Colonization Downloads
This page contains various free colonization downloads, and some helpful tips to make the game work on different platforms and computers. If you are having trouble with your current version, go straight to the Colonization Troubleshooting section.
Here are some options if you are looking to buy Colonization.
Colonization Patches
Download Colonization Patch for DOS (colv30)
Upgrades DOS version 3.0 - With map editor and cheat mode.
Download Colonization Patch for Windows (col95)
Upgrades the Windows 3.1 version to Windows 95/98. You also might need the wing.dll file. It can be downloaded here 
Manual
Download Colonization Manual from Replacementdocs.
Nice if you have lost your original manual, or just want to keep a version on your computer. PDF file.
Troubleshooting FAQ
Download Colonization FAQ (Useful reports and tips on bugs etc.)
This is a collection of reported problems over the years. Note that some of these problems are only experienced on specific versions of the game. It also contains some general tips, so it is definitely worth a read-through.
Maps & Editors
Download Colonization Map Editor
Run "MAPEDIT" from your Colonization directory to use this tool. The map editor allows you to create maps that can then be used to play Colonization. The "Help" menu in the map editor contains instructions on how to use the program. To play on a map created with this tool, run Colonization normally, but select "Start Game in AMERICA" from the main menu. A second menu then appears to ask you if you want to use the original Americas map or a new map you have created
DOSBox
This program lets you play DOS games on newer platforms like Windows XP, Windows. Vista, Mac OS X, Linux and FreeBSD.
Instructions for playing Colonization with DOSBox.
Free Colonization 2
Download Colonization 2 for free from Freecol.org (Open source Colonization 2 project).
Colonization Troubleshooting
Just to clear up a couple of points on the different versions of the game: It's a common misconception that you need the Colonization for Windows version to make the game work in Windows. The DOS and Windows versions look a little bit different graphics-wise. Some say the AI is a bit smarter in the Win version, but then again many experience problems with the sound in the Windows version. We'll leave it up to you to decide which one you prefer.
The DOS version does in fact work on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS X, and Linux if you use the right version of DOSBox, which is a program that makes it possible to play old games on newer platforms. A link to DOSBox can be found in the Downloads list, and we have made a guide to using it here: DOSBox for Colonization.
Choose your version: DOS, Windows, Mac
Colonization DOS version:
This version of Colonization works on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS X, and Linux and FreeBSD with Dosbox.
Download Patch colv30 and install it if you haven't already, this patch fixes a lot of bugs.
If you don't want to install Dosbox, or just want to see if you can get the game up and running without it, you could try this for Windows versions 95 and up to XP: Double-click "colonize" and see what happens. If that doesn't work, try entering the game this way:
If you chose the default folder during installation:
Click the Windows Start button > Run > type "cmd" and hit enter. Then write the following commands (hit ENTER after each command):
cd..
cd..
cd mps
cd colonize
colonize
If you chose your own folders, the same procedure applies, only with different folders. For example:
cd..
cd..
cd programfiles
cd games
cd colonization
colonize
If you are experiencing lockups, make sure the following is set in the config.sys file:
FILES=50
STACKS=9,256
The best advice, however, would be to download and install DOSBox. This is by far the best way to make the game work properly, even with sound. Link to DOSBox can be found in the downloads list. Check out how to run Colonization using DOSBox.
Colonization for Windows:
If you prefer the Colonization for Windows version:
Win 3.1: Download Patch col95 to upgrade to Win 95. Unpack files. Copy all files and paste into your Colonization folder.
If you are experiencing the "wing.dll" error, that file can be found here 
. This file goes in the windows directory.
If you haven't already, try running Colonization in different copatability modes. Right-click on the Colonization file and click Properties. Click Compatibility to open the compatibility mode dialog shown below:
You can try adjusting the settings until you find a combination that works.
If this doesn't work, or the sound isn't working (and you absolutely need it to!), why not try the DOS version -- that should work on all newer platforms with DOSBox.
Back to Colonization Downloads list.
How to play Colonization on a Mac:
There is a Mac version of Colonization. If it's not working properly, try the DOS version with DOSBox for Mac. Some have successfully run Colonization on Mac using Virtual PC -- so that's another option. If you want to search for a DOS or Mac version, check out more on where to buy Colonization.
If none of the above tips work, try finding the solution in the Colonization Troubleshooting FAQ or explain your problem in the colonization forum -- maybe some fellow fans know the answer to it.
Back to Colonization Downloads