Step Inside the Cockpit in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is officially in the air. Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe has announced that the latest entry in the long-running flight combat series has launched in Early Access ahead of its full release next month.
Players who pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition digitally can jump in now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The full worldwide release is scheduled for October 2, 2026.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5 and Bandai Namco Aces Inc.’s proprietary technology, Ace Combat 8 looks to push the series’ aerial combat to a new level. Players can expect detailed environments, realistic fighter jets, cinematic first-person sequences, and a larger multiplayer experience featuring cross-play.
The game takes place in the series’ fictional universe, where the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) has fallen under the Republic of Sotoa’s control. As one of the ace pilots known as the “Wings of Theve,” players will fight to take back their homeland. All while making battlefield decisions that can influence the FCU’s future.
Multiplayer also gets a major expansion, with players able to customise their mercenary pilot. They will also meet other pilots in the Air Base hub, and take part in cooperative and competitive modes.
After seven years, Ace Combat is finally returning with a new mainline entry. Early Access is already underway, and the full launch is just around the corner. And if you want to learn more before stepping inside the cockpit, then make sure to check out our official review right here!