Master of Orion cover

Master of Orion

Critic score2 critics
First release
Sep 06, 1993
Genres
Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS) · 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate), Science fiction

Master of Orion is a competitive game of interstellar conquest that combines exploration with conflict. You are cast as the immortal emperor who shapes the future of your race, as contact is made with the neighbouring races. Your objective is simple: control a majority of the known galaxy and eliminate all who stand in the way. As ruler you must ultimately decide the destiny of your race as you make decisions on how planetary resources are allocated, where star fleets will be deployed, which races to fight, and which races to ally with. You begin with control of your home planet, from which you can explore and colonize nearby star systems. Your first decisions will centre around the rapid development of colonies into productive worlds, what types of technology to focus on, and which star systems to colonize. However, the true challenge begins when contact is made with other races, and complex strategies must be formulated to manage diplomacy, sabotage, espionage, trade, and interstellar combat.

Also known as Master of Orion 1, DOSBox.exe

Attributes

No Attributes added.

Details

Storyline, release dates, time to beat, age ratings, modes, links, keywords

Release dates
DOS
Sep 06, 1993
Mac
Sep 06, 1993
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Feb 25, 2016
All 5 release dates
Mac
Feb 25, 2016
Linux
Feb 25, 2016
Time to beatIGDB · recorded
Main Story
7h
Main + Extras
33h
Game modes
Multiplayer, Single player
Perspective
Bird view / Isometric
Where to buy
Keywords
aliens, pirates, exploration, turn-based, robots
… All 36, spaceship, management, space battle, diplomacy, steam, micromanagement, pixel art, teleportation, terraforming, explosion, radiation, steam achievements, digital distribution, steam leaderboards, tactical turn-based combat, pre-release public testing, voice acting, human, sabotage, stat tracking, betrayal, same name reboot, rebels, nuclear bomb, clone, tech trees, planet, ancient advanced civilization technology, genocide, zoom platform, adamantium

At a Glance

Critic Score
84
Main Story (IGDB)
7h
Main + Extras (IGDB)
33h

Overview

Steam review summary

Steam users rate this Very Positive, 443 reviews in all languages, recorded 16 October 2026

Valve's summary of Steam user reviews. Valve counts only reviews from purchases on Steam, not key activations, and leaves out review periods it has marked as off-topic. It isn't part of the CritScore score.

Review summary: SteamSteam data provided via the Steam Web API (opens in a new tab)Not affiliated with Valve →

About storefront and compatibility information

Compatibility, feature and availability information shown on this page is recorded from the storefronts and services named against each fact, on the dates shown. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks of Valve Corporation; Steam data is provided via the Steam Web API. Other product and service names are trademarks of their respective owners. CritScore is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or certified by Valve Corporation or any other storefront or platform holder, and does not itself test or certify any game.