ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE has officially taken flight, bringing a new campaign, intense aerial combat and the biggest online multiplayer experience in the franchise so far. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces, the game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
The latest entry also introduces ACE COMBAT ONLINE, featuring cross-play multiplayer, cooperative missions, competitive modes and a new Air Base hub where players can connect before heading into battle.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Release Date
Bandai Namco announced October 2, 2026 as the worldwide release date for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. Deluxe Edition players received early access ahead of the standard launch.
The Steam listing currently shows October 1, 2026 as its release date, reflecting the platform’s regional release timing.
The game is available on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC via Steam
ACE COMBAT 8 Gameplay
The game continues the series’ fast-paced aerial combat while introducing new campaign elements and more cinematic storytelling.
Players take control of fighter aircraft and participate in high-stakes missions involving powerful weapons, enemy forces and large-scale aerial battles.
The campaign also focuses more heavily on the pilot’s story. Players experience first-person scenes between missions, interact with squad members and face decisions during the unfolding conflict.
The game features dynamic skies and multi-layered cloud environments designed to make aerial combat more immersive.
ACE COMBAT ONLINE Multiplayer
One of the biggest additions is ACE COMBAT ONLINE, which Bandai Namco describes as the largest multiplayer experience in the franchise.
The online mode supports cross-platform play, allowing players on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S to play together.
Players can take part in:
- PvP aerial battles
- PvE cooperative missions
- Cross-play multiplayer
- Aircraft progression and upgrades
- Online events and rewards
The new Air Base hub can also act as a social space where players customize their avatars and prepare for online missions. Bandai Namco has said the Air Base can accommodate up to 100 players.
Season 1 and ACE Pass
ACE COMBAT ONLINE has also launched its first season.
Season 1 includes Free and Premium ACE Pass tracks featuring aircraft skins, emblems, avatar items, blueprints and other rewards. The Premium track includes the ADFX-02 Morgan-PIXY as a playable aircraft.
The season is planned to run for two months, giving players time to progress through the available rewards.
ACE COMBAT 8 PC System Requirements
The PC version has relatively demanding requirements, particularly because it requires hardware ray tracing support.
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 11
- CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT 8GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 150 GB
- Additional: SSD and hardware ray-tracing support required
The minimum specification targets approximately 1080p upscaled at 30 FPS on Low settings, according to the Steam listing.
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 11
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- RAM: 32 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8GB / AMD Radeon RX 6800 16GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 150 GB
The recommended specification targets approximately 1080p upscaled at 60 FPS on Medium settings.
ACE COMBAT 8 Storage Size
PC players should keep at least 150 GB of free storage available for the game. An SSD is required according to the official Steam system requirements.
Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
ACE COMBAT 8 is available in Standard and Deluxe editions.
Players who pre-ordered before the October 2 launch could receive additional content, including the playable F-14A aircraft and a copy of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR. Deluxe Edition owners also received early access and additional ACE Pass content.
Is ACE COMBAT 8 Multiplayer Cross-Platform?
Yes. ACE COMBAT ONLINE supports cross-platform multiplayer, allowing players across supported platforms to join online battles and cooperative missions together.
This makes the online mode one of the major features of the new game compared with previous entries in the series.
ACE COMBAT 8 Steam Reviews
The Steam version currently has a Mostly Positive English-language rating, with around 78% of the listed reviews positive at the time of checking.
The game also includes single-player, online PvP and online co-op features on Steam.
Final Thoughts
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE expands the long-running flight-combat series with a new campaign, cinematic storytelling and a much larger multiplayer component.
With cross-play, PvP, PvE co-op, the Air Base hub and a new seasonal progression system, the game gives players more ways to experience its aerial combat beyond the traditional campaign.
For PC players, the 150 GB storage requirement, Windows 11 requirement and ray-tracing-capable GPU are important things to check before purchasing or installing the game.
