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.

Bandai Namco Entertainment released a new systems walkthrough trailer, offering a deep-dive into the high-stakes aerial combat, robust aircraft customization, and colossal superweapon battles awaiting players in Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve. The trailer breaks down the core systems that define the flight shooting experience in the long-awaited sequel, from intense dogfights to new strategic combat mechanics against massive enemies.

The walkthrough trailer breaks down the core systems that players will want to learn and master as they take on the role of an ace pilot in Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve. Delivering a fast-paced aerial combat experience built around complete 360-degree flight freedom and dynamic weather effects, the game puts players in the cockpit to engage in intense dogfights. The series’ signature intuitive controls and easy to understand systems drive the high-speed action, where staying on target to achieve objectives while evading incoming missiles with defensive maneuvers, including high-G turns performed in the heat of battle, are the keys to victory. Wingmen also play an important role in combat in Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve, with players issuing tactical commands such as attack and cover orders in real time.

Beyond the action in the skies, preparation plays a key role before every sortie. Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve features a wide selection of real-world aircraft along with original aircraft. Players are encouraged to consider the mission objective and their playstyle to pick the best aircraft for the job and can build fighters tailored to each mission by customizing with upgrade parts and special weapons. Mission briefings provide strategic insight, encouraging players to adapt their aircraft and tactics to each combat scenario.

The trailer also showcases massive enemy superweapons that dominate the battlefield with overwhelming offensive and defensive capabilities. Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve introduces new gameplay mechanics that allow players to damage these colossal targets outside designated target zones. In addition, the giant targets can now strike areas beyond their designated target containers and destroying them can trigger chain reactions as the wreckage of downed enemy weaponry collides with nearby targets, taking out surrounding foes. Players will also face elite ace squadrons that employ coordinated aerial tactics and relentless attacks, creating high stakes encounters that demand precision piloting, strategic thinking, and mastery of aerial combat.

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 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.