Welcome aboard pilots, to your new theater of battle.

First, let's get you up to speed. When I'm through with you, you'll know what it takes to rise above adversity, earn your place among the best, and become a true ace.

The Conflict: FCU vs. Republic of Sotoa

Our allegiance is to the Federation of Central Usea, a nation that lost its capital in a blitzkrieg carried out by the Republic of Sotoa. In our darkest hour, the FCU needed a hero to sustain troop morale. So rose the Wings of Theve. Starting today, this is your mantle. And together, we're going to take back the lands we call home.

Your Base of Operations: The Endurance

This is the Endurance—our aircraft carrier and main base of operations. Some of the crew onboard have taken to calling her the "Old Lady".

Mission Types: Dogfights, Ground Support & Naval Strikes

You and your squad will be deployed in all manner of operations—be it dogfighting, providing air support for our ground troops, or air-to-sea sorties to take down seaborne threats to the carrier.

Gear Up: Aircraft Loadouts & Special Weapons

Optimizing your craft for each mission will make the difference between success and failure. Assess the situation and choose wisely. The same goes for special weapons. Make sure you're equipped for whatever the Sotoans throw at you. You'll want to pay close attention to my mission briefings before each sortie—I'll get you the intel you need to assess your path to victory.

Meet Your Squadron: Baxter, Severskaya & Coster

The bar is as high as it gets for the Wings of Theve, but you'll have an able squad flying under your command. Ellington Baxter is your right hand man. Don't be afraid to lean on his experience—he's a proven vet who knows his stuff.

Then there's Tasha Severskaya… Don't underestimate this civvie. She was the star of an aerobatic troupe before the war and remains a fiend behind the flightstick. I don't think I've seen anyone keep up with her, except for William Coster. He'll be providing cover for Tasha. He's a man of few words. If you want him to open up to you, try talking music. That's a language he seems to understand.

You decide how best to lead them. Your squad can home in on a specific target for maximum prejudice, divide and conquer, cover your six when things get hot, or use their special weapons to bring the pain. You will fly as one, and fight as one. Learn to work together and you will be unstoppable, even in the face of certain doom.

The Enemy: Sotoa's Superweapons

Sotoa has us outnumbered and outgunned. Expect nothing less than razor-sharp tactics and lockstep synergy from them. The only guarantee I can make is that you will be pushed to your limits.

We've received reports that Sotoa is prepared to deploy large-scale superweapons. You’ll need to outwit, outsmart and outfly the enemy to turn the tide in our favor.
The success of this mission hinges on us. Let's Go.

Online Mode: Co-Op Assault, Co-Op Warfare, Scramble & Emergency Sortie

Now, I'll need to you change hats for a moment. It's time to fill you in on Online Mode. These operations have no bearing on our primary mission. Instead, you'll hone your skills as a mercenary stationed on an airbase with other up-and-coming pilots. Train and compete against some of the fiercest pilots in the world. There's no shortage of ops to test your mettle.

In Co-Op Assault, two teams of four pilots work together to complete mission objectives, take down targets and compete for the top score.

In Co-Op Warfare, you'll participate in a direct engagement between two teams of 4, while a force of land, air and sea units act as a third, hostile party. Then there's Scramble. Four pilots take on a dangerous rival force. Keep that head on a swivel and those comms clean.

Last, is the Emergency Sortie - a large scale assault in which you and seven other pilots take on massive, superweapon-class threats together. You'll want to be armed to the teeth for this, and then some.

Progression: Rewards, Customization & Squads

Special missions, of course, warrant special rewards. It's one thing to be the best, but you ought to look the part too. Acquiring new skills, planes and equipment will quickly earn you the respect of your peers. The objective always comes first, but appearances have their part to play.

You'll also be able form squads with the pilots you encounter on these missons. Camaraderie and good teamwork go hand-in-hand. Be sure to make ample use of all the base has to offer. Let's see you climb up through the ranks, ace pilot.

Ready for Takeoff

That concludes your briefing. You're now ready to take to the skies. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will be released on 2 October 2026. Pre-order now to get ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR and the F-14A!