Populous
Move mountains, part the seas, and lead mortal armies to victory in Populous. Take on the powers of a mighty deity and battle for supremacy against an enemy god, using thoughtful strategy to shape the isometric world and the fate of its people.
- Released
- 1989
- Developer
- Bullfrog Productions
- Platforms
- 4 systems
- Critics
- Not scored
- Steam Deck
- playable
- Download
- 0.02 GB
What is Populous?
Move mountains, part the seas, and lead mortal armies to victory in Populous. Take on the powers of a mighty deity and battle for supremacy against an enemy god, using thoughtful strategy to shape the isometric world and the fate of its people.
Description as published by the developer on its own store page, read 30 August 2026. It is marketing copy, not our assessment.
The record
| First released | 5 June 1989 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Bullfrog Productions |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Platforms | Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Nintendo DS, Steam Deck |
| Genres | Strategy |
| Languages | 1 supported |
Source. Catalogue facts from Wikidata Q1239244, seeded 30 August 2026. Store data from Steam, read 30 August 2026.
How was Populous received?
Method. Player figures are Steam's own totals for the PC version, read 30 August 2026. The Metacritic score is the one Steam publishes on its store page and can lag the site itself. Neither is our opinion. We have not published a review of this game.
What does it support?
| Capability | Support |
|---|---|
| Controller | Not stated |
| Cloud saves | Yes |
| Cross-platform play | No |
| Mod support | No official workshop |
| Online play | Single-player only |
| In-game purchases | No |
| Steam Deck | playable |
| Download size | 0.02 GB |
| Add-on content | None listed |
| Age gate | 13+ |
Method. Read from the publisher's Steam listing on 30 August 2026. Describes the PC version. Console versions differ.
What does it cost?
Steam price in US dollars, read 30 August 2026. Prices move hourly and vary by region. Check the current price.
Games like Populous
24 games overlap with Populous on the tags Steam players applied to it, on genre, and on theme. The closest are Populous: The Beginning, Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition and SD GUNDAM G GENERATION CROSS RAYS.
Common questions about Populous
What platforms is Populous on?
Populous is available on Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Nintendo DS, Steam Deck. It first released in 1989.
How much does Populous cost?
$4.99 on Steam in the United States, read on 30 August 2026. Prices move often and vary by region, so check the store before buying.
Do players recommend Populous?
85% of 66 Steam reviews are positive, which Steam rates Very Positive. That is players rating it, not our review. We have not published a review of this game.
Does Populous work on Steam Deck?
Valve rates Populous as playable on the Steam Deck, from its own testing.
How big is the Populous download?
0.02 GB on PC, from the storage requirement on its Steam listing. Console versions differ.
Who made Populous?
Populous was developed by Bullfrog Productions and published by Electronic Arts.