This video compares an out-of-the-box installation of XWA to one with the XWAUP 1.6, Blue Max's Effects 1.1.3, Super Backdrops v2.1, and more!
(This supersedes the old Reshade shader mod used in the older videos below.)
(Roughly) recreating the Starfighter Assault on Fondor from the Star Wars Battlefront II Beta in X-Wing Alliance, using the old Reshader mod.
Visit https://xwaupgrade.com/ to download the upgrades!
The below instructions are left for reference, but are no longer needed once installing Blue Max's Effects from X-Wing Alliance Upgrade.
This file contains the ReShade *.ini configuration file and a custom LUT ("Look Up Table") needed to achieve the correct "shader mod" effect.
Instructions are freely provided below, from one enthusiast to another. However, follow them at your own risk. Many game files will be modified in the process, so do not proceed unless you understand what you are doing!
Make sure to backup your installation before installing! These instructions were developed with an original CD version of X-Wing Alliance. They may or may not work for the Steam/GOG versions.

While originally available directly from the Microsoft Download Center under Knowledge Base article , official direct links can sometimes be offline due to the age of the software. Steps to use the utility:
For automated deployments, you can run the utility from a command prompt with the /q switch to suppress the user interface. Limitations and Troubleshooting
Download VB6Cli.exe: Fixing Visual Basic 6.0 ActiveX License Issues download vb6cli.exe
If VB6Cli.exe does not resolve your issue, you may need to manually run Vbctrls.reg from the \Common\Tools\Vb\Controls folder on your original installation media.
Ensure no other applications are running. You must have a licensed edition of Visual Basic 6.0 (Learning, Professional, or Enterprise) already installed on your system. Ensure no other applications are running
You receive a dialog stating: "License Information For This Component Not Found. You Do Not Have An Appropriate License To Use This Functionality In The Design Environment" .
Run the VB6Cli.exe file. It will automatically detect your installed edition and restore the relevant licenses. You Do Not Have An Appropriate License To
If you are maintaining legacy software and encounter the dreaded error, you likely need to download VB6Cli.exe . This essential Microsoft utility is designed to restore missing design-time licenses for ActiveX controls that ship with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 . What is VB6Cli.exe?
It will not enable Remote Data Object (RDO) for Professional Edition users; RDO remains exclusive to the Enterprise Edition.
Compilation fails with a "Permission Denied" error.
Disclaimer: These modifications for the PC game "Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance" are fan-made. LucasArts, LucasFilm, Disney, or the relevant Star Wars rightsholders are in no way affiliated with this site or its content. Star Wars is property of LucasFilm, Disney, and/or the respective rightsholders and is likewise not affiliated with this site or content. Using any of the files provided on this page is done at one's own risk. No responsibility is taken for any damage (whether direct or indirect) that is caused by the files, programs, or advice provided on this page. As always, it is recommended to backup important files before using any files provided here.