Legendary ACE COMBAT Series Returns with an Unforgettable New Story, New-Generation Visuals and High-Speed Aerial Warfare

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today announced the worldwide early access launch of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™, the first mainline entry in the acclaimed ACE COMBAT™ flight shooting series in seven years. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE invites players to rise above, elevating the flight shooting franchise to new heights, harnessing the power of Unreal® Engine 5 and proprietary technology to create an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride. The game also delivers the series’ biggest multiplayer experience yet, with cross-play bringing pilots together across platforms and from around the world for a thrilling range of online game modes. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now in early access on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam®. The game will release worldwide on October 2, 2026. For more information, please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/ace-combat-8.

View the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launch trailer

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE continues the legacy of the ACE COMBAT franchise, pushing the boundaries of visuals and arcade-inspired aerial action in the flight shooting genre. Powered by the capabilities of new generation consoles and proprietary technology developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the latest entry delivers an immersive flight experience featuring a wide range of real-world fighter jets, and breathtaking visual fidelity, with expansive realistic cloudscapes and finely rendered terrain and environments. Players must also navigate challenging weather conditions that can dramatically impact gameplay. First-person cinematic sequences further immerse players in the story, bringing them closer to the action and the pilots at the heart of the conflict.

The story puts players in a world at war, rooted entirely in the series’ fictitious universe but one where the weight of decisions, the pressure of command and the bonds forged in battle will feel all too real. The Federation of Central Usea (FCU) has fallen under occupation, leaving its military forces scattered and its people fighting to survive. Players take on the role of the 'Wings of Theve', an ace pilot who embodies the hopes of the people and are named after Theve, the FCU's capital. Alongside fellow pilots Baxter, Tasha, and Coster, known together as Joker Flight, players must fight against the invading Republic of Sotoa and reclaim their homeland. As the war intensifies, players will face overwhelming enemy forces, powerful rival pilots and decisions that will shape the fate of the FCU.

To introduce fans and newcomers to the story in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, Bandai Namco created HOUR ZERO, a live action prequel to the narrative players experience in the game starring Josh Holloway (Lost, Yellowstone), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) and Tamlyn Tomita (Cobra Kai). Watch the four-part short film series at www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLePgp9fhlNf0.

Online multiplayer mode in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is the most expansive in the series. Players customize their mercenary pilot and enter a new virtual lobby, connecting with other players from around the world and across platforms in the Air Base hub, which supports up to 100 players. Online combat features Co-Op Assault and Co-Op Warfare, along with limited-time emergency missions and PvP events. With its own progression system, rewards, training, arcade and Jukebox activities, the online mode gives pilots new ways to take to the skies together.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE offers a Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT ONLINE. 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 Plus 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.