There’s a new fighter pilot ready to take to the skies, and the latest chapter in Bandai Namco’s long-running aerial combat series is already welcoming its first players.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now in early access through its £84.99 Deluxe Edition, ahead of the Standard Edition launch on October 2nd. The game is coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC and PlayStation 5, with high-speed dogfights, a cinematic campaign and the biggest online offering the series has seen so far.
If you loved Ace Combat 7, you should get on well with this one.
At A Glance
- Game: ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE
- Developer: Bandai Namco Aces Inc.
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5
- Standard Edition: £64.99 – October 2nd, 2026
- Deluxe Edition: £84.99 – Early access available now
- Deluxe Edition Includes: Base game, Customizable Cosmetic Set, PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher
- Genre: Aerial Combat / Flight Shooter
A Fight For The Skies Above Theve
The latest ACE COMBAT adventure takes place in the series’ fictional universe, where the Federation of Central Usea has fallen under occupation by the Republic of Sotoa. Players step into the cockpit as the Wings of Theve, an ace pilot tasked with helping reclaim their homeland.
The campaign promises more than a string of aerial encounters. Alongside intense dogfights and missions, first-person cinematic sequences bring players closer to the pilot’s story, the pressure of command and the relationships formed with fellow squad members. Decisions made along the way will also help shape the future of the FCU.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5 alongside Bandai Namco Aces’ own technology, the game aims to make its skies and battlefields feel more convincing than ever. Dynamic cloudscapes, detailed environments and a range of real-world fighter jets provide the backdrop for fast-paced arcade-style combat.
You’ll need to make good use of your aircraft’s weapons and abilities as enemy forces close in, with each mission putting your flying skills to the test.
ACE COMBAT Online Takes The Fight Worldwide
The multiplayer side of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is shaping up to be a major part of the experience, with the largest online offering in the franchise’s history.
For the first time in the series, players can spend time in an online lobby built around an air base, where they can customise their mercenary pilot and connect with others before heading into battle.
A range of online modes are available too, including cooperative missions and competitive encounters, with cross-platform play allowing pilots on different systems to take to the skies together.
Deluxe Edition Pilots Can Take Off Early
Those unwilling to wait for the full launch can jump into the cockpit now with the £84.99 Deluxe Edition, which includes the base game, a Customizable Cosmetic Set and a PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher.
The Standard Edition follows on October 2nd, 2026, priced at £64.99, with the game arriving on Xbox Series X|S, PC and PlayStation 5.
For now, the early access runway is open. Whether you’re heading into the campaign or joining other pilots online, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is ready to put you in the middle of the action.
