The skies are calling again. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve locked in a global October 2, 2026 launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam during the June State of Play, marking the first mainline entry in Bandai Namco's legendary flight-combat series in seven years.
The first mainline Ace Combat in seven years
Built by Bandai Namco Aces in Unreal Engine 5 with the studio's proprietary cloud technology, Wings of Theve promises to push the franchise's signature blend of arcade dogfighting and operatic storytelling to new heights. The release-date trailer offered a fresh look at the campaign, teasing all-new boss battles and the pilots of the Joker Flight squadron - Baxter, Tasha and Coster - across what looks like a typically dramatic Strangereal conflict.
Early access and a Belkan War bonus
Deluxe Edition owners get a head start with early access beginning September 28. Every digital pre-order, meanwhile, throws in a copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War and an unlocked, playable F-14A at launch - a tidy nod to longtime pilots while the series gears up for its biggest outing in years.
