ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE: All You Need To Know

It’s almost time to pull the chucks out, turn up the throttle, and take off into the skies for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE! Before your journey from rookie pilot to world-renown ace, there are a few things you want to know, you have to know, and you need to know. Here they are!

Return to Strangereal: inside ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE continues the story of Strangereal, a fictional world with amazing leaps of technology that our world has never discovered. After the brutal Lighthouse War, the FCU has been attacked by Sotoan invaders, and must fight against desperate odds to reclaim their nation. 
You play as REX, an unknown pilot thrust into the spotlight when the legendary ace known as the Wings of Theve is killed in a crash during a routine scouting mission. As REX, you’ll need to bond with Joker Flight, your new squadron, and pull off some daring feats to let the world know that the FCU is not out of the picture just yet!

Prelude to an Ace’s Journey: The  ACE COMBAT HOUR ZERO Series

The moment that Sotoa attacked the FCU, lives were shattered and war began. Follow a pilot, a doctor, and a news anchor through those harrowing hours in the live-action series ACE COMBAT HOUR ZERO. Their stories set the stage for the narrative players will experience during Campaign Mode in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. Watch the whole series for free. 

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE release date

We’re wings up for the launch of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE on 2nd October 2026 00:00AM CEST. 

Everyone who pre-orders ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Deluxe Edition, the Joker Flight Pack or the Premium Joker Flight Pack will unlock early access to the game as well. This early access period starts on 29th September 2026, 00:00AM CEST. 

Which platforms will ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE be available on? 

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will be launching on PlayStation 5, XBOX X|S, and PC. Taking advantage of the best of the modern generation’s hardware for the most realistic environment as well as the largest multiplayer mode in the entire ACE COMBAT series is a core goal for this title.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE editions compared 

Please note: the price of each package and their availability at retailers is dependent on your local currency and your country. Please see our store page for further details.

Standard Edition 

This basic edition of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE contains the full game and can be purchased digitally on your console platform of choice or purchased physically on disc for PlayStation 5 or XBOX Series X|S (depending on countries and participating retailers). 
If pre-ordered before 2nd October, the Standard Edition of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will also include the playable F-14A aircraft and a copy of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (ported version of the 2006 title).

Deluxe Edition 

This Deluxe Edition of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE contains the full base game and the Customizable Cosmetic Set, which includes the Tasha Costume Set for the multiplayer lobby, the F-4E “MOBIUS SQUADRON” Skin and F/A-18 C “TEAM ZVEZDA” skin for online multiplayer aircraft [available in Campaign Mode after the campaign is completed], and the Scarlet missile smoke customization for online multiplayer aircraft.

This edition also includes a Premium ACE Pass Plus voucher, which will unlock the premium rewards track for the current season when it is redeemed. This pass will also instantly unlock 30 Premium ACE Pass levels. 

The Deluxe Edition of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE can be purchased digitally on your console platform of choice or purchased physically on disc for PlayStation 5 or XBOX Series X|S and printed game code for PC (depending on countries and participating retailers). 

If pre-ordered before 2nd October, the Digital Deluxe Edition of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will unlock the 3-Day Early Access period beginning on 29th September 2026. You will also obtain the playable F-14A aircraft and ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (ported version of the 2006 title).

Joker Flight Pack 

The Joker Flight Pack is a premium package that offers a set of physical collectables, shipped in an attractive hardcover slipcase for secure storage and display.

This pack includes the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Original Soundtrack Vinyl LP set, a 15 track two-disc vinyl soundtrack delivered in an elegant gatefold sleeve printed with schematics for the FCU Navy CV-15 Aircraft Carrier Endurance and includes a branded felt slipmat to protect your vinyls and enhance your audio experience when used during playback.

The Joker Flight Pack also includes the hardbound artbook “ACES at WAR A History 2029” – a full-color, 208-page collection of concept art, war chronicles, exclusive development interviews, and other supplementary information about the aircraft and factions portrayed in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE.

In addition to these physical collectables, the Joker Flight Pack contains the full base game and the Customizable Cosmetic Set, which includes the Tasha Costume Set for the multiplayer lobby, the F-4E “MOBIUS SQUADRON” Skin and F/A-18 C “TEAM ZVEZDA” skin for online multiplayer aircraft [available in Campaign Mode after the campaign is completed], and the Scarlet missile smoke customization for online multiplayer aircraft.

This edition also includes a Premium ACE Pass Plus voucher, which will unlock the premium rewards track for the current season when it is redeemed. This pass will also instantly unlock 30 Premium ACE Pass levels. 

The Joker Flight Pack is exclusively available for purchase on the Bandai Namco Official Store. At this time, it is also only available for the Digital PC Steam platform. The game will be available via a digital Steam code included on a printed card delivered along with the other physical collectables included in this edition.

If pre-ordered before 2nd October, the Joker Flight Pack of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will unlock the 3-day Early Access period beginning on 29th September 2026. You will also obtain the playable F-14A aircraft and ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (ported version of the 2006 title).

Premium Joker Flight Pack

The Premium Joker Flight Pack offers the most complete set of physical ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE collectables available to date. It is a must-have for anyone who loves the ACE COMBAT series or loves the freedom of the open sky.

This pack includes the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Original Soundtrack Vinyl LP set, a 15 track two-disc vinyl soundtrack delivered in an elegant gatefold sleeve printed with schematics for the FCU Navy CV-15 Aircraft Carrier Endurance and includes a branded felt slipmat to protect your vinyls and enhance your audio experience when used during playback.

The Premium Joker Flight Pack also includes the hardbound artbook “ACES at WAR A History 2029” – a full-color, 208-page collection of concept art, war chronicles, exclusive development interviews, and other supplementary information about the aircraft and factions portrayed in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. Both the Vinyl LP set and the hardbound artbook are shipped in an attractive hardcover slipcase, perfect for both protection and display.

The pack also contains an exclusive 7 cm woven military patch with the Wings of Theve wing art logo that can be attached to many types of clothing, bags, hats, and more. It also includes the XXL ACE COMBAT CV-15 Aircraft Carrier Endurance Schematic LED Gaming Mousepad, an extra-large 300 × 900 mm non-slip surface with an integrated LED case and customizable RGB backlighting. 

In addition to these physical collectables, the Premium Joker Flight Pack contains the base game and the Customizable Cosmetic Set, which includes the Tasha Costume Set for the multiplayer lobby, the F-4E “MOBIUS SQUADRON” Skin and F/A-18 C “TEAM ZVEZDA” skin for online multiplayer aircraft [available in Campaign Mode after the campaign is completed] and the Scarlet missile smoke customization for online multiplayer aircraft.

This pack also includes a Premium ACE Pass Plus voucher, which will unlock the premium rewards track for the current season when it is redeemed. This pass will also instantly unlock 30 Premium ACE Pass levels. 

The Premium Joker Flight Pack is exclusively available for purchase on the Bandai Namco Official Store. At this time, it is also only available for the Digital PC Steam platform. The game will be distributed via a digital Steam code included on a printed card delivered along with the other physical collectables included in this edition.

If pre-ordered before 2nd October, the Premium Joker Flight Pack of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will unlock the 3-day Early Access period beginning on 29th September 2026. You will also obtain the playable F-14A aircraft and ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (ported version of the 2006 title).

Which edition should you choose? 

How to play ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE early: 3-day Early Access 

All you need is your disc or digital game code for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE included in either the Deluxe Edition, the Joker Flight Pack or the Premium Joker Flight Pack. Insert your disc into your console or activate your digital code on the console account of your choice. On 29th September, 2026, you will unlock access to ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. 

If you digitally pre-order the Deluxe Edition at any time between 29th September and 2nd October, you will receive a digital version of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE that is already unlocked for early access. 

Pre-order bonuses 

If pre-ordered before 2nd October, every edition of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will include the playable F-14A aircraft and a copy of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR as a pre-order bonus. 

Pre-ordering the Deluxe edition, the Joker Flight Pack, or the Premium Joker Flight Pack will unlock the 3-day Early Access period beginning on 29th September 2026.

How the Premium Ace Pass works

Your ACE PASS is a record of your exploits in ACE COMBAT ONLINE, the brand-new multiplayer mode included in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. Every two months new rewards are added with two tracks, a normal ACE PASS and the Premium ACE PASS. Those who own a PREMIUM ACE PASS can join this second track for better rewards as they rank up. 

Multiplayer: 100-player lobby, co-op and cross-play 

Multiplayer features in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE are available in ACE COMBAT ONLINE, a specialized independent system with its own save data and progression apart from Campaign Mode. In this multiplayer mode, you can create a customized, persistent avatar and meet up with other players in 100-player lobbies to participate in multiple types of co-op PvE, PvP, and PvPvE missions. These lobby airbases are packed with features like a Bandai Namco arcade museum, jukebox, training mode, and much more. 

In the lobby you can matchmake with other users from around the world or team up with your friends no matter which platform they use to play. The matches and lobbies in ACE COMBAT ONLINE are all fully cross-play enabled. 

At its core, ACE COMBAT ONLINE allows you to complete missions to earn currency to purchase items and experience that increases your mercenary rank in the current ACE PASS Season. The higher your rank, the more rewards you can unlock: upgrades, consumables, and customization items for your avatar and your aircraft that help you build a unique ace identity in the world of ACE COMBAT ONLINE.

The two main modes of ACE COMBAT ONLINE are Co-Op Assault, where teams of two to four players compete in a PvE challenge to complete a collective mission with the highest score; and Co-Op Warfare, a PvP mode where two teams of four players fight on opposing sides of a military conflict including NPC units where the more enemy units you destroy, the higher the point reward to the other team gains if they shoot you down.

There will also be special limited-time missions like Scrambles where a team of four goes head-to-head against a powerful NPC squad or Emergency Sorties where 8 players will take on the iconic superweapons of previous ACE COMBAT games. 

Special PvP events will also crop up from time to time with modes like 4 v 4 deathmatch or an 8 player free-for-all. These limited-time missions may have special restrictions on unit costs or types of aircraft as well to keep things interesting.

This is a general overview of the ACE COMBAT ONLINE system, but if you’d like to know more, we have a full break-down of these multiplayer modes including a video in our ACE COMBAT ONLINE Overview.

This is the largest multiplayer system ever included in a main ACE COMBAT series game, so take advantage of how much there is to do and make a name for yourself among other pilots around the world!

Story, characters and aircraft 

Your story begins with the death of a legend. Jan Cope, the original Wings of Theve was stationed off the aircraft carrier Endurance when you and another survivor, David Jenkins, were picked up from the ocean after a nearby battle. 

While acting as Cope’s navigator during a routine patrol, your craft was shot down in a surprise attack and Cope was unable to get free of the wreck. The loss of the pilot who fought to the end to defend the capital would be a major blow to the morale of the military and the civilian population, so you are tapped to take over his flight identity.

And at your side are your wingmen, the other pilots of Joker Fight. As flight leader, you are Joker 1, call sign “Rex” – the newly-appointed Wings of Theve.

At your side is Joker 2, Ellington Baxter, call sign “Professor.” He has a calm demeanor and a teacher’s patience. 

Baxter’s protégé is Joker 3, Tasha Severskaya, call sign “Tasha.” Before the war, she was the star aerobatic pilot of Zvezda, a Yuktobanian air display team. She had been touring the Endurance for a promotional photo shoot when the war broke out and decided to volunteer. 

And rounding out the team is Joker 4, William Coster, call sign “Noise.” With his love of hard rock, Coster makes a great sidekick and backup to Tasha’s aerial antics. He’s skilled and capable in the air and on the stage.

There are plenty of other characters who support your story as you grow into your role of top ace, learn more about them by browsing our character roster.

Of course, the aircraft themselves act as a huge part of every ACE COMBAT story and this entry is no exception. Many fan favorites are back in the mix, like the Typhoon, the F-14D Super Tomcat, the F-4E Phantom II, and so many more. 

What's new in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE ? 

In addition to all the heart-pumping arcade excitement gamers have come to expect from the series, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is rich with new features including a visceral new story of rising from a nobody to the symbol of hope for a nation that you can experience in first person for the first time.

Aerial combat has also been taken to new heights thanks to stunning visuals with dynamic multi-layered cloudscapes that capture the majesty of living skies and new chain destruction mechanics that turns a well-placed shot into a banquette of explosions during specific missions.

As you fight through gripping missions, you’ll have the support of your squadron, Joker Flight, who you can direct with the return of quick-wingman commands, originally introduced in ACE COMBAT 5: SQUADRON LEADER.

There’s also ACE COMBAT ONLINE, the largest multiplayer mode ever included in an ACE COMBAT game, a fully cross-platform PVP and PVE co-op experience. And of course, the most realistic and immersive living sky battlefields ever, powered by the proprietary Cloudly weather system. 

All of this combined with a killer roster of both speculative and licensed aircraft, super weapons, and other military craft for you to fly, fight, and destroy!

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE FAQ