Scorched Earth

Scorched Earth is the quintessential DOS artillery game — “The Mother of All Games” — blending strategy, physics, and explosive chaos. Released in 1991 as shareware by Wendell Hicken, it pits up to 10 tanks against each other in a turn-based battle royale across destructible 2D terrain. With dozens of wild weapons and a dash of humor, it’s as much about tactics as it is about spectacle.

How to play Scorched Earth

Basic Gameplay

Each round starts with players buying weapons, shields, and utilities using in-game money. Once the battlefield is generated — hills, valleys, cliffs, and all — the tanks take turns launching projectiles, adjusting angle and power to hit opponents. The key to victory is precision, timing, and a good sense of terrain physics.

Controls and Platforms

Scorched Earth runs via DOS emulation on modern platforms, including browsers. You can play on:

• Desktop (Keyboard): Use arrow keys to set turret angle, Up/Down for power, Enter to fire. Menus are navigated using keys.
• Multiplayer: Supports hot-seat play for up to 10 players on the same machine.

Weapons and Tactics

The weaponry is the soul of Scorched Earth. From tiny missiles to nuclear warheads, here’s a glimpse of the arsenal:

• Mirv: Breaks into smaller warheads mid-flight.
• Funky Bomb: Bounces unpredictably, dropping smaller explosives.
• Napalm: Spreads flame across an area — excellent for scorched terrain.
• Dirt Bomb: Buries enemy tanks — or protects you.
• Death’s Head: A massive, screen-filling nuke for endgame dominance.

Each weapon can be enhanced with tracers to help refine your aim in subsequent turns.

Terrain & Environment

The landscape is fully destructible and changes dynamically with every explosion. Environmental factors like wind, gravity, meteor showers, and even random bounces off walls add layers of unpredictability. The settings are fully customizable, allowing for anything from slow tactical matches to absolute chaos.

Defensive Tools

Don’t want to die in a single hit? You’ve got options:

• Shields: Absorb enemy shots.
• Parachutes: Prevent fall damage from terrain collapses.
• Mag Deflectors: Redirect incoming projectiles.
• Auto Defense: Automatically activates protection mechanisms.

AI and Humor

Scorched Earth’s AI can be tough and hilariously chatty. Before launching a missile, it might taunt: “Say hello to my little friend!” And when destroyed: “Join the army, they said…” You can even customize these taunts by editing game files — a touch that adds personality to the carnage.

Customization Options

The game is highly customizable, with sliders and toggles for:

• Gravity and wind strength
• Number of rounds per match
• Map size and terrain type
• Starting funds and weapon availability
• Player names, colors, and AI difficulty

FAQ

What is Scorched Earth?

It’s a turn-based artillery game for MS-DOS released in 1991. Players control tanks and launch weapons at each other on a 2D terrain.

How do you win a round?

Be the last tank standing. Use weapons, terrain manipulation, and defensive tools to survive and eliminate your enemies.

Can you play with friends?

Yes, it supports up to 10 human players in hot-seat mode, plus AI-controlled opponents.

What kind of weapons are there?

Everything from tiny missiles to massive nukes, along with trick weapons like Funky Bombs, napalm, and dirt bombs.

Is the terrain destructible?

Absolutely. Every explosion carves out terrain, creating craters and cliffs that change gameplay dynamically.

Does the game support AI opponents?

Yes. You can add multiple computer players with varying levels of difficulty and behavior patterns.

What makes Scorched Earth so replayable?

Its deep customization, wild weapon variety, and unpredictable terrain interactions keep each game fresh and chaotic.

Can I customize the taunts and messages?

Yes! You can edit game files to add your own hilarious or intimidating death lines and taunts.

How does wind affect gameplay?

Wind changes projectile trajectories — strong gusts can ruin your shot or create accidental hits. Tracers help compensate.

Is there a single-player mode?

Yes. You can play against AI players in full matches, or even let the AIs battle it out without you — a rare example of a “zero-player game.”