ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE | Online Overview

Welcome back, pilots, to ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, the latest entry in the ACE COMBAT series, releasing worldwide on October 2nd. We'll take you through the early stages of ACE COMBAT ONLINE, the online endgame mode of ACE COMBAT 8, and showcase what makes it so exciting. Discover just a glimpse of how the aerial combat experience with pilots from around the world can evolve and expand. We hope you'll get a taste of what's in store.

What is ACE COMBAT ONLINE

ACE COMBAT ONLINE is an independent game mode, with its own progression and save data separate from Campaign Mode. You begin your journey as a mercenary pilot freshly stationed at an air force base. First things first - create an avatar to represent yourself. 

Participate in a variety of operations to earn rewards and customize your avatar.

The airbase acts as a player hub that can host up to 100 players at a time. 

Team up with pilots from around the world, take on missions together, and make a name for yourself as a mercenary pilot.

There are two core game modes at the center of ACE COMBAT ONLINE: "Co-Op Assault" and "Co-Op Warfare."

Co-Op Assault

Let's start in Co-Op Assault. Submit a sortie request and wait for matchmaking to complete. This mode is focused on player versus enemy combat where two teams of four players will compete to see which team can earn the highest score. Your rewards are determined by your mission clear rank, where the winning team earning even greater rewards. Each mission features different enemies, and a wide variety of aircraft can shine depending on the situation. Earn rewards, expand your aircraft collection, and build a force capable of achieving even greater success in the air.

The main difference from Campaign Mode is that your wingmen aren't Baxter, Tasha, or Coster - they're players from all over the world. Utilize the directional pad to access the communication system and coordinate with players. You can communicate with players you've met through missions at the air force base. Form temporary parties or permanent units, strengthen your teamwork, and aim for even greater achievements.

Co-Op Warfare - PVP

Next, let's dive into the player-versus-player experience. Co-Op Warfare pits two teams of four against each other, with allied land, sea and air NPC units thrown into the mix. Victory goes to the team with the highest total score.

As players rack up points, their Threat Level will rise. You can see your current Threat Level displayed as stars, netting you more points per kill and the longer you fly uncontested. Building up your Threat Level early and efficiently earning points are essential for victory. On the other hand, the higher your Threat Level, the more points your opponents are able to obtain if you are shot down. Raising your Threat Level to three stars earns you the designation of "ace." When two aces go head to head, it can change the entire outcome of the match.

Aircraft roles & strategy

In ACE COMBAT ONLINE, you have a wide selection of aircraft - each suited to different roles. Fighters excel in quarrying their prey and putting pressure on rampaging ace aircraft. Conversely, attackers are prime candidates for running wild over the battlefield and earning the coveted title of ace aircraft for themselves. Multi-role aircraft are ideal for rounding out team compositions, while Electronic warfare aircraft look to support allies and disrupt enemies. Experiment with different team compositions, roles, special weaponry and builds to get the upperhand in the struggle for ace status.

Special & limited-time missions

When you return from Co-op Assault or Co-op Warfare, special limited-time missions such as "Scramble" or "Emergency Sortie" may become available to you. You can take on these special missions alongside other players who have also been matched to them. 

In "Scramble," you'll form a team of four to take on a formidable NPC rival squad. 

In "Emergency Sortie," you'll form a team of eight to take on iconic colossal weapons from the Ace Combat series, in fierce and challenging battles. Victory in either special mission will earn you greater rewards.

Additionally, limited-time PVP events will be making an appearance, including 4 v 4 team deathmatches and 8-player free-for-all deathmatches. These missions might also include unit cost limits or role restrictions. Take part in a variety of missions, rack up victories, and rise through the ranks as a mercenary.

Aircraft customization & progression

The higher your rank as a mercenary, the more aircraft you'll be able to obtain. Aircraft customization includes not only Upgrade Parts, but also unique online-exclusive features. Deploy your aircraft on missions and increase their level to improve various parameters and unlock unique abilities specific to each aircraft. Visual customization is equally robust. Skins, emblems, weathering. Fine-tune every detail to create an aircraft that's truly your own. Build and customize your own unique aircraft, then take to the skies.

The airbase lobby

In the lobby, you'll find:

• an arcade where you can play classic NAMCO titles, a supply shop where you can obtain items,
• a jukebox playing music from past games that symbolize the season, a military training mode where up to four players can fly together,
• a tutorial where you can learn about ACE COMBAT ONLINE limited features, a gate that transports you to other air bases,
• and the ACE COMBAT Store, where you can use in-game currency earned through missions to acquire aircraft, purchase cosmetic items and use various facilities.

Fully enjoy your own unique life as a mercenary pilot.

ACE PASS

Playing ACE COMBAT ONLINE will also count towards your ACE PASS progress where you can unlock items. Upgrade to the PREMIUM ACE PASS to earn additional rewards. Each ACE PASS season will last two months. But rest assured, any aircraft DLC included in the PREMIUM ACE PASS will be available for purchase separately after the season ends.

That concludes our introduction to the online mode of the dramatic flight shooting ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or flying for the first time, we look forward to seeing you in the skies alongside ace pilots from around the world.