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The Settlers III
The SettlersWindows 95/98City-BuildingReal-Time Strategy

The Settlers III

Developer: Blue Byte Software · Published by Blue Byte Software · 1998
The economic RTS that demands you turn water to wine and coal to steel, just to recruit a single soldier.
CampaignMultiplayerCD Audio
4.0
Excellent
POCG VERDICT
An economic RTS of terrifying depth that will eat your life whole, assuming you can survive its manual and copy protection.
The Settlers III is an intricate and addicting economic RTS, but its laughable manual and paranoid copy protection nearly ruin everything. I couldn't stop playing anyway.
About This Game

The Settlers III is a real-time strategy and city-building game developed and published by Blue Byte Software, released in 1998 for Windows. It is the third entry in the long-running Settlers series, known for its deep economic simulation and intricate supply chain management. Players control a medieval settlement, gathering resources, constructing buildings, and maintaining complex production lines to sustain and expand their civilization. The game features three distinct campaigns (Romans, Asians, and Egyptians) and a random map generator for skirmish play. Multiplayer support allows up to four players via LAN or internet. The Settlers III was praised for its addictive gameplay and economic depth, though it received criticism for its draconian copy protection and a meager printed manual.

Screenshots5 shots
The Settlers III screenshotThe Settlers III screenshotThe Settlers III screenshotThe Settlers III screenshotThe Settlers III screenshot
POCG ReviewOriginal: March 8, 2000 · Restored: June 14, 2026
4.0
Excellent
Review Verdict
Private: The Settlers III
The Settlers III is an intricate and addicting economic RTS, but its laughable manual and paranoid copy protection nearly ruin everything. I couldn't stop playing anyway.
In the News3 mentions
Sep 241999
Blue Byte files lawsuit against Logicware
Blue Byte files lawsuit against Logicware: Blue Byte Software, Inc. filed a lawsuit against California based Logicware earlier this week in the District Court of Travis County,...
Industry
Sep 51999
The Settlers IV announced
The Settlers IV: Just as Quest Of The Amazons goes into final production, Blue Byte Software announced today at the European Computer Trade Show (ECTS), they have a dedicated...
Release
Aug 201999
Settlers III Expansion Pack Gold
Settlers III Expansion Pack Gold is the news today, which means another box, download, or retail shelf just got busier. Bluebyte's expansion pack for The Settlers...
Release
How to Play TodayYour options for running this game in 2026
Original Hardware
Original CDs are rare and require a period-correct Windows 95/98 machine. Not recommended for casual play unless you own suitable retro hardware.
Modern Re-release
Available on GOG for $5.99, fully patched and running smoothly on modern Windows. This is the definitive way to play today.
Emulation / Other Options
Emulation is not required; the GOG version runs natively. If using an original CD on a modern system, a Windows 98 virtual machine is the best route.