Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today revealed that ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is inviting ACE pilots from around the world to prepare for the most exhilarating multiplayer aerial combat experience ever at launch. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the long-awaited sequel will take to the skies with early access for Deluxe Edition owners from 29 September 2026, ahead of its full launch on 2 October 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
The new “Online Overview” trailer for the game reveals new online game modes, progression and rewards, and a range of new content that is accessible via a new Air Base virtual lobby that can host up to 100 players from around the world. The online mode in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features the same stunningly realistic visuals and intense battles as Campaign Mode, but with its own progression system, separate save data, and the thrill of fighting alongside ACE Pilots around the world and against foes regardless of their platform, with cross-play functionality.
Watch the new ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE trailer HERE.
Players enter online mode in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE as a mercenary pilot, with a customisable avatar that they can continue to personalise with unlocked rewards and cosmetic items. Once outfitted, they enter an interactive Air Base that acts as an online lobby, where they can meet and chat with pilots worldwide. The game features two main online multiplayer modes. Co-p Assault mode is focused on PvE combat, where two teams of four players compete for high score in missions that feature a variety of enemies and objectives. Co-Op Warfare is the game’s PvPvE mode, pitting two teams of four against each other, along with NPC units. You can enjoy strategic gameplay centred around “Threat Level” and “Aces.” The team with the highest total score at the end wins and earns more rewards.
As players progress in online mode, two additional special emergency missions will appear for a limited time. Scramble missions promise pulse-pounding dogfights, where a team of 4 player take on a formidable NPC rival air squad. Emergency Sortie missions deliver a challenging treat to new and returning players, with eight pilots taking on iconic colossal weapons from the series and, for some, reliving legendary ACE COMBAT boss fights. Limited time PvP events will also make an appearance in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE online mode, including both 4v4 team and 8-player deathmatch.
The Air Base lobby is a big part of the experience in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE online mode, where players can matchmake and launch sorties or participate in military training mode with up to four players. They can also just hang out to interact with pilots worldwide via chat, play classic Bandai Namco arcade games in the virtual arcade, or play the Jukebox to hear memorable soundtracks from prior ACE COMBAT games. There is also a supply shop as well as the ACE COMBAT STORE, where players can use in-game currency earned through missions to purchase aircraft, cosmetics for customisation, or special in-game boosts and other items. As players progress, they will also unlock gates that take them to other Air Bases that act as online mode lobbies. For ACE PASS holders, playing online mode counts towards their progress.
Pre-Purchase the game on the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE official website or on Steam.
The new DLC for the best selling RTS
The biggest Call of Duty Beta continues with the Open Beta, available to all players for free, starting this Friday, August 28. Here’s all the topline intel on what you need to know before launching into the Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta. Check out the key content, including maps, modes, weapons, progression, and in-game rewards.
Today, team17 and Expression Games are pleased to outline the post-launch development roadmap, content schedule and community communication plans for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. The first update, scheduled to roll out in the coming weeks, includes the hotly anticipated fully licensed Huey Helicopter and two new weapons to add to the playable arsenal, the M14 and the Chinese Type 56 SKS.
With the arrival of U.S. troops, a fourth nation is joining World War I tonight. As a thank-you to its player base, developer Flying Squirrel Entertainment is bringing a massive content update for free to Over The Top: WWI. Included in the free update is the option to play the game in a classic first-person perspective, a much-requested feature by fans. The update also introduces a new, fully defined American faction. The faction introduces a wide variety of new weapons, vehicles, and uniforms per class – historically inspired by US Army designs.
BlackMill Games just launched Gallipoli, the newest entry in the acclaimed WW1 Game Series. Available now with full crossplay on PC (
Matrix Games today announce update 1.01.44 for Rule the Waves 3 is now available. This update includes additions to ship design, QOL improvements, and bug fixes.
Until Aug 25, experience ultimate all-out warfare for free during the Battlefield 6 Free Trial.
Warfare 1776, the newest entry in the historical strategy series from developers Con Artist Games and Monstrum, and publisher Armor Games Studios, has surpassed 20,000 wishlists on Steam in under a week since its reveal, driven by a wave of nostalgia from players who grew up with the series during the Flash gaming era.