS-DOS emulators, became the preferred method for running DOS-based games on modern hardware.

For enthusiasts determined to experience the nostalgia of older Windows games on contemporary PCs, options were limited. The most reliable approach involved installing them directly on older versions of Windows or, for those with technical expertise, setting up and configuring a Virtual Machine environment.

The best Windows games on Abandonware DOS

moo2-administratoroffer

Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares

#1 Top game!strategy1996 4.29/5
SimTex / MicroProse Software
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.
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Wizardry 7: Crusaders of the Dark Savant

#2 Top game!rpg1992 4.26/5
Sir-tech Software / Sir-tech Software
Wizardry VII: Crusaders of the Dark Savant is a first-person perspective party-based RPG developed and released by Sir-tech Software in 1992 for Windows, Linux and DOS. Wizardry 7 is the seventh chapter in the Wizardry series and it's part of the Dark Savant trilogy, set in a world where sci-fi themes (space travel, androids) are mixed with fantasy themes (weapons and armors, magic).
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Capitalism 2

#3 Top game!simulation2001 4.25/5
Ensemble Studios / UBI Soft
If spreadsheets are your love language, Capitalism 2 is pure romance. This brutally detailed simulation lets you create your own corporate empire from scratch—manufacturing, retail, real estate, stock markets... even farming, if you're feeling rustic. You’ll spend hours tweaking supply chains, monitoring trends, and wondering why your sneaker factory is bleeding cash. Dry? Absolutely. Compelling? Like a financial black hole. It’s Monopoly for the criminally detail-oriented. MBA not required, but recommended.
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Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings

strategy1999demo 4.25/5
Ensemble Studios / Microsoft
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Interstate '76

racing1997 4.25/5
Activision / Activision
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Quake

shooter1996demo 4.24/5
id software / id software
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Carmageddon

racing1997 4.23/5
Stainless Games / SCi Games
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Civilization 2

strategy1996 4.23/5
MicroProse Software / MicroProse Software
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Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars

adventure2009 4.23/5
Revolution Software / UBI Soft
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Road Rash

racing1996 4.23/5
Papyrus Design Group / Electronic Arts
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Jagged Alliance 2

strategy1999 4.23/5
Sir-tech Software / TopWare Interactive
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SimCity 2000

simulation1993 4.22/5
Maxis / Maxis
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Caesar 3

simulation1998 4.22/5
Impressions Games / Sierra On-Line
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Transport Tycoon Deluxe

simulation1995 4.22/5
Chris Sawyer Productions / MicroProse Software
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The Last Express

adventure1997demo 4.22/5
Smoking Car Productions / Broderbund
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Pharaoh

simulation1999 4.21/5
Impressions Games / Sierra On-Line
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Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia

strategy1999 4.21/5
New World Computing / The 3DO Company
dune2000-splash

Dune 2000

strategy1998 4.20/5
Westwood Studios / Virgin Interactive
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Age of Empires

strategy1997demo 4.20/5
Ensemble Studios / Microsoft
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Phantasmagoria

adventure1995demo 4.19/5
Sierra On-Line / Sierra On-Line
The game on this page are the highest-rated by visitors of Abandonware DOS. The selection is continually updated based on user ratings and popularity.
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