Bandai Namco has revealed the full scope of Ace Combat 8 multiplayer, detailing new online modes, progression systems and a social Air Base hub that can accommodate up to 100 players. The publisher has also released a new Online 101 trailer showing how the game’s multiplayer will work when it launches later this year.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will feature cross-play between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, allowing players to take on pilots regardless of their platform. Multiplayer will also have its own progression system and separate save data from the game’s Campaign Mode.
Players will enter the online portion of the game as mercenary pilots, beginning with a customisable avatar that can be further personalised using cosmetics and rewards earned through gameplay. From there, they can access the Air Base, which serves as the central online hub.
The Air Base allows players to meet and communicate with pilots from around the world before heading into multiplayer sorties. It also provides access to matchmaking, a military training mode for up to four players, a virtual arcade featuring classic Bandai Namco games and a Jukebox containing music from previous Ace Combat titles.
Two primary multiplayer modes will be available. Co-Op Assault focuses on PvE combat, with two teams of four competing for the highest score while completing missions featuring different enemies and objectives.
Co-Op Warfare takes a PvPvE approach, placing two teams of four against one another while NPC units also participate in the battles. Threat Level and Aces play an important role in these matches, with the team that achieves the highest combined score taking the victory and receiving greater rewards.
The online mode will also introduce limited-time emergency missions as players progress. Scramble missions put four-player teams against a powerful NPC enemy squad in aerial dogfights, while Emergency Sortie missions bring eight pilots together to battle massive weapons from across the series, including encounters that revisit some of Ace Combat’s iconic boss fights.
Limited-time PvP events will provide additional multiplayer options, featuring both 4v4 team battles and eight-player deathmatches.
The Air Base will also contain several facilities for players to use between sorties. A supply shop and ACE COMBAT STORE will allow players to spend currency earned through missions on aircraft, customisation items, boosts and other in-game equipment. Progressing through online mode will also unlock access to additional Air Bases that function as new multiplayer lobbies.
Players who own an ACE PASS will also have their online activities contribute towards their overall pass progression.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam on October 2, 2026. Deluxe Edition owners will receive early access beginning September 28.
