OpenTIE is an open-source reimplementation of Star Wars: TIE Fighter for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It runs the original game data natively on current systems and supports both the 1995 Collector's CD-ROM and the 1998 Windows release.
With both editions installed, OpenTIE can combine the 1995 menus, cutscenes, and adaptive iMUSE soundtrack with the 1998 flight simulation and 3D assets.
Important
OpenTIE does not include any content from the original game. A complete installation of at least one supported edition is required. Install both editions to use the recommended combination.
Star Wars: TIE Fighter Special Edition is available from GOG and Steam.
The best of both editions
The 1995 and 1998 releases each have their own presentation, flight simulation, and soundtrack. OpenTIE lets the menus and cutscenes, flight simulation, and music be selected independently.
The recommended configuration combines:
- the 1995 menus and cutscenes
- the 1998 flight simulation and 3D assets
- the adaptive 1995 iMUSE soundtrack
This retains the 1998 flight presentation without giving up the interactive music of the Collector's CD-ROM. Either supported edition can also be played on its own.
Adaptive music
OpenTIE reimplements the adaptive iMUSE soundtrack from the 1995 Collector's CD-ROM. The music responds to mission events and moves seamlessly between themes during flight.
OpenTIE can emulate Roland SC-55 Sound Canvas, the hardware for which the game’s music was originally composed. This requires compatible SC-55 ROMs supplied by the user.
Built-in Sound Blaster-compatible OPL3 emulation is available for the classic FM-synth sound, while FluidSynth can play the soundtrack with a user-selected SoundFont.
The original prerecorded TIE98 music remains available when the complete 1998 experience is preferred.
Graphics
OpenTIE offers classic and modern graphics modes. Classic mode preserves the original presentation, while modern mode combines the original models and cockpit artwork with high-resolution rendering and substantially more advanced lighting.
Modern graphics include:
- shadows, ambient occlusion, and bloom
- motion blur
- MSAA and AMD FidelityFX FSR 3.1.4 anti-aliasing and upscaling
- HDR output
Press TAB while the game is running to switch between classic and modern graphics.
Smoother flight
Flight simulation can update at up to 240 Hz to match modern high-refresh-rate displays, providing smoother motion and more responsive controls. The original TIE95 and TIE98 timing modes remain available when their exact behavior is preferred.
Modern gamepads and joysticks are supported and can be configured from OpenTIE's settings.
Getting started
- Download the latest package for your platform from GitHub Releases.
- Extract or install the package and launch OpenTIE.
- Select the complete TIE95 and/or TIE98 installation folders when prompted.
- If both editions are available, select the recommended configuration to combine the 1995 presentation and music with the 1998 flight experience.
OpenTIE validates the selected installations, remembers them for future launches, and imports compatible existing pilot files during initial setup.
To access OpenTIE settings from the concourse, press ESC and select OpenTIE Settings. During flight, press ESC to open them directly.
Useful shortcuts:
| Key |
Action |
TAB |
Switch between classic and modern graphics |
Supported platforms
| 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 2.35 or later |
Vulkan |
Current state
OpenTIE remains under active development. Bugs and differences from the original releases are still possible.
OpenXWA
Fans of Totally Games’ space simulators may also be interested in OpenXWA, an open-source reimplementation of Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Community
Join the TotallyOpen Discord server to discuss OpenTIE, OpenXWA, development, and the Totally Games flight simulators.
System requirements
- a 64-bit system with a modern GPU
- a complete installation of the 1995 Collector's CD-ROM or the 1998 Windows release
Release packages include the required runtime libraries. Keep the executable, libraries, resources, and shader directories together when moving an installation.
Building from source
The build requires CMake 3.23 or later, a C/C++ toolchain, SDL3 3.4, zstd, FFmpeg, and SDL_shadercross. Release packaging pins its dependencies, including SDL3 3.4.14, and provides the reference for reproducible builds.
Platform-specific instructions are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Instagram Engineering
Shopify Engineering