Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is preparing for take-off on October 2, bringing more than 30 aircraft, expanded customisation, large-scale missions and a new squadron-focused campaign to Bandai Namco’s long-running aerial combat series.
The next major entry in the Ace Combat franchise will launch on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC, giving players another opportunity to return to high-speed aerial combat.
Developed by Bandai Namco Aces, Ace Combat 8 combines the familiar arcade-style flight combat of the series with more detailed environments, new cloud technology and a campaign that places greater emphasis on the pilots fighting alongside the player.
Players will have access to more than 30 aircraft and will be able to unlock additional planes and upgrades as they progress through the campaign.
More Than 30 Aircraft to Choose From
Aircraft remain at the centre of the Ace Combat experience, and Wings of Theve gives players a sizeable collection to choose from.
The campaign includes more than 30 aircraft, including familiar military planes such as the F-14 Tomcat and A-10 Warthog.
Aircraft are divided into four main categories:
Fighters, Multirole, Attackers and Electronic Warfare aircraft.
Each category is suited to different situations.
Fighters are designed primarily for air-to-air engagements, while attackers are better suited to striking targets on the ground. Multirole aircraft offer greater flexibility, and electronic warfare aircraft provide additional support capabilities.
Players won’t have access to everything immediately.
Completing missions earns credits that can be spent through an Aircraft Tree, allowing players to unlock additional aircraft and upgrades.
Optional objectives can provide extra credits, giving players another reason to explore different approaches to individual missions.
Before entering combat, players can choose their aircraft and make adjustments to areas such as manoeuvrability, acceleration and targeting.
This progression system should allow players to gradually develop an aircraft collection that better matches their preferred style of flying.
Missions Mix Air and Ground Combat
Ace Combat 8 will feature a variety of mission types rather than relying entirely on traditional dogfights.
Players can expect air-to-air engagements, escort missions and bombing operations alongside larger battlefield objectives.
Some missions involve attacking enormous land battleships, while others require players to defend carrier fleets from incoming threats.
Positioning and speed are expected to remain important during combat. Success isn’t simply about getting an enemy into the crosshairs; players will need to manage their position in the sky and decide when to attack or disengage.
Training missions are also included and gradually increase in difficulty, helping players become familiar with the flight controls and combat systems.
The aircraft carrier Endurance serves as the main base during the campaign.
Players will see more than just the flight deck. The game includes detailed environments covering both the interior and exterior of the carrier, alongside cities, buildings, trees, canyons and other terrain encountered during missions.
Joker Flight Takes a Bigger Role
One of the more noticeable changes in Ace Combat 8 is the increased importance of the player’s squadron.
Known as Joker Flight, the squadron includes several distinctive characters.
There’s Professor, an experienced veteran pilot; Tasha, who transitioned from civilian life into becoming a pilot; and Noise, a musician who also takes to the skies.
These pilots aren’t simply background characters.
During missions, players can issue commands to their squadron using the directional pad.
Available orders include forward attacks, dispersed attacks, support actions and clearance to use special weapons.
The relationship with Joker Flight also extends beyond combat.
Instead of presenting most of the story through briefing screens and conventional cinematics, Ace Combat 8 introduces first-person sequences rendered using the game’s engine.
Between missions, players can explore parts of the Endurance, interact with other members of the squadron and observe activities taking place aboard the carrier.
The approach is designed to give the player a stronger sense of actually living aboard the ship rather than simply moving from one mission briefing to another.
A New Story of War and Survival
The campaign takes place in 2029.
The Federation of Central Usea has been overwhelmed following an invasion by the Republic of Sotoa. Much of the country has been occupied, its military forces have been scattered and the Endurance is among the remaining elements of the FCU’s resistance.
The player begins as a fighter pilot rescued at sea and brought aboard the ageing carrier.
There, the pilot is given the identity “Wings of Theve.”
The name represents a legendary ace associated with Theve, the capital of the Federation of Central Usea, and has become a symbol of hope.
But the legend isn’t quite what it initially appears to be.
With three new companions alongside the player, the campaign follows the fight to reclaim the pilots’ lost homeland.
New Cloud Technology Changes the Battlefield
Ace Combat has long used dramatic skies as an important part of its visual identity, and Wings of Theve pushes this further.
The game uses new cloud technology to create more dynamic skies and atmospheric conditions during missions.
Bandai Namco says the title uses Unreal Engine 5 alongside its proprietary Cloudly technology to produce more realistic aerial environments.
Ground environments have also received additional detail.
Large battlefields feature varied terrain, structures, cities and natural environments, helping create a stronger sense of scale while flying at different altitudes.
The result is intended to make the sky itself feel like a more active part of each battlefield.
Release Date and Deluxe Edition
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches on October 2, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Players purchasing the Deluxe Edition receive three days of early access, allowing them to begin playing ahead of the standard release.
The Deluxe Edition also includes the Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher and a customisable cosmetic set.
Pre-order bonuses include the F-14A as a playable aircraft and Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
For long-time fans, the inclusion of Ace Combat Zero is particularly notable, bringing one of the franchise’s earlier entries to modern platforms.
With more than 30 aircraft, deeper progression, expanded squadron interactions and a campaign that gives players more opportunities to experience life outside the cockpit, Wings of Theve represents a substantial new chapter for the series.
The wait won’t be much longer. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve officially takes flight on October 2.