Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve Release Date, Platforms and Game Launch Details

When is Ace Combat 8 Coming Out?

Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve launches on 2 October 2026. Deluxe Edition buyers can start three days early, from 29 September 2026.

The game releases on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Bandai Namco confirmed the date with a trailer during a PlayStation State of Play, and pre-orders are already open across all platforms. This marks the first new mainline Ace Combat since Ace Combat 7, which arrived back in 2019.

What is Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve About?

Ace Combat 8 returns to Strangereal, the fictional world the series is known for. The story is set in 2029, after the Federation of Central Usea loses most of its military strength and territory following a surprise invasion by the Republic of Sotoa.

You play as a fighter pilot rescued by the aging aircraft carrier Endurance while adrift at sea. You are then given the title Wings of Theve, named after a legendary ace from the FCU capital, and take to the skies alongside your allies to reclaim your lost homeland. True to the series, it is an emotionally charged story of identity and duty set against a large-scale war.

Editions and Early Access

Ace Combat 8 comes in Standard and Deluxe editions. The Standard Edition includes the base game. The Deluxe Edition adds a cosmetic set for allied characters, a Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher, and three days of early access from 29 September.

Every pre-order, regardless of edition, includes the playable F-14A aircraft and the Steam version of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, an earlier series entry widely regarded as one of the best. These bonuses are the main reason to pre-order rather than wait, if you already know you want the game.

Gameplay and What to Expect?

Ace Combat 8 is built in Unreal Engine 5, which Bandai Namco has used to create the most visually detailed entry in the series to date, from the aircraft to the clouds and landscapes you fly through. The core remains the fast, arcade-style aerial combat the franchise built its name on, rather than a strict simulation.

The game features a full single-player campaign as the centerpiece, alongside online multiplayer dogfight modes for competitive play. Bandai Namco has said it will share more detail on the multiplayer offering closer to launch, so the campaign is the confirmed focus for now.

How to Buy Ace Combat 8 on PS5, Xbox and PC?

Ace Combat 8 is a paid release on every platform, so the simplest way to buy it digitally is to top up your account and purchase it directly. On PS5, a PlayStation Store gift card adds funds to your account to pre-order or buy the game at launch. On Xbox Series X|S, an Xbox gift card does the same on your Microsoft account. On PC, a Steam Wallet gift card funds the Steam version.

Choose the card that matches your account's region so the balance applies correctly. Each card is delivered digitally, so once your purchase is complete, the code is ready to use straight away.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Ace Combat 8 coming out?

Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve releases on 2 October 2026. Deluxe Edition owners get early access from 29 September 2026.

2. Which platforms is Ace Combat 8 on?

Ace Combat 8 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders are open across all three.

3. What do you get for pre-ordering Ace Combat 8?

Every pre-order includes the playable F-14A aircraft and the Steam version of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, regardless of which edition you choose.

4. What is Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve about?

It is set in the fictional world of Strangereal in 2029, where you play as a fighter pilot fighting to reclaim your homeland after an invasion, under the title Wings of Theve.

5. Is Ace Combat 8 on Game Pass?

Ace Combat 8 has not been confirmed for Xbox Game Pass. It is a paid release, so you would buy it on Xbox rather than access it through a subscription.