ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Walkthrough Trailer

The walkthrough trailer breaks down the core systems that players will want to learn and master as they take on the role of an ace pilot in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. Delivering a fast-paced aerial combat experience built around complete 360-degree flight freedom and dynamic weather effects, the game puts players in the cockpit to engage in intense dogfights. The series’ signature intuitive controls and easy to understand systems drive the high-speed action, where staying on target to achieve objectives while evading incoming missiles with defensive maneuvers, including high-G turns performed in the heat of battle, are the keys to victory. Wingmen also play an important role in combat in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, with players issuing tactical commands such as attack and cover orders in real time.

Beyond the action in the skies, preparation plays a key role before every sortie. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features a wide selection of real-world aircraft along with original aircraft. Players are encouraged to consider the mission objective and their playstyle to pick the best aircraft for the job and can build fighters tailored to each mission by customizing with upgrade parts and special weapons. Mission briefings provide strategic insight, encouraging players to adapt their aircraft and tactics to each combat scenario.

The trailer also showcases massive enemy superweapons that dominate the battlefield with overwhelming offensive and defensive capabilities. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE introduces new gameplay mechanics that allow players to damage these colossal targets outside designated target zones. In addition, the giant targets can now strike areas beyond their designated target containers and destroying them can trigger chain reactions as the wreckage of downed enemy weaponry collides with nearby targets, taking out surrounding foes. Players will also face elite ace squadrons that employ coordinated aerial tactics and relentless attacks, creating high stakes encounters that demand precision piloting, strategic thinking, and mastery of aerial combat.

For more information, visit the games official website, or on Steam.

Storm the seas, fly through stunningly realistic cities and landscapes, and ‘Rise Above’ as Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today announced the launch date, preorder bonuses, and the first-ever Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™. The long-anticipated sequel will take to the skies with early access available for Digital Deluxe Edition holders on 29 September 2026 and launch for all players on 2 October 2026. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the first mainline entry in ACE COMBAT in seven years promises to elevate the flight shooting franchise to new heights, harnessing the power of Unreal® Engine 5 and proprietary technology to create an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride represents system “Cloudly”. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now for pre-orders at participating retailers on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in Standard and Deluxe Editions.

Watch the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE release date trailer HERE.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features a deep engaging campaign, promising to deliver the most cinematic experience yet in the series. The story puts players in the role of an ace pilot in an emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland. Returning to the series’ legendary fictitious setting, Strangereal is now a world at war, with the nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its military shattered. With the prospect of war for survival as the only option, players enter the cockpit under the name Wings of Theve, taking on the role of a legendary ace with their name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and becoming the symbol of hope for every citizen in their imperiled nation. Joined by a squadron of three allied pilots, theirs is a flight against all odds to repel the Republic of Sotoa’s vicious attack and reclaim their lost homeland.

The new trailer released today gives a glimpse of the intense battles players will face. It also reveals more of the epic storyline in the game’s Campaign Mode, introducing the distinct characters forming Wings of Theve’s squadron, Baxter, Tasha, and Coster, together known as the Joker Flight. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will also feature online multiplayer modes, which Bandai Namco will reveal closer to launch.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available for pre-order now in Standard and Deluxe Editions, with Deluxe Edition owners receiving additional content to enhance their experience from day one. All pre-orders include a digital copy of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR to be available at launch on 2 October 2026. The celebrated 2006 entry ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR is widely regarded as one of the defining titles in the franchise and features the origin story of the ACE COMBAT universe. The game also introduced the series’ iconic Ace Style gauge system, a dynamic mechanic that shifts based on how players approach each mission and the choices they make in battle, shaping the story’s outcome and their identity as a pilot.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE pre-order offers include a few exclusive bundles such as the Joker Flight Pack, available exclusively at the Bandai Namco Store. The exclusive pack includes everything in the Deluxe Edition alongside The Vinyl Collection, a premium set featuring two LP vinyl records of the soundtrack, an official 200-page artbook “ACES at WAR HISTORY 2029”, a collectible slipcase, and a slipmat.

Bandai Namco is also introducing the first Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. The pass can be purchased separately and is also included with the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, which unlocks the current season after launch. The Premium Ace Pass grants an instant unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels, giving players a head start to claim the first 30 tiers of seasonal rewards, along with a season long track of bonus rewards including aircraft’s skins, avatar’s costume and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN -PIXY- additional aircraft.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Deluxe Edition also includes the Customizable Cosmetic Set, which includes skins for both F-4 Mobius Squadron 25th Anniversary & the F/A-18C Team Zvezda aircrafts, as well as the Scarlet Missile Smoke and a Tasha’s Costume.

For more information, visit the games official website, or via Steam.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve – Strangereal Evolution Episode 2

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is coming to PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in 2026. For more information, visit the games official website, or via Steam.

View the Strangereal Evolution Episode 1 trailer HERE.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is coming to PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in 2026. For more information, visit the games official website.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Announcement Trailer

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™ carries on the legacy of ACE COMBAT, a franchise that has always pushed the envelope of game visuals and action-packed, arcade-inspired game play in the flight shooting genre. The newest entry will once again break boundaries, with the reveal showing a glimpse at what realism powered by new generation consoles can bring to the experience. Players fly various real-world fight jets in a game marked by stunning visual details and effects, with realistic expanses of clouds and finely rendered terrain and landscape, and the added challenge of navigating through inclement weather. Players will also experience thrilling first-person point-of-view cinematics, adding even more immersion to the story.

The announcement trailer gives the first taste of the game’s deep Campaign Mode, where players take on the role of an ace pilot in Strangereal, a world at war, rooted entirely in a fictitious universe but one where the weight of decisions, the pressure of command and the bonds forged in battle will feel all too real. With their nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its navy shattered, players enter the cockpit as the “Wings of Theve” – a legendary ace, a name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and a symbol of hope for every citizen in their homeland. Joined by three new fighter pilots, theirs is a flight against odds versus the Republic of Sotoa to reclaim their lost homeland, eliminate the threat to their people, and carry the hope of every FCU citizen.

Bandai Namco will reveal many exciting details between now and launch for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™, including multiplayer modes and other features that promise to make this an unforgettable sequel in the legendary franchise and a must-own title for fans of combat-inspired action games.