Bandai Namco has officially taken the ACE COMBAT series back into the skies with the worldwide early access launch of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, marking the first mainline entry in the long-running flight shooting series in seven years. The latest installment is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam for players with early access, with the full worldwide release set for October 2, 2026.
Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE aims to push the series’ aerial combat further with the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 alongside the developer’s proprietary technology. The game features a range of real-world fighter jets, expansive cloudscapes, detailed environments and weather conditions that can directly affect the action as players take to the skies.
The latest entry also introduces a new story set within ACE COMBAT’s established fictional universe. The Federation of Central Usea has fallen under occupation, leaving its military forces scattered and its people struggling to survive. Players take on the role of the ace pilot known as the “Wings of Theve,” named after the FCU’s capital, and join forces with Baxter, Tasha and Coster as part of Joker Flight. Together, they will take on the invading Republic of Sotoa while facing overwhelming enemy forces, rival pilots and decisions that will influence the course of the conflict.
Bandai Namco has also expanded the multiplayer side of ACE COMBAT considerably. Players can customize their mercenary pilot and enter the Air Base, a new virtual hub capable of bringing together up to 100 players across platforms. Cross-play allows pilots to connect regardless of their chosen platform, while the online experience includes Co-Op Assault, Co-Op Warfare, limited-time emergency missions and PvP events.
The online mode also features its own progression system, rewards and activities, including training, arcade features and a Jukebox. This gives the multiplayer component a larger role beyond simply jumping into individual aerial battles.
The story of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is also being expanded beyond the game itself with HOUR ZERO, a live-action prequel created by Bandai Namco. The prequel stars Josh Holloway, Brandon Routh and Tamlyn Tomita and is designed to introduce players to the events and characters surrounding the game’s conflict.
Players looking for additional content can also purchase the Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT ONLINE separately, while the Deluxe Edition includes a Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher that unlocks one season of the pass after launch. The Premium Ace Pass Plus additionally provides an instant unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels, along with seasonal rewards that include aircraft skins, avatar costumes and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN -PIXY additional aircraft.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is now available in early access on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, with the full game launching worldwide on October 2, 2026.