ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Sells 1 Million Copies Faster Than Any Game in the Series

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe has announced that ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE has sold 1 million units worldwide, making it the fastest-selling entry in the franchise's 30-year history.

Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the latest installment is the first mainline ACE COMBAT game in seven years. It launched worldwide on October 2, 2026, following an early access release on September 29, and is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The game has also received strong reviews, becoming the second-highest-rated entry in the franchise based on critics' scores aggregated by review sites.

A New Milestone for the ACE COMBAT Series

The ACE COMBAT franchise celebrated its 30th anniversary in June 2025, continuing a legacy of arcade-inspired aerial combat and high-speed fighter jet action.

With ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, Bandai Namco aims to build on that legacy with improved visuals, expanded gameplay, and a cinematic campaign set in a fictional world at war. Players take control of a skilled fighter pilot and fly a range of real-world aircraft across expansive environments featuring detailed terrain and realistic cloudscapes.

The combination of aerial combat and story-driven missions has helped the latest entry attract both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

The Biggest Multiplayer Experience in the Series

Alongside its single-player campaign, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE introduces what Bandai Namco describes as the largest multiplayer experience in the franchise to date.

The online modes support cross-play, allowing players on different platforms to compete and cooperate. Both PvE and PvP modes are available, offering different ways to take part in aerial battles.

The game also features a virtual Air Base lobby that can host up to 100 players. Here, pilots can customize and progress their online characters, track rewards, train, enjoy activities such as classic Bandai Namco arcade games, and team up before heading into missions.

With its record-breaking sales and strong critical reception, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE marks a major milestone for the long-running flight combat series.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.