NetHack Stays Alive: Still Rocking MS-DOS Support After 20 Years!
September 14, 2000, marked a significant moment in tech history when Microsoft launched Windows Millennium Edition, a version often considered one of the less favorable releases in the Windows lineup. This date also signaled the end of an era for MS-DOS, the backbone of many Windows operating systems for years. Fast forward to 2006, and Microsoft officially pulled the plug on long-term support for Windows 98 and Me, effectively sealing MS-DOS’s fate.
Flash forward to just a couple of days ago, and we saw the latest update drop for NetHack, a legendary game that has been around since 1987. Believe it or not, this update still supports MS-DOS, keeping the spirit of retro gaming alive! We previously shared the excitement surrounding NetHack’s surprise version 5.0 release, but it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate how remarkable this is. In an age where flashy AAA titles come and go in a matter of weeks, NetHack has been consistently updated for over 36 years. That’s nearly as long as Windows itself!
During its lifetime, Microsoft provided support for MS-DOS from 1981 until 2006, totaling 25 years. In contrast, NetHack is closing in on an impressive 40 years of continued development. And here’s a fun tidbit: the NetHack devs still offer a version for the Amiga, a personal computer that went extinct back in 1994. Talk about dedication!
While it’s fascinating to have a game that’s receiving updates in 2026 on such old hardware, what might really excite modern players is the slick new client called NetHack 3D. This version has breathed fresh life into the classic roguelike, making it easier than ever to jump in. While NetHack has always been an ASCII-centric game, this new client provides a user-friendly interface that even includes mouse support for PC and touch controls for mobile devices.
The beauty of NetHack 3D lies in how it simplifies the complex controls while allowing players to dive deep into the traditional ASCII experience whenever they want. The interface is visually appealing, courtesy of a variety of community-created tilesets. A bit of a heads up, though: while the AI-generated logo for NetHack 3D might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the rest of the graphics are solid.
And it doesn’t stop there! The game preserves the ability to manually perform all the intricate interactions that veteran players cherish, while also introducing a unique first-person mode. Although this perspective might not be optimal for a game as unforgiving as NetHack, it’s a surreal experience to explore the game from a completely new angle after 39 years.
When I say NetHack is the best roguelike ever created, I stand by that statement. Sure, games like Caves of Qud have made their mark, but few can match NetHack’s depth and complexity. It’s a game that has influenced countless others, even paving the way for modern hits like Dwarf Fortress. And don’t forget, it’s even made its way into the Museum of Modern Art!
If you’ve yet to venture into the world of NetHack, now is the perfect time to give it a shot. With the updated tilesets and user-friendly features, easing into the game has never been simpler. Don’t shy away from exploring the ASCII mode, either! Once you get the hang of the symbols for various monsters and items, you’ll start to see the game in a whole new light.