Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve carries on the legacy of ACE COMBAT, a franchise that has always pushed the envelope of game visuals and action-packed, arcade-inspired game play in the flight shooting genre. The newest entry will once again break boundaries, with the reveal showing a glimpse at what realism powered by new generation consoles can bring to the experience.

Players fly various real-world fight jets in a game marked by stunning visual details and effects, with realistic expanses of clouds and finely rendered terrain and landscape, and the added challenge of navigating through inclement weather. Players will also experience thrilling first-person point-of-view cinematics, adding even more immersion to the story.

In the game’s Campaign Mode, players take on the role of an ace pilot in Strangereal, a world at war, rooted entirely in a fictitious universe but one where the weight of decisions, the pressure of command and the bonds forged in battle will feel all too real.  With their nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its navy shattered, players enter the cockpit as the “Wings of Theve” – a legendary ace, a name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and a symbol of hope for every citizen in their homeland. Joined by three new fighter pilots, theirs is a flight against odds versus the Republic of Sotoa to reclaim their lost homeland, eliminate the threat to their people, and carry the hope of every FCU citizen.

Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve is inviting ACE pilots from around the world to prepare to engage in the most exhilarating multiplayer aerial combat experience ever when the game launches.

In the above “Online 101” trailer for the game, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. reveals new online game modes, progression and rewards, and a range of new content that’s accessible via a new Air Base virtual lobby that can host up to 100 players from around the world. The online mode in Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve features the same stunningly realistic visuals and intense battles as Campaign Mode, but with its own progression system, separate save data, and the thrill of fighting alongside ACE Pilots around the world and against foes regardless of their platform, with cross-play functionality.

Players enter online mode in Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve as a mercenary pilot, with a customizable avatar that they can continue to personalize with unlocked rewards and cosmetic items. Once outfitted, they enter an interactive Air Base that acts as online lobby, where they can meet and chat with pilots worldwide. The game features two main online multiplayer modes. Co-Op Assault mode is focused on PvE combat, where two teams of four players compete for high score in missions that feature a variety of enemies and objectives. Co-Op Warfare is the game’s PvPvE mode, pitting two teams of four against each other, along with NPC units. You can enjoy strategic gameplay centered around “Threat Level” and “Aces.” The team with the highest total score at the end wins and earns more rewards. 

As players progress in online mode, two additional special emergency missions will appear for a limited time. Scramble missions promise pulse-pounding dogfights, where a team of 4 players take on a formidable NPC rival air squad. Emergency Sortie missions deliver a challenging treat to new and returning players, with eight pilots taking on iconic colossal weapons from the series and, for some, reliving legendary Ace Combat boss fights. Limited time PvP events will also make an appearance in Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve online mode, including both 4v4 team and 8-player deathmatch.

The Air Base lobby is a big part of the experience in Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve online mode, where players can matchmake and launch sorties or participate in military training mode with up to four players. They can also just hang out to interact with pilots worldwide via chat, play classic Bandai Namco arcade games in the virtual arcade, or play the Jukebox to hear memorable soundtracks from prior Ace Combat games. There is also a supply shop as well as the Ace Combat store, where players can use in-game currency earned through missions to purchase aircraft, cosmetics for customization, or special in-game boosts and other items. As players progress, they will also unlock gates that take them to other Air Bases that act as online mode lobbies. For ACE PASS holders, playing online mode counts towards their progress. 

All digital pre-orders include a digital copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, an unlocked playable F-14A aircraft all available at launch.

The Deluxe Edition of Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve includes:

• Base Game
• 3 days of Early Access
• Customizable Cosmetic Set
• Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher

Take to the skies in style with the Joker Flight Pack, including all content from the Deluxe Edition, plus an Official Artbook, 2 LP Vinyl Records, Slipcase, and Slipmat!

Bandai Namco is also introducing the first Premium Ace Pass for Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve.

The pass can be purchased separately and is also included with the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, which unlocks the pass for one season after launch. The Premium Ace Pass grants an instant unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels, giving players a head start to claim the first 30 tiers of seasonal rewards, along with a season long track of bonus rewards including aircraft skins, avatar costumes, and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN –PIXY additional aircraft.

Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on October 2, 2026.