OpenXWA is an in-progress open-source faithful re-implementation of the 1999 game Star Wars:
X-Wing Alliance with optional enhancements.
It
runs the original game data on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Important
OpenXWA does not include any content from the original game. A complete copy of X-Wing Alliance is required. The game can be bought on GOG or Steam
| Platform | Target | Graphics backend |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | x86-64 | Direct3D 12 or Vulkan |
| macOS | macOS 13 or later; arm64 or x86-64 | Metal |
| Linux | x86-64; glibc 2.36 or later | Vulkan |
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Every original function not dedicated to multiplayer has been reimplemented.
The digital iMUSE audio engine has been fully reimplemented.
OpenXWA remains under active development. Bugs and differences from the original game are still likely despite this level of coverage. Multiplayer is not implemented.
OpenXWA has two rendering modes. The classic renderer reproduces the original presentation through a portable SDL3 GPU backend, without relying on DirectDraw or the original Direct3D interfaces.
The modern renderer provides:
- native widescreen rendering at the display resolution
- cascaded directional shadows, SSAO, bloom, and motion blur
- anisotropic texture filtering
- 2x, 4x, or 8x MSAA
- AMD FidelityFX FSR 3.1 temporal anti-aliasing and upscaling
- HDR output
OpenXWA's settings are available from OpenXWA Video Options in the game's Video Options menu.
Original OPT models work in both modes. The modern renderer can also load optional replacement models, textures, interface art, and videos without modifying the original game data.
Press F5 while the game is running to switch between the modern and classic
views. Press F2 to switch between a split comparison and the selected view.
Single-player flight can run at a higher simulation rate for smoother input and motion on modern displays. A classic timing mode is available when the original timing is preferred.
Flight mouse controls (absolute and relative modes) have been added. Gamepads are supported, with force-feedback effects translated to rumble.
On first launch, OpenXWA asks for the directory containing the original game data and remembers the selection. This directory must use the installed game layout (as in a GOG or Steam install). For a raw CD copy, first merge the contents of the ALLIANCE directory into the root.
For unattended or development launches, pass the directory on the command line:
OpenXWA --game-data /path/to/xwa-data- a 64-bit system with a modern GPU
- the original X-Wing Alliance game data
- a joystick or gamepad is required for flight
Release packages include the required SDL3, FFmpeg, and compression libraries. Keep the executable, libraries, resources, and shader directories together when moving an installation.
The build requires CMake 3.20 or later, a C/C++ toolchain, SDL3 3.4, zstd, FFmpeg, and SDL_shadercross. The packaging scripts and Dockerfiles build pinned dependencies and are the reference for reproducible builds.
Platform-specific instructions are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.