ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is due to take-off for all players on 2nd October 2026 and on 29th September for Digital Deluxe Edition owners.
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 to create an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride.
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 shattered. 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 imperilled 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 online multiplayer modes, which Bandai Namco will reveal closer to launch.
All pre-orders include a digital copy of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR available at launch on 2 October 2026. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE pre-orders also include a few exclusive bundles such as the Joker Flight Pack.
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 artbook “ACES at WAR HISTORY 2029”, a collectible slipcase, and a slipmat.
Bandai Namco is also introducing the first Premium Ace Pass. The pass can be purchased separately and is also included with the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, which unlocks the current 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’s skins, avatar’s costume and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN -PIXY- additional aircraft.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Deluxe Edition also includes the Customisable Cosmetic Set, which includes skins for both F-4 Mobius Squadron 25th Anniversary & the F/A-18C Team Zvezda aircrafts, as well as the Scarlet Missile Smoke and a Tasha’s Costume.