'Rise Above’ as the Thrilling Sequel to the Series that Defined the Aerial Combat Genre Returns, with Preorders Now Live with Bonuses Including a Preorder Bonus of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR

Storm the seas, fly through stunningly realistic cities and landscapes, and ‘Rise Above’ as Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today announced the launch date, preorder bonuses, and the first-ever Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™. The long-anticipated sequel will take to the skies with early access available for Deluxe Edition holders on September 29, 2026, and launch for all players on October 2. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the first mainline entry in ACE COMBAT™ in seven years promises to elevate the flight shooting franchise to new heights, harnessing the power of Unreal® Engine 5 and Cloudly proprietary technology to create an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now for pre-orders on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in Standard and Deluxe Editions. For more information, visit www.bandainamcoent.com/games/ace-combat-8#editions

Watch the all-new ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE release date trailer

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features a deep engaging campaign, promising to deliver the most cinematic experience yet in the series. The story puts players in the role of an ace pilot in an emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland. Returning to the series’ legendary fictitious setting, Strangereal is now a world at war, with the nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its military scattered. With the prospect of war for survival as the only option, players enter the cockpit under the name Wings of Theve, taking on the role of a legendary ace with their name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and becoming the symbol of hope for every citizen in their imperiled nation. Joined by a squadron of three allied pilots, theirs is a flight against all odds to repel the Republic of Sotoa’s vicious attack and reclaim their lost homeland.

The new trailer released today gives a glimpse of the intense battles players will face. It also reveals more of the epic storyline in the game’s Campaign Mode, introducing the distinct characters forming Wings of Theve’s squadron, Baxter, Tasha, and Coster, together known as the Joker Flight. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will also feature additional online multiplayer modes, which Bandai Namco will reveal between now and launch.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available for preorder now in Standard and Deluxe Editions, with Deluxe Edition owners receiving additional content to enhance their experience from day one. All digital preorders include a digital copy of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR, an unlocked playable F-14A aircraft all available at launch. The celebrated 2006 entry ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR is widely regarded as one of the defining titles in the franchise and features the origin story of the ACE COMBAT universe. The game also introduced the series’ iconic Ace Style gauge system, a dynamic mechanic that shifts based on how players approach each mission and the choices they make in battle, shaping the story’s outcome and their identity as a pilot.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE preorder offers include the Joker Flight Pack, available exclusively at the Bandai Namco Store. The exclusive pack includes everything in the Deluxe Edition alongside The Vinyl Collection, a premium set featuring two LP vinyl records of the soundtrack, an official 200-page “ACES at WAR HISTORY 2029” artbook, a collectible slipcase, and a slipmat.

For more information on the Deluxe Edition, view the trailer

Bandai Namco is also introducing the first Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. The pass can be purchased separately and is also included with the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, which unlocks the pass for one season after launch. The Premium Ace Pass grants an instant unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels, giving players a head start to claim the first 30 tiers of seasonal rewards, along with a season long track of bonus rewards including aircraft skins, avatar costumes, and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN –PIXY additional aircraft. For more information and an FAQ on the Premium Ace pass, please visit www.bandainamcoent.com/games/ace-combat-8#faq.