PROJECT ACES, the development team behind Bandai Namco Entertainment's ACE COMBAT series, today announced the release date, pre-order bonuses, and the first Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT™ 8: WINGS OF THEVE.

Developed with Unreal Engine 5, the title is the first mainline entry in the ACE COMBAT series in seven years. Players will take to the skies above vast oceans, detailed cities, and expansive landscapes while experiencing the series' signature aerial combat.

The game will be available in Early Access for Digital Deluxe Edition owners on September 29, 2026, ahead of its full launch on October 2, 2026. Standard and Deluxe Editions will be available for PlayStation5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Official site: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/ace-combat-8

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve returns to Strangereal, the long-running fictional world of the series. As war spreads across the continent, the Federal Central Usean (FCU) government has fallen and its military forces have been driven back. With the nation on the brink of collapse, survival depends on continued resistance.

Players assume the role of the "Wings of Sevi," a legendary ace pilot closely tied to the FCU capital of Sevi. Alongside three allied pilots, players will form a squadron tasked with repelling the advancing forces of the Republic of Sotoya and reclaiming their homeland.

Unreal Engine 5-Powered Aerial Combat

The game's campaign mode features large-scale environments powered by Unreal Engine 5. Dynamic multi-layer cloud formations and highly detailed terrain create an immersive battlefield in the skies. Players will engage in fast-paced aerial combat using a variety of aircraft and weapons, taking on enemy fighters, ground targets, and strategic objectives across a range of missions.

Largest Online Experience in Series History

ACE COMBAT 8 introduces ACE COMBAT ONLINE, the largest online mode in the history of the franchise.The mode features the series' first online visual lobby, where player avatars gather in a simulated air base before deploying into multiplayer missions with pilots from around the world.

Pre-orders are available now for both the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition.The Deluxe Edition includes additional content and grants Early Access beginning September 29, 2026. All digital pre-orders include the base game and immediate access to unlock the F-14A aircraft.

The Joker Flight Pack, available exclusively through the Bandai Namco Store, includes all Deluxe Edition content as well as a Vinyl Collector's Edition featuring:

• Two original soundtrack vinyl records
• The official 200-page ACES at WAR HISTORY 2029 art book
• A collector's box
• A custom turntable slipmat
• Premium Ace Pass

Bandai Namco also announced the first Premium Ace Pass for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. The pass can be purchased separately or accessed through the Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, included with the Deluxe Edition. The voucher can be redeemed after launch to unlock one season of Premium Ace Pass content.

Premium Ace Pass owners will immediately unlock 30 Ace Pass levels, granting access to the first 30 tiers of seasonal rewards, along with additional rewards throughout the season, including:

• Aircraft skins
• Avatar outfits
• The playable bonus aircraft ADFX-02 Morgan "Pixy"

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