Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve carries on the legacy of ACE COMBAT, a franchise that has always pushed the envelope of game visuals and action-packed, arcade-inspired game play in the flight shooting genre. The newest entry will once again break boundaries, with the reveal showing a glimpse at what realism powered by new generation consoles can bring to the experience.

Players fly various real-world fight jets in a game marked by stunning visual details and effects, with realistic expanses of clouds and finely rendered terrain and landscape, and the added challenge of navigating through inclement weather. Players will also experience thrilling first-person point-of-view cinematics, adding even more immersion to the story.

In the game’s Campaign Mode, players take on the role of an ace pilot in Strangereal, a world at war, rooted entirely in a fictitious universe but one where the weight of decisions, the pressure of command and the bonds forged in battle will feel all too real.  With their nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its navy shattered, players enter the cockpit as the “Wings of Theve” – a legendary ace, a name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and a symbol of hope for every citizen in their homeland. Joined by three new fighter pilots, theirs is a flight against odds versus the Republic of Sotoa to reclaim their lost homeland, eliminate the threat to their people, and carry the hope of every FCU citizen.

Storm the seas, fly through stunningly realistic cities and landscapes, and ‘Rise Above’ as Bandai Namco Entertainment announced the launch date, pre-order bonuses, and the first-ever Premium Ace Pass for Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve.

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 additional online multiplayer modes, which Bandai Namco will reveal between now and launch.

All digital pre-orders include a digital copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, an unlocked playable F-14A aircraft all available at launch.

The celebrated 2006 entry Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is widely regarded as one of the defining titles in the franchise and features the origin story of the Ace Combat universe. The game also introduced the series’ iconic Ace Style gauge system, a dynamic mechanic that shifts based on how players approach each mission and the choices they make in battle, shaping the story’s outcome and their identity as a pilot.

The Deluxe Edition of Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve includes:

• Base Game
• 3 days of Early Access
• Customizable Cosmetic Set
• Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher

Take to the skies in style with the Joker Flight Pack, including all content from the Deluxe Edition, plus an Official Artbook, 2 LP Vinyl Records, Slipcase, and Slipmat!

Bandai Namco is also introducing the first Premium Ace Pass for Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve.

The pass can be purchased separately and is also included with the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, which unlocks the pass for one 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 skins, avatar costumes, and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN –PIXY additional aircraft.

Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on October 2, 2026.