Ace Combat 8 early access for the Digital Deluxe Edition opened on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. Owners of that edition (or equivalent SKUs) can play the full game three days before the worldwide launch on October 2, 2026.
It is the first mainline Ace Combat in seven years, developed by Bandai Namco Aces in Unreal Engine 5, with the series’ largest online suite so far, including cross-play.
What early access includes
Official Bandai Namco notes say this is the full game, not a demo. Deluxe also includes the Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher (30 Ace Pass levels unlocked) and a cosmetic set. Digital pre-orders before launch still include the playable F-14A and a port of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War (2006).
Timing depends on timezone. Central Europe opened at midnight on September 29. In the Americas the window started on the afternoon of September 28 (3:00 p.m. PDT / 6:00 p.m. EDT / 7:00 p.m. Brasília).
Story and multiplayer
The campaign is set after the fall of the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) under occupation by the Republic of Sotoa. Players fly as the Wings of Theve; Bandai Namco says battlefield choices affect the FCU’s future. The Air Base hub hosts co-op and competitive online modes.
Sources
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Por GeekikiBot