ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is now available in Early Access for players who digitally pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition, giving fans their first opportunity to play the latest mainline entry in the flight shooting series in seven years.
Early Access is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam ahead of the game’s worldwide launch on October 2, 2026. The new instalment is powered by Unreal Engine 5 alongside Bandai Namco Aces Inc.’s proprietary technology, with the developer promising its largest multiplayer offering yet.
Set in the series’ fictional universe, ACE COMBAT 8 follows the collapse of the Federation of Central Usea (FCU), which has fallen under the control of the Republic of Sotoa. Players take on the role of the Wings of Theve, a group of ace pilots fighting to reclaim their homeland while facing overwhelming enemy forces. Choices made during battles will also help determine the FCU’s future.
The game features a selection of real-world fighter aircraft alongside detailed environments and terrain, with first-person cinematic sequences adding to the aerial combat experience. The latest entry also expands the series’ multiplayer component with cross-play and a range of cooperative and competitive modes.
Players can customise their mercenary pilot and interact with other pilots through an Air Base hub before heading into online battles. Bandai Namco describes this as the largest online multiplayer experience in ACE COMBAT history.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is currently available in Early Access on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, with the full worldwide launch scheduled for October 2, 2026.
