8Bit/Digi

After much anticipation from fans, Bandai Namco has announced that Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will launch on October 2nd, 2026.

Announced in the Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Release Date Trailer, the game is confirmed to launch on October 2nd, 2026. Fans who pre-order digitally will receive a remastered version of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, widely regarded as one of the defining entries in the franchise. The trailer also goes more in-depth about the story and the characters players will encounter. You can watch the trailer here to learn more:

Pre-Order Ace Combat 8

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is now available for pre-order, with most fans having the choice between the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. All digital pre-orders include a copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War and a bonus playable aircraft, the F-14A. The Deluxe Edition builds on this with three days of early access, the PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher, and a Customizable Cosmetic Set.

Exclusive for the PlayStation 5 version is The Joker Flight Pack. It includes the base game along with three days of early access, the PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher and the Customizable Cosmetic Set. The set also includes two white vinyl records featuring four unique label designs with a fully printed double gatefold, a selection of 15 tracks, and a printed turntable slipmat presented in its own sleeve, all housed in a numbered hardcover slipcase. Also included is the ACES at WAR A HISTORY 2029 hardcover artbook, featuring 208 full-colored pages at 8.5×11 inches.

Take to the Skies

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the ninth game in the series and it’s set to launch for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. After the Federation of Central Usea is invaded by the Republic of Sotoa, an FCU pilot must take to the skies to liberate their nation. To inspire hope, they take on the callsign “Wings of Theve”.

Originally released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is set before the events of the series and follows the Galm Team, a mercenary fighter squadron led by the player character Cipher. The game was the last title released by Namco before its merger with Bandai and the final entry in the series on a sixth-generation console.

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