List of Real-time strategy games on DOS

Enter the realm of MS-DOS Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games, where strategic thinking, resource management, and tactical decision-making reign supreme. The RTS genre offers players the opportunity to lead armies, build civilizations, and engage in epic battles in real-time. In this article, we’ll define the essence of RTS games on MS-DOS, explore the early popular titles, and compile a list of the most captivating RTS games that have left a lasting mark on the platform.

Real-time strategy
Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty
Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty
1992
Real-time strategy
Dungeon Keeper
Dungeon Keeper
1997
Real-time strategy
Command & Conquer
Command & Conquer
1995

Defining the Real-Time Strategy Genre:

The Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre involves controlling and managing units, resources, and structures in real-time to achieve victory. Players must balance strategic planning with swift execution to outmaneuver opponents and achieve their goals. On the historic platform of MS-DOS, RTS games provided players with immersive and complex experiences that required both strategic thinking and quick reflexes.

Early Popular RTS Games on MS-DOS:

  • Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty (1992): A landmark title that established many RTS conventions, set in the Dune universe and allowing players to control different factions.
  • Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994): The first entry in the iconic Warcraft series, where players commanded either orcs or humans in a fantasy world.
  • Command & Conquer (1995): A game that introduced the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and Brotherhood of Nod factions, setting the stage for a successful series.

List of Best Real-Time Strategy Games on MS-DOS:

  • Age of Empires (1997): A historical RTS game that allowed players to build civilizations from ancient times to the Middle Ages, emphasizing resource management and expansion.
  • StarCraft (1998): A sci-fi RTS game featuring three distinct factions, each with unique units and strategies, and a compelling single-player campaign.
  • Dark Reign: The Future of War (1997): A game that focused on unit tactics and terrain elevation, offering a gritty and tactical approach to RTS gameplay.
  • KKND: Krush Kill ‘n Destroy (1997): A post-apocalyptic RTS game where players battled across a ravaged Earth, commanding human survivors or mutant factions.
  • Total Annihilation (1997): A game known for its large-scale battles and innovative features, such as 3D terrain and a variety of unit types.

In conclusion, the world of Real-Time Strategy games on MS-DOS puts you in the commander’s seat, requiring you to make strategic decisions that shape the course of battles and civilizations. These games challenge your ability to manage resources, plan tactics, and outsmart opponents in the heat of real-time action. Whether you’re leading historical armies or futuristic factions, MS-DOS RTS games offer an intellectually stimulating and thrilling gaming experience.