ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Wiki
The player-run reference for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE
Unofficial fan resource — not affiliated with Bandai Namco Aces Inc. or Bandai Namco Entertainment.
- Oct 2, 2026
- Worldwide release
- 23
- Confirmed aircraft
- 8
- Characters
- 100
- Air base capacity
Screenshots are from the official store page and remain the property of Bandai Namco Aces Inc. / Bandai Namco Entertainment; shown for reference only.
What is ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE?
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is the return of the arcade-style flight shooter series, developed by Bandai Namco Aces (PROJECT ACES) and released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. The game pairs a cinematic campaign with Ace Combat Online, the largest online mode in the series' history. Deluxe Edition early access started on September 29, 2026; the worldwide standard release is October 2, 2026.
The campaign opens in July 2029. The Federation of Central Usea (FCU) is overrun by a lightning invasion from the Republic of Sotoa. Your pilot, rescued at sea, joins the ageing carrier Endurance and is given the callsign Wings of Theve — a manufactured legend built to keep hopes alive. With three wingmen at your side, you fight to reclaim your homeland.
The core loop
- Pick your aircraft — consider the mission objective and your playstyle, from the official walkthrough's first step.
- Choose your weapon — fit special weapons to the mission's target mix.
- Upgrade your aircraft — freely combine parts to tailor a fighter jet to each mission.
- Fly the sortie — 360° free-flying, dogfights, chaff & flares, and advanced maneuvers.
- Earn MRP — the in-game currency earned in missions, used to unlock additional fighter jets.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE at a glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Bandai Namco Aces Inc. (PROJECT ACES) |
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. |
| Platform | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam) |
| Release | Deluxe early access Sep 29, 2026 · Worldwide release Oct 2, 2026 |
| Genre | Flight shooting (arcade-style) |
| Players | Single-player campaign + Ace Combat Online |
| Core systems | Aircraft, special weapons, upgrade parts, MRP progression, wingmen, superweapons, online, ACE PASS |
Campaign & Online
Two experiences share the same cockpit but keep separate progression:
- Campaign — the 2029 FCU restoration war, three companion wingmen and superweapon encounters. Mission hub
- Ace Combat Online — mercenary progression, an air base hub (up to 100 pilots) and Co-Op/competitive modes. Online guide
- ACE PASS — a free seasonal track with a Premium tier; Season 1 includes the ADFX-02 Morgan–PIXY aircraft. Updates
Why this wiki is verified-first
Every fact on this site is sourced — from the Bandai Namco official pages (overview, walkthrough, aircraft, online, characters) or the Steam store listing — and carries a last-verified date.
- Official sources only — store page, official game pages and official announcements are the L1 baseline.
- Version-stamped — patch-sensitive pages show a 'Last verified' date.
- Honest labels — anything unconfirmed is marked Unverified instead of guessed.
Jump into the wiki
Every main section of the site is one click away:
Wiki Hub
All confirmed game systems at a glance.
Read guideGuideAircraft
The confirmed 23-aircraft roster with roles.
Read guideGuideBeginner Guide
First sortie: core loop & tips.
Read guideGuideAce Combat Online
Modes, Threat Level & rewards.
Read guideGuideMissions
Campaign & mission hub.
Read guideGuideLoadout Planner
Turn reference data into a sortie plan.
Read guideFAQ
Common questions about this topic.
When does ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE release?
Worldwide standard release is October 2, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. Deluxe Edition included 3 days of early access from September 29, 2026 (official Bandai Namco announcement).
Is ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE multiplayer?
Yes — Ace Combat Online is a multiplayer mode with its own progression and save data, separate from the campaign. It includes co-op and competitive modes and an air base hub for up to 100 players.
Is there a ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE demo?
No free demo has been announced. The game is available through the Standard, Deluxe and Joker Flight Pack editions.
What platforms is ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE on?
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam).
How many aircraft are confirmed?
The official aircraft page lists 23 aircraft as of September 30, 2026, including the F-22A Raptor, Su-57 Felon, F-35C Lightning II and Rafale M. Unlock methods and costs are not yet announced.
Why are some details marked Unverified?
This wiki publishes only official or directly verified facts. Unannounced numbers (mission count, aircraft costs, part stats) stay labelled until confirmed.
What is the Wings of Theve?
'Wings of Theve' is the callsign given to your pilot — a manufactured legend of a legendary ace, created to keep morale alive. Theve is the capital of the FCU.
How do I keep up with changes?
Watch the updates page, which logs official announcements with dates and sources.