D.O.S. games have been a big part of the gaming industry for a long time, giving us some of the most famous and memorable games ever. Even though developers initially made these games for D.O.S. operating systems, many gamers still love them. In 2024, with the widespread use of modern Windows operating systems, it is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing significance of these old games in the gaming world.
In this article, we’ll look at the 20 best DOS games for Windows in 2024 based on how well they work, how popular they are, how good the gameplay and graphics are, and how many times you can play.
What are D.O.S. Games?
DOS games are computer games made to run on the MS-DOS operating system. MS-DOS was a popular operating system for personal computers in the 1980s and 1990s before Windows became the most popular operating system. Most of the time, these games came on floppy disks or CD-ROMs, and players had to type in commands or use the keyboard controls to play. Classic games like Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, Commander Keen, and Prince of Persia are among the most popular DOS games. Even though they are old, D.O.S. games still have a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Many still play them today using emulators or re-releasing versions that work better on newer operating systems.
Brief History of D.O.S. Games?
DOS games have been around since the beginning of personal computers in the 1980s. MS-DOS, which stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System, was the most popular operating system for IBM-compatible PCs at the time. It lets people use a command-line interface to talk to their computers. During the 1980s and 1990s, some creative game designers started making games that only worked on the MS-DOS platform. There were platformers like Commander Keen and Duke Nukem, strategy games like Civilization and SimCity, first-person shooters like Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, and adventure games like The Secret of Monkey Island and King’s Quest.
Throughout the 1990s, DOS games got better graphics and sound, making them more popular. But as Windows became the most popular operating system for personal computers, D.O.S. games became less popular. This happened in the early 2000s.
The Best 20 D.O.S. Games For Windows 2024
DOS games are a throwback to the good old days of P.C. games. Even though they are old, many gamers still have a soft spot for them. This article lists the 20 best D.O.S. Windows games in 2024.
Game Name | Theme | User Rating | Released Year |
Doom | First-person shooter | 9.0 | 1993 |
Wolfenstein 3D | First-person shooter | 8.9 | 1992 |
Commander Keen | Platformer | 8.6 | 1990 |
Prince of Persia | Platformer | 8.5 | 1989 |
Leisure Suit Larry | Adventure | 8.3 | 1987 |
SimCity | Simulation | 8.3 | 1989 |
The Secret of Monkey Island | Adventure | 8.2 | 1990 |
King’s Quest | Adventure | 8.2 | 1984 |
Ultima VII | Role-playing game | 8.1 | 1992 |
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis | Adventure | 8.0 | 1992 |
System Shock | First-person shooter/RPG | 8.0 | 1994 |
Myst | Adventure/Puzzle | 7.9 | 1993 |
X-COM: UFO Defense | Strategy/turn-based tactics | 7.8 | 1994 |
Alone in the Dark | Survival horror | 7.8 | 1992 |
Descent | First-person shooter | 7.8 | 1995 |
Star Wars: Dark Forces | First-person shooter | 7.8 | 1995 |
Civilization | Strategy | 7.8 | 1991 |
Duke Nukem 3D | First-person shooter | 7.7 | 1996 |
Wing Commander | Space combat simulator | 7.7 | 1990 |
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans | Strategy | 7.5 | 1994 |
1. Doom
Doom is an old-school first-person shooter game made by id Software and came out in 1993. It’s known for its fast-paced action, immersive level design, and various weapons. The game takes place in a research center on Mars that demons and other supernatural creatures have taken over.
Players take on the role of an unnamed space marine known as “Doomguy,” who must fight through the facility to stop the invasion and the demons from getting to Earth.
Important Features
- A classic side-scrolling platformer with a quirky sci-fi setting
- Creative-level design and puzzles that require exploration and problem-solving
- Fun, fast-paced action and responsive controls
2. Wolfenstein 3D
Id Software developed Wolfenstein 3D, a first-person shooter game set in Nazi-ruled Germany during World War II, released in 1992. The game is famous for its challenging gameplay, memorable enemies, and iconic music.
Players assume the role of William “B.J.” Blazkowicz, an American spy who must infiltrate Castle Wolfenstein, a Nazi fortress.
Important Features
- Innovative, fluid animation that sets it apart from other platformers of its time
- Challenging gameplay that requires precise timing and careful planning
- Immersive story and setting inspired by Persian mythology and fairy tales
3. Commander Keen
The classic platform game Commander Keen was made by id Software in 1990. It’s known for its bright graphics, funny tone, and challenging gameplay. Players must get through levels full of enemies and obstacles.
Players take on the role of Billy Blaze, a young genius boy who must save the universe from the Vorticons, an alien race.
Important Features
- Platforming gameplay
- Colorful graphics
- Humorous tone
4. Prince of Persia
The action-adventure game Prince of Persia was made by Jordan Mechner and came out in 1989. It is known for its smooth movement and combat, immersive atmosphere, and puzzle-solving elements.
Players take on the role of a prince who must get through a series of levels with traps, enemies, and puzzles to save his beloved princess from the evil Grand Vizier.
Important Features
- Fluid movement and combat
- Immersive atmosphere
- Puzzle-solving elements
5. Leisure Suit Larry
Leisure Suit Larry is an adventure game for adults made by Sierra On-Line and came out in 1987. It’s known for being funny, having racy content, and being hard to play. Players play the part of Larry Laffer, a middle-aged man looking for love in all the wrong places. The game levels occur in different areas, like a bar, casino, and yacht.
Important Features
- Humor and risque content
- Challenging gameplay
- Varied settings and environments
6. SimCity
SimCity, a city-building simulation game, was created by Will Wright in 1989. The game is recognized for its intricate mechanics, complicated systems, and enjoyable gameplay that requires players to construct and manage a prosperous city.
Players must make informed decisions about zoning, taxes, infrastructure, and other factors to ensure their city’s smooth operation and expansion.
Important Features
- City-building simulation
- Complex mechanics and systems
- Strategic decision-making
7. The Secret of Monkey Island
Lucasfilm Games developed The Secret of Monkey Island, a classic point-and-click adventure game released in 1990. The game is famous for its humorous dialogue, engaging storyline, and challenging puzzles.
Players assume the role of Guybrush Threepwood, an aspiring pirate who sets out on a quest to become a true pirate and win the heart of the lovely Elaine Marley.
Important Features
- Point-and-click adventure gameplay
- Witty humor and an engaging storyline
- Challenging puzzles
8. King’s Quest
Sierra On-Line developed the classic adventure game King’s Quest, released between 1984 and 1998. The series was renowned for its innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and challenging puzzles. In the game, players assume the roles of various main characters and embark on quests and adventures in a dangerous and enigmatic fantasy realm.
Important Features
- Adventure gameplay
- Innovative mechanics and puzzles
- Immersive storytelling and world-building
9. Ultima VII
Ultima VII is a classic role-playing game developed by Origin Systems and released in 1992. It’s known for having a vast open world, complicated characters, and a story that pulls you in. Players take on the role of the Avatar, a hero tasked with saving the land of Britannia from various threats. The game has a non-linear story with different paths and endings and many ways to customize and develop your character.
Important Features
- Open-world role-playing gameplay
- Non-linear story with multiple paths and endings
- Deep character customization and development
10. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
LucasArts made Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis in 1992. It is a classic point-and-click adventure game. It’s known for having a good story, interesting characters, and complex puzzles. Players take on the role of Indiana Jones as he quests to find the legendary lost city of Atlantis.
Important Features
- Point-and-click adventure gameplay
- Engaging storyline and memorable characters
- Challenging puzzles
11. System Shock
Looking Glass Studios developed the role-playing action game System Shock, released in 1994 and played from the first-person perspective. The game gained notoriety for its innovative gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and intricate storyline. Players assume the role of a hacker tasked with infiltrating a space station and thwarting the evil artificial intelligence SHODAN.
Important Features
- First-person action role-playing gameplay
- Innovative mechanics and an immersive atmosphere
- Complex storyline
12. Myst
Cyan developed the classic puzzle-adventure game Myst, which was released in 1993. The game gained popularity due to its gorgeous graphics, immersive world, and challenging puzzles.
Players assume the role of an adventurer who discovers a mysterious book that transports them to a mystical island filled with enigmas and puzzles to unravel.
Important Features
- Puzzle-adventure gameplay
- Stunning graphics and immersive world-building
- Challenging puzzles
13. X-COM: U.F.O. Defense
Mythos Games developed X-COM: U.F.O. Defense, a turn-based strategy game released in 1994. The game gained popularity due to its strategic gameplay, customizable base management, and engaging storyline.
Players assume the role of the leader of a secret organization tasked with defending Earth against an alien invasion.
Important Features
- Turn-based strategy gameplay
- Customizable base management
- Engaging storyline
14. Alone in the Dark
Alone in the Dark is an Infogrames survival horror game released in 1992 and is renowned for its groundbreaking 3D graphics, challenging gameplay, and terrifying storyline.
The game has players take on the role of a detective investigating a haunted mansion full of puzzles and monsters.
Important Features
- Survival horror gameplay
- Pioneering 3D graphics
- Challenging gameplay and horror-inspired storyline
15. Descent
Parallax Software created the first-person shooter game, Descent, released in 1995. The game is famous for its revolutionary 3D graphics and six-degrees-of-freedom gameplay, allowing players to navigate complex environments and engage in fast-paced battles with enemy drones.
Important Features
- First-person shooter gameplay
- Innovative 3D graphics and six-degrees-of-freedom gameplay
- Fast-paced combat with enemy drones
16. Star Wars: Dark Forces
In 1995, LucasArts created the first-person shooter game Star Wars: Dark Forces, which gained popularity because of its challenging gameplay, exciting storyline, and association with the iconic Star Wars universe. The game puts players as a mercenary the Rebel Alliance hires to steal the Death Star’s plans, the Empire’s most recent weapon.
Important Features
- First-person shooter gameplay
- Iconic Star Wars universe
- Engaging storyline and challenging gameplay
17. Civilization
Sid Meier made the turn-based strategy game Civilization, which came out in 1991. It’s known for having deep game mechanics, a complicated world, and a fascinating historical story. Players take on the role of the leader of a civilization and have to build and grow their Empire from the beginning of time to the present day.
Important Features
- Turn-based strategy gameplay
- Deep gameplay mechanics and complex world-building
- Engaging historical storyline
18. Duke Nukem 3D
Duke Nukem 3D is a first-person shooter game that came out in 1996. 3D Realms made it. It’s famous for its sarcastic humor, over-the-top action, and new play methods. The player takes on the role of Duke Nukem, a wisecracking hero who smokes cigars and has to stop an alien invasion on Earth.
Important Features
- First-person shooter gameplay
- Irreverent humor and over-the-top action
- Innovative gameplay mechanics, such as interactive environments and destructible objects
19. Wing Commander
Origin Systems made Wing Commander, a game about fighting in space, and it came out in 1990. It’s known for having an exciting story, a world with lots of details, and fun flight controls.
Players take on the role of a pilot in the Terran Confederation who has to fight the Kilrathi. This alien race looks like cats and wants to wipe out humanity.
Important Features
- Space combat simulator gameplay
- The immersive storyline and richly detailed universe
- Engaging flight mechanics and customizable spacecraft
20. Warcraft: Orcs & Humans
Blizzard Entertainment made the real-time strategy game Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994. The game is famous for introducing innovative gameplay mechanics, featuring a deep storyline, and providing enjoyable multiplayer experiences. Players can choose to be either humans or orcs.
Players must gather resources, build structures, and lead units to beat their enemies.
Important Features
- Real-time strategy gameplay
- Innovative gameplay mechanics, such as fog of war and resource management
- Profound lore and engaging multiplayer
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Dos Games
- What is D.O.S.?
D.O.S., short for Disk Operating System, is a computer operating system prevalent in the 1980s and early 1990s. It was widely used before the emergence of graphical user interfaces like Windows.
- What is a D.O.S. game?
A DOS game is designed to run on the D.O.S. operating system. These games were typically released between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s.
Are D.O.S. games still playable today?
Yes, these games are still playable today. Several emulators and virtual machines can run games on modern operating systems like Windows.
What are some popular D.O.S. games?
Some popular games include Doom, SimCity, Prince of Persia, and Commander Keen.
How do I run a D.O.S. game on Windows?
To run a D.O.S. game on Windows, you can use an emulator like DOSBox or install a virtual machine that runs a D.O.S. operating system.
Can I play D.O.S. games on a Mac?
You can play games on a Mac using an emulator like Boxer or DOSBox.
Are D.O.S. games free?
The original creators of many games no longer sell them, making them considered abandonware. As a result, it is now legal to download them for free.
Do I need a particular controller to play D.O.S. games?
No, you don’t need a particular controller to play DOS games. Most games were designed to be played with a keyboard and mouse. However, some competitions may also support joysticks or gamepads.
Can I save my progress in a D.O.S. game?
Many DOS games have a save feature that allows you to save your progress and continue from where you left off.
Why are D.O.S. games still popular today?
This games are still popular because they offer a unique gaming experience different from modern games. They have a nostalgic charm that appeals to many gamers. Their simplicity and straightforward gameplay can be refreshing in complex and demanding games.
Conclusion
The gaming industry was greatly affected by D.O.S, and gamers still play and remember many titles from the 1990s today. DOS games set the stage for modern games, including the first text-based adventures, real-time strategy, and first-person shooter games. Gamers of all ages still love these old games for their unique gameplay, creative stories, and nostalgic appeal, proving they have stood the test of time. If you are a veteran gamer who wants to relive old memories or a new player who wants to learn about the history of games, you should check out these D.O.S. games.
That’s all for today. If you have any suggestions, please leave us a comment.