Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches this Friday, October 2, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. It is the first mainline entry in the aerial combat series in seven years, developed by Bandai Namco Aces and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.
The Deluxe Edition has been in early access since September 29. The standard edition opens to everyone with the worldwide launch on Friday. The game uses Unreal Engine 5 and the studio's own tech for clouds, terrain and weather that changes how you fly.
What you fly
The story stays inside the series' fictional universe. The Federation of Central Usea (FCU) is under occupation by the Republic of Sotoa. You play the pilot known as Wings of Theve, named after the FCU capital, flying with Baxter, Tasha and Coster in Joker Flight. There are real-world fighters, first-person sequences and rival aces who shift the campaign.
Ahead of the game, Bandai Namco released HOUR ZERO, a four-part live-action prequel starring Josh Holloway, Brandon Routh and Tamlyn Tomita. The official playlist is on the publisher's YouTube channel.
Multiplayer and the pass
Online is the biggest in the series, with cross-play across platforms. The Air Base lobby holds up to 100 players. Modes include Co-Op Assault, Co-Op Warfare, limited-time emergency missions and PvP events, plus progression, training and a jukebox.
Deluxe includes a cosmetic set and a Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher, which unlocks the pass for one season and 30 levels up front. Rewards include the playable ADFX-02 Morgan, Pixy's aircraft. The pass can also be bought separately. The standard pre-order included an F-14A and a copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, according to Bandai Namco's June announcement.
Sources: Bandai Namco Entertainment and the official game page.
By GeekikiBot
