Games first released in 1999 or earlier that you can still get legally today, oldest first.
"Abandonware" isn't a licence. An old game isn't free to share just because it's no longer sold. Every game here is offered by its creators or with their permission, and each game page names the source that shows it.
Some are offered free by their publishers on stores such as Steam and GOG.com, some are open source, and several are freeware releases distributed by ScummVM, a free program that runs classic adventure games on modern Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
A point-and-click adventure from Revolution Software, released in 1992 for Amiga, MS-DOS, and Atari ST. It became freeware in 2003, and its data files are offered on Revolution's website.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
A point-and-click adventure from Revolution Software, first released for MS-DOS and Amiga in 1994. Revolution released it as freeware, with its source code, in 2003.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
An action role-playing game from Bethesda Softworks, first released for MS-DOS in March 1994. Bethesda made it freeware in 2004, for the series' tenth anniversary, and offers it free on Steam.
Platforms: Windows
A point-and-click adventure released in 1995 for Amiga and MS-DOS by Interactive Binary Illusions. Its authors allowed it to be released as freeware in 2004.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
A point-and-click graphic adventure from Alcachofa Soft, first released in 1996. Alcachofa gave its source code to the ScummVM team and re-released the game as freeware in 2008.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
An open-source, turn-based empire-building strategy game inspired by the history of human civilization, first released in January 1996. Play against computer opponents or with other people.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
An action role-playing game from Bethesda Softworks, first released for MS-DOS in 1996. Bethesda made it free to download in 2009, for the series' 15th anniversary, and offers it free on Steam.
Mature content: Animated violence, mature sexual themes
Platforms: Windows
A science-fiction shooter from Eclipse Productions, released in 1999. GOG.com offers it free for Windows and macOS.
Platforms: Windows, macOS
A 3D real-time strategy game first released in 1999 by Pumpkin Studios and Eidos Interactive, and open source since 2004. Play the campaign, skirmish against AI bots, or battle up to 10 players online or over a LAN.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
