ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is already setting records for Bandai Namco’s long-running aerial combat franchise. The publisher has announced that the latest entry has sold 1 million units worldwide faster than any previous game in the series, marking a major milestone for the first mainline instalment in seven years.
Developed by Bandai Namco Aces, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launched in early access on September 29 before its full worldwide release on October 2, 2026. The game has also earned strong critical reception, ranking as the second-highest-rated entry in the franchise according to review aggregator sites.
The latest instalment builds on the series’ blend of arcade-style aerial combat and cinematic storytelling, putting players in the cockpit of a variety of real-world fighter aircraft. Its Campaign Mode follows an ace pilot caught in a fictional war, with dramatic missions unfolding across expansive environments featuring detailed terrain, realistic cloud formations, and high-fidelity visuals. Players can also take their aircraft online, with the game introducing the largest multiplayer offering in the franchise to date.
Online play supports cross-platform multiplayer, bringing pilots together across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Alongside a selection of player-versus-environment and player-versus-player modes, the experience features a virtual Air Base lobby capable of hosting up to 100 players. Here, players can customize and develop their online characters, track rewards, train, enjoy activities that include classic Bandai Namco arcade games, and team up before heading into battle.
The sales milestone arrives as the ACE COMBAT franchise continues to build on its legacy, following its 30th anniversary in June 2025. With ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE combining a story-driven campaign with the series’ most expansive multiplayer experience, Bandai Namco is looking to build on that history while introducing the franchise to a wider audience.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.