StarCraft is a real-time strategy game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, originally released in 1998 for Windows and Mac OS. Set in a distant part of the Milky Way galaxy, it features three distinct species: the adaptable Terrans, the psionic Protoss, and the insectoid Zerg. Players gather resources to construct bases and armies, and wage war across land, air, and space. The single-player campaign unfolds a deep, multilayered narrative across three episodes, each played from a different faction’s perspective, with branching mission choices and in-engine cutscenes. Multiplayer is supported via Blizzard’s free Battle.net service, which quickly became a standard for online matchmaking and ladders. An expansion, Brood War, released later in 1998, added new campaigns, units, and maps. StarCraft was widely acclaimed for its balanced asymmetric faction design, cinematic presentation, and compelling story, and has remained a benchmark for the RTS genre.
The Vault · 1998
StarCraft
The RTS that taught the galaxy to fear a rush of zerglings.
DeveloperBlizzard Entertainment
PublisherBlizzard Entertainment
ReleasedMarch 31, 1998
Players1-8 Players
StarCraftWindows 95/98Real-Time Strategy
Screenshots
In the News
Oct 221999
StarCraft 1 million Units Sold in Korea
StarCraft 1 million Units Sold in Korea is today's update from the October 1999 desk, and there is enough here to make retro PC players pay attention.
ReleaseJan 201999
StarCraft closes 1998 as the year’s top-selling PC game
It's official. All the sales have been tallied, and Blizzard Entertainment's StarCraft earned the top spot for 1998 as the year's biggest selling PC game, according to PC Data figures released this week.
ReleaseJan 131999
Battle.net Biggest Weekend
Blizzard Entertainment's free online game service Battle.net, over the weekend experienced its highest usage figures.
ReleaseHow to Play TodayYour options for running this game in 2026
Original Hardware
Original CD-ROMs are easy to find in stores or secondhand. Runs on any PC with Windows 95/98, a Pentium 90, 16 MB of RAM, and a 4x CD-ROM drive. Sound Blaster or compatible audio recommended for music and unit speech.
Modern Re-release
Still sold new in retail boxes and the Battle Chest bundle (includes Brood War) for around $40-50 USD. The Battle Chest is the best value and widely available.
Emulation / Other Options
Not necessary. Runs natively on modern Windows with compatibility settings. Install from disc or free download, apply official 1.16.1 patch, and set Windows 95/98 compatibility mode. No emulator required.