Bandai Namco has revealed that Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will launch on October 2, 2026, during PlayStation’s June State of Play livestream. But that’s not all. Players who pick up the Deluxe Edition can take off early, starting September 28, and preorders also include a bonus copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. Unlike the Ace Combat 6 rerelease, which was only offered as a launch bonus for Ace Combat 7 on Xbox, the good news is that Ace Combat Zero will also be available on various platforms, including PS5 and Steam.
Preorders for both the Standard and Deluxe Editions are now up on PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and PC via Steam, priced at $69.99 and $89.99, respectively. The Deluxe Edition itself additionally grants three days of early access, exclusive multiplayer customization items, and other digital bonuses. Meanwhile, there’s also a limited physical collector’s edition Joker Flight Pack that’s bundled with a 200+ page ACES at WAR: A HISTORY 2029 book and two LP vinyls with slipcover and slipmat.
And yes, you read that right; beyond the single-player campaign, Ace Combat 8 also confirmed that it’s getting a brand-new customizable pilot feature — along with the return of co-operative mode. Although the developer team Project ACES has yet to detail whether the mode will feature co-op campaign missions similar to Ace Combat 6 and Assault Horizon, or if it will lean more toward the PvPvE structure seen in Infinity. Of course, competitive PvP modes are also returning.
Speaking of campaign missions, Ace Combat 8 continues the series’ unique Strangereal backdrop, even featuring the space elevator from its predecessors and what seems to be a cameo from Erusea’s Princess Cossete. The story begins in July 2029 after Sotoa launches a sudden invasion of the Federation of Central Usea, quickly capturing the capital city of Theve. With the nation’s military in disarray and civilians scattered across a country in crisis, players — nicknamed Rex — are rescued by the aging aircraft carrier Endurance and assigned to the newly formed Joker Squadron.
The game promises to include more than 30 aircraft, ranging from iconic real-world military jets to fan-favorite original fictional designs. The release date trailer also introduced several members of Joker Squadron, including Major Ellington ‘Professor’ Baxter, former acrobatic pilot Tasha Seversky, and Captain William ‘Noise’ Coster, alongside Queen Flight leader Kate Evans. The series’ staple massive superweapons also make a comeback. One of the newly revealed threats is the enormous Land Battleship, a 450-meter-long mobile fortress capable of leveling skyscrapers while advancing toward Theve.
Unfortunately, there’s less exciting news for those hoping for a classic multiplayer progression. Post-launch content will be delivered through the Ace Pass battle pass system, which includes both free and premium progression tracks. Those who purchased Season 1 Premium Ace Pass will immediately gain access to Zero‘s iconic ADFX-02 Morgan ‘Pixy’ as well as an instant 30-level progression skip. The studio promised there would be no loot boxes, but even Ace Combat cannot fly past Bandai Namco’s microtransaction scheme, I guess.
Whether you want to see the next chapter of Strangereal history, can’t wait to fly together with friends in co-op, or are just happy to play Ace Combat Zero again, there’s plenty more to be excited about before launch. Stay tuned to GameObserver for more Ace Combat 8 news and updates as they arrive.
