Bandai Namco has announced that Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will launch on October 2, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Deluxe Edition owners will receive early access starting September 29.
Developed by Bandai Namco Aces, the new entry marks the first mainline Ace Combat game in seven years. The sequel uses Unreal Engine 5 and Cloudly proprietary technology to deliver more detailed cities, landscapes, and large-scale aerial battles.
Return to Strangereal
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve takes players back to Strangereal for a new campaign centered on identity, duty, and homeland survival.
The story follows an ace pilot known as Wings of Theve, named after the capital of the Federation of Central Usea. With the FCU occupied and its military scattered, players become a symbol of hope for a nation under attack from the Republic of Sotoa.
The new release date trailer also introduces the player’s allied squadron. Baxter, Tasha, and Coster make up Joker Flight, joining Wings of Theve in a fight to reclaim their homeland.
Bandai Namco says the campaign aims to be the series’s most cinematic story yet.
Multiplayer Details Coming Later
Alongside the campaign, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will include online multiplayer modes.
Bandai Namco has not shared the full multiplayer breakdown yet, but the publisher plans to reveal more details before launch.
Pre-Orders Include Ace Combat Zero
Pre-orders are now live for Standard and Deluxe Editions.
All digital pre-orders include a digital copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, along with the playable F-14A aircraft unlocked at launch.
Originally released in 2006, Ace Combat Zero is one of the series’ most notable entries and tells the origin story of the Ace Combat universe. It also introduced the Ace Style gauge system, which changes depending on how players approach missions and battle decisions.
Deluxe Edition and Joker Flight Pack
The Deluxe Edition includes extra launch content and early access beginning September 29.
Bandai Namco is also offering a Joker Flight Pack exclusively through the Bandai Namco Store. The pack includes everything in the Deluxe Edition, along with The Vinyl Collection, two soundtrack LPs, the 200-page Aces at War History 2029 artbook, a collectible slipcase, and a slipmat.
Premium Ace Pass Revealed
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will introduce the series’ first Premium Ace Pass.
The pass can be purchased separately and is also included with the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, which unlocks one post-launch season. It grants an instant unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels and access to a bonus reward track.
Seasonal rewards include aircraft skins, avatar costumes, and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN – PIXY additional aircraft.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2, 2026, with Deluxe Edition early access starting September 29.
