Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Takes Flight This October ✈️
The definitive aerial combat series returns with Unreal Engine 5 visuals, a star-studded preorder bonus, and the franchise's first Premium Ace Pass.
LYON, FRANCE — Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe has officially announced the launch date, preorder details, and a massive nostalgia-fueled bonus for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the first mainline entry in the legendary flight-shooting franchise in seven years is set to take to the skies this autumn.
Digital Deluxe Edition holders will get early access starting September 29, 2026, before the game officially launches for all players on October 2 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Powered by Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary "Cloudly" weather system technology, Ace Combat 8 promises an ultra-realistic, cinematic aerial thrill ride.
🛩️ The Campaign: Fly as the "Wings of Theve"
Returning to the franchise's beloved, alternate-history sandbox of Strangereal, the story finds the world plunged into a devastating global conflict. The Federation of Central Usea (FCU) has been occupied, its military left in shattered ruins.
With survival as the only option, players step into the cockpit under the callsign Wings of Theve—a legendary ace whose name is tied to the imperiled capital city. Alongside a specialized three-pilot squadron known as the Joker Flight (comprising wingmen Baxter, Tasha, and Coster), you will fly against impossible odds to repel the Republic of Sotoa’s vicious invasion and reclaim your homeland.
🎁 Preorder Bonuses: The Return of a Legend
Preorders are officially live today for both the Standard and Deluxe Editions, carrying a massive reward for longtime fans of the series:
ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (Included with all preorders): Players will receive a digital copy of the widely celebrated 2006 classic at launch on October 2. Ace Combat Zero explores the origin story of the universe and features the iconic "Ace Style" gauge system that dynamically shifts the narrative based on how you treat enemies and civilians in combat.
The Bandai Namco Store Exclusive "Joker Flight Pack": Ultimate collectors can grab a physical bundle containing the Deluxe Edition, a 2-LP vinyl soundtrack collection, a premium 200-page artbook titled "ACES at WAR HISTORY 2029", a collectible slipcase, and a custom slipmat.
🎫 Introducing the Premium Ace Pass
For the first time in the series, Bandai Namco is introducing a seasonal progression system. The Premium Ace Pass is included with the Deluxe Edition (via a Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher) or available for individual purchase.
The pass rewards players with a seasonal track of cosmetics, including:
An instant unlock boost of the first 30 Ace Pass levels.
Seasonal rewards like custom aircraft skins and avatar costumes.
Exclusive access to the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN -PIXY- bonus aircraft.
Deluxe Edition Extras: Choosing the Deluxe Edition also secures the Customizable Cosmetic Set, featuring the F-4 Mobius Squadron 25th Anniversary skin, the F/A-18C Team Zvezda skin, Scarlet Missile Smoke trails, and an alternate pilot costume for Tasha.
Check out the newly released cinematic trailer for a first look at the Joker Flight in action, and prepare to Rise Above this October!