Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Guide
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is an arcade-style flight shooting game with aerial combat, campaign missions, and online multiplayer. This independent Ace Combat 8 guide and wiki answers the questions players search most: which planes to buy, how to do a post-stall maneuver, where to farm MRP, and how to clear the hardest Ace Combat 8 missions.
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Every Ace Combat 8 guide on this site, grouped by topic.
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Watch ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE in Action
About the Game
Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve combines fast-paced aerial combat with a story set in July 2029. You take the name “Wings of Theve” aboard the aircraft carrier Endurance and fight alongside three comrades to reclaim the Federation of Central Usea from the Republic of Sotoa. Campaign missions feature dynamic cloudscapes and commands for your wingmen; ACE COMBAT ONLINE provides a separate multiplayer experience with its own progression and save data. Read the official game overview or buy the PC version on Steam.
Game Information
| Release Date | October 2, 2026 (official worldwide launch); October 1, 2026 (Steam listing) |
|---|---|
| Developer | Bandai Namco Aces Inc. |
| Platform | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC via Steam |
| Genre | Flight Shooting |
FAQ
The European official article dated September 22, 2026 states a launch of October 2, 2026 at 00:00 CEST, with qualifying early access starting September 29 at 00:00 CEST. The saved Steam listing displays October 1, 2026, while the US PlayStation Store displays October 2. These source dates do not establish regional Steam unlock times.
The official game page lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and the Bandai Namco Store as purchase destinations. The PC version is sold through Steam, and the US PlayStation Store lists the PS5 version. Physical console editions depend on country and participating retailer.
The saved US PlayStation Store page, collected October 7, 2026, offers Add to Cart for the Standard Edition at $69.99 and Deluxe Edition at $89.99. This is a US purchase listing; some official promotional copy still says “Pre-order.”
Standard includes the base game. Deluxe adds the Customizable Cosmetic Set and a PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher. The cosmetic set includes the Tasha Costume Set, F-4E Mobius Squadron skin, F/A-18C Team Zvezda skin, and Scarlet missile smoke. The two aircraft skins are usable in Campaign Mode after completing all missions; the costume and missile smoke are for Online Mode. The voucher redeems one season of premium pass rewards with a 30-level skip and can be saved for a future season. The official FAQ confirms that Deluxe remains available after launch, without digital preorder early-access bonuses.
The Japanese official product page lists Collector's BOX for PS5 and Steam with the base game, “ACES at WAR A HISTORY 2029” artbook, multi-steel case, USB containing game music, Joker squadron stickers, Cosmetic Set, and PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher. Its early-purchase bonuses list the ported ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR and playable F-14A. ACE of ACES BOX adds a 30th-anniversary series pin set and original dog tag, with purchase links to ASOBI STORE and Premium Bandai. Both Japanese boxes are marked SOLD OUT in the saved material; that does not describe stock in other regions.
It includes Deluxe content, a hardcover slipcase, two soundtrack vinyl records with 15 tracks, a slipmat, and the 208-page “ACES at WAR A HISTORY 2029” artbook. The European September 22 article lists it exclusively through the Bandai Namco Official Store for PC Steam, using a code on a printed card. The saved US Bandai Namco Store PS5 listing instead lists a physical disc at $149.99 and says Join the Waitlist. Package format and availability therefore need to be checked for the relevant region.
The European edition comparison lists physical Standard and Deluxe editions on disc for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, depending on country and retailer. Physical PC Deluxe uses a printed game code. Its European Joker Flight Pack also uses a printed Steam code, while the US PS5 Joker Flight Pack listing explicitly includes a physical disc.
The official September 29 launch article names Josh Holloway, Brandon Routh, and Tamlyn Tomita as stars of the four-part live-action prequel HOUR ZERO. These are the named stars, rather than a complete cast list.
The Japanese official specifications list two ACE COMBAT 8 T.Flight HOTAS NEO editions: PlayStation 5/PC and Xbox Series X|S/PC. Match the console edition to your console; the PC tested-controller list includes both editions. See ACE COMBAT 8 HOTAS support for the site's setup guide.
The official product is named “ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Flight Stick for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC.” The Japanese game specifications list it among tested controllers for PS5 and PC; the peripheral's PS4 compatibility does not establish a PS4 version of this game. HORI's October 5, 2026 notice reports a PC FLIGHT Mode yaw issue and instructs PC users to select PAD Mode (XInput) until a firmware update is released. It provides no release date for that update.
The official Steam announcement dated October 1, 2026 says the preorder bonus ACE COMBAT ZERO is accessed through ACE COMBAT 8 because of licensing and platform considerations. The October 2 update says the team is evaluating a standalone Steam application, with implementation, distribution timing, and whether that approach can be realized still under review. These official Steam announcements describe a proposed change, rather than confirm a standalone release or a separate purchase option.