DOS · 1989
Populous
Populous is a real time strategy game for DOS, released in 1989. It was developed by Bullfrog Productions, Ltd.
Play Populous
DOSPopulous
Click the button below to launch the DOS emulator and start playing instantly in your browser.
Loading player files…Large games can take longer on a slow connection.
The player could not finish starting. You can retry or report the problem.
Try a related playable game
- Populous: The Promised LandsDOS · Similar gameplay
- PowerMongerDOS · Similar gameplay
- Populous II: Trials of the Olympian GodsDOS · Similar gameplay
These are separate games or editions; your saved progress does not transfer.
Browse all playable games →Having trouble starting?
Wait for larger games to download. If loading stalls, reload and try again. Check your connection and allow this site's player files if a browser extension blocked them. Once the screen appears, click inside it before using the keyboard.
Read the playing helpPlaying on a touch screen
DOS controls vary by game. Use the player’s input menu for a virtual keyboard or mouse when available. A hardware keyboard is recommended for games with many keys.
Touch support varies by emulator and game. You can still expand the keyboard layout below, or connect a compatible keyboard or gamepad.
Control panel
DOS controls (source configuration)
Keyboard and mouse — this title uses its archived JS-DOS configuration.
A compatible gamepad can be used after launch.
Use the controls stored with this JS-DOS game package
The archived source configuration selects the game launcher and DOSBox settings. Game keys still vary by title; check its title screen or in-game help.
System: Use the JS-DOS player menu for fullscreen and input options. The source package remains the authority for title-specific keys.
Save or load game progress
Favorites bookmark this page; they do not save progress.
Use the game’s own Save/Load menu when available. JS-DOS save options depend on this package; check its player menu and game instructions.
In-game saves and emulator states are different. Availability varies by game and player. Browser storage can be cleared; a downloaded backup is not cloud sync.
More about controls and backupsPlayer feedback
Was this classic worth replaying?
Share this game
Share a direct link to this game page.
About Populous
Populous is a real time strategy game for DOS, released in 1989. It was developed by Bullfrog Productions, Ltd.
Explore the DOS collection and discover more real time strategy games below.
Playing this edition
Where are the controls?
The control panel below the game screen shows this edition’s keys. Click inside the game before using your keyboard.
How do I save or change controls?
Open the player menu for the options available in this emulator. Save support varies by game and player; see the playing help for more guidance.
Where can I find more games like this?
Browse real time strategy games across systems, or stay with the DOS catalogue. Related picks below explain how each game connects.
Similar real-time strategy games
YEAR1989DOS
Populous: The Promised Lands
real time strategy 1 Player
Real-time strategy gameplay · DOS
YEAR1992DOS
PowerMonger
real time strategy 1 Player
Real-time strategy gameplay · DOS
YEAR1993DOS
Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods
real time strategy 1 Player
Real-time strategy gameplay · DOS
YEAR1996DOS
Gene Wars
real time strategy 1 Player
Real-time strategy gameplay · DOS