Simone Publisher Bandai Namco and developer Bandai Namco Aces have officially announced that Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will launch on October 2, 2026. The flight simulation action title is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders across physical and digital storefronts have launched alongside the date announcement.
Developed by Project Aces, the core single-player Campaign Mode features high-octane, arcade-style aerial warfare set against dynamic, multi-layered cloudscapes. The narrative framework introduces a more intimate perspective on the pilot’s journey, utilizing first-person cinematic sequences and interactive hangar interludes where players can converse with squadron members between missions.
On the multiplayer side, Ace Combat Online introduces the franchise’s first virtual online lobby, allowing players to walk around an air base using custom avatars. The online suite serves as the largest multiplayer infrastructure in the series to date, offering cross-platform play alongside dedicated competitive and cooperative mission modes.
Storefront options begin with the Standard Edition ($69.99 USD), which includes a copy of the game, a playable F-14A aircraft pre-order bonus, and a digital copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. The Deluxe Edition ($89.99 USD) bundles a customizable cosmetic pack and a Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher, alongside a three-day early access window starting on September 28, 2026. Finally, a Bandai Namco Store-exclusive Joker Flight Pack ($149.99 USD) packages all Deluxe content together with a 208-page “Aces at War: A History 2029” hardcover art book and a premium double-vinyl soundtrack collection containing a custom turntable slipmat.
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