In a nutshell

• Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2, 2026 on PS5, with Deluxe Edition early access on September 28
• New trailer showcases giant weapon battles, the 450‑meter Land Battleship, and expanded mission types
• Meet the Joker Squadron, a new cast of allies joining the fight to reclaim Theve

Bandai Namco has officially confirmed that Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will launch globally on October 2, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. Players who grab the Deluxe Edition can jump in early starting September 28 at 3 PM PDT.

The new Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve trailer highlights the game’s expanded Campaign Mode, once again set in the iconic Strangereal universe. Written by longtime series writer Sunao Katabuchi, the story follows a new conflict between the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) and the invading Republic of Sotoa.

New Combat Systems and Giant Weapon Battles

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve introduces a wider range of mission types, including:

• Air‑to‑air dogfights
• Ground attack operations
• Anti‑ship missions

But the highlight is the return of giant weapon battles, featuring massive superweapons unique to the Strangereal setting. The trailer reveals the Land Battleship, a towering 450‑meter‑long mobile fortress that plows through skyscrapers as it advances toward Theve .

Players will need to dodge its enormous main gun while coordinating attacks with their squadron.

Over 30 Aircraft and Four Combat Roles

In Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, pilots can choose from 30+ aircraft, including real‑world fighters and original fictional models. These are divided into four roles:

• Fighters
• Attack aircraft
• Multi‑role aircraft
• Electronic warfare aircraft

Selecting the right aircraft for each mission will be crucial to survival.

Meet the Joker Squadron

Players step into the role of the Joker Squadron commander, leading a team of skilled pilots:

• Ellington “Professor” Baxter – The calm, knowledgeable second‑in‑command
• Tasha Seversky – A former acrobatic star pilot from Yuktobania
• William “Noise” Coster – A rock‑loving wingman with aggressive flying skills
• Kate “Little Bee” Evans – Leader of Queen Flight, known for her cool precision

These characters will accompany players through the campaign, offering support, banter, and mission‑critical coordination.

Pre‑Order Editions and Bonuses

Gematsu lists three editions available at launch, each with its own set of bonuses:

Standard Edition

• Base game
• F‑14A playable aircraft
• Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War (PS5 port)

Deluxe Edition

• Base game
• Customizable Cosmetic Set
• Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher
• Early Access: Play 3 days early starting September 28, 2026 at 3 PM PT
• All Standard Edition bonuses

Joker Flight Pack (Bandai Namco Store Exclusive)

• All Deluxe Edition content
• Vinyl Collection (2 white vinyl records, 15 tracks, custom labels)
• Hardcover slipcase
• Turntable slipmat
• “Aces at War: A History 2029” art book (208 pages, full color)

This collector’s package is priced at $149.99.