Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) for $69.99.
Release date and platforms
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve releases globally on October 2, 2026. Regional digital unlock times vary — players in Los Angeles can access it from October 1 at 3:00 PM PT. The game is available on three platforms:
- PlayStation 5 — PlayStation Store
- Xbox Series X|S — Xbox Store
- PC — Steam
No Nintendo Switch version has been announced.
What is Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve?
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the next mainline entry in Bandai Namco's long-running aerial combat franchise, developed by PROJECT ACES (part of Bandai Namco Aces Inc.). The series is known for its accessible flight model, dramatic story campaigns, and eclectic aircraft rosters spanning real and fictional planes. Wings of Theve continues that tradition with more than 30 aircraft spread across four role categories.
The game was announced on December 11, 2025 and given its release date via a trailer during the PlayStation State of Play on June 2, 2026.
Gameplay
You lead Joker Squadron through a mission campaign that covers air-to-air dogfights, ground strikes, and naval targets — the full spread of Ace Combat mission types. Aircraft are organized into four categories: fighter, attack, multi-role, and electronic warfare, giving players flexibility in how they approach different mission objectives.
The game supports one to four players, meaning there is both a solo campaign and co-op capability, though the exact structure of multiplayer modes hasn't been fully detailed yet.
Editions and price
Standard edition is $69.99. Pre-ordering includes Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War and the F-14A aircraft as bonuses. No special editions beyond pre-order bonuses have been announced.
Is Ace Combat 8 on Game Pass or PS Plus?
Xbox Game Pass requires an active subscription (Essential, Premium, or Ultimate) for online multiplayer, but the game itself has not been announced as included in Game Pass. PS Plus status has not been determined.
Announcement timeline
- December 11, 2025 — Initial announcement.
- June 2, 2026 — Release date confirmed via trailer at PlayStation State of Play 2026.