Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia has announced that ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on 2 October 2026.
*Early access is also scheduled to begin.
As revealed, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will feature a deep, engaging Campaign Mode that puts players in the role of an ace pilot in an emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland. Along with this announcement, more information about the game’s aircraft, new features, and characters is provided.
The game features an incredibly diverse lineup of over 30 aircraft, ranging from real-world fighters from around the globe to original fictional aircraft created specifically for the game. These aircraft are
F-14D Super Tomcat (Fighter Jet)
A large carrier-based fighter able to carry long-range anti-air missiles. Its automatic variable wings allow for superior combat at all speeds and altitudes. Its unofficial nickname, “Super Tomcat,” is derived from the A-model.
A-10C Thunderbolt II (Attack Aircraft)
A highly durable attacker with heavy weaponry designed for close air support. Its agility at low speeds and its air-to-ground weaponry —including 30mm machine guns — help it prove its worth in battle. Its nickname is “Thunderbolt II”.
Mirage2000-5 (Multi-role Aircraft)
A light fighter with delta wings and no horizontal tail wing. The 2000-5 is a multi-role fighter whose well-balanced speed and maneuverability and fly-by-wire controls provide it with inherently excellent flying stability. Its nickname is “Mirage”.
EA-6B Prowler (Electronic Warfare Aircraft)
An EW aircraft that is a significant redesign of the once cutting-edge A-6. Nicknamed “Prowler”, it features a radome on the vertical tail’s upper edge. Aside from using electronic interference and reconnaissance for support, it is also proficient in handling enemy defense networks.
Aside from aircraft type, all aircraft are equipped with two standard armaments: guided missiles and machine guns. Use these weapons strategically, depending on the situation, to shoot down enemy aircraft and destroy enemy targets.
In addition to standard weapons like missiles and machine guns, you can equip special weapons such as missiles capable of simultaneously attacking multiple enemy fighter jets, bombs capable of wiping out concentrated ground forces like tanks and anti-aircraft guns, and even futuristic weapons like lasers. Choose the best special weapons for each mission to gain the upper hand in battle.
New Features
As players progress through the story, they will be able to equip two types of special weapons. While this allows players to adapt flexibly to the situation on the battlefield, each special weapon has a limited number of rounds. Use them strategically to suit your playstyle.
If the wreckage of a downed enemy vehicle collides with another vehicle whilst falling, a chain destruction may occasionally occur. This phenomenon is more likely to occur when large vehicles break apart into large chunks upon destruction, or when small enemy aircraft are shot down by machine guns, as the fuselage is less likely to disintegrate and is more likely to fall as a solid mass of wreckage.
In-game Characters
Players take on the role of the Joker Flight’s captain, overcoming challenges while deepening bonds with their comrades as the story unfolds. Designed by Yusuke Kozaki, in-game characters will help players in completing various missions. During missions, players determine the composition of their squadron’s fighter jets, and in combat, they lead the team to victory not only through their own actions but also by issuing commands to wingmen and communicating via radio using “Yes” and “NO” responses.
Jan Cope
Commander‑rank officer and leader of Joker Flight. He was given the single sign “Wings of Theve”— a legendary ace, and a symbol of hope for the capital of FCU. However, that legend was not real.
Due to his exceptional piloting skills, especially his masterful evasive maneuvers, he was selected for the manufactured ace project. In his downtime, he was known as an inveterate gambler. Although he sometimes failed to pay his debts, he remained well-liked thanks to his sociable charm and charisma.
Ellington Baxter (Professor)
Lieutenant Commander, Joker Flight’s No. 2, and the calm hand that holds the rest of them together.
Highly knowledgeable and considerate, Baxter once served as a university lecturer, though he has never revealed his field. Tasha calls him “Teach”, and the two of them can often be found studying together in the mess.
Tasha Severskaya
Ensign, Joker Flight’s No. 3. Originally a star pilot in Yuktobania’s acrobatic team, Zvezda, Tasha was on the Endurance to shoot publicity footage when war broke out and ended up staying on the ship.
William Coster (Noise)
Lieutenant Junior Grade, Joker Flight No. 4.
A skilled wingman capable of keeping up with Tasha’s extreme maneuvers and providing effective cover. A diehard rock music fan, Coster brings a compact music player into the cockpit to listen to during missions.
Kate Evans (Little Bee)
Lieutenant Commander and leader of Queen Flight, the carrier’s other flight.
Cool and collected, she does everything in her power to protect the lives of pilots in both flights, and she is also an excellent pilot in her own right.
The bandages that she constantly wears speak of the harsh battles she fights, but she never lets the strain show; instead, she buries her own fears and presents a positive attitude to those under her command.
Jessica Pike
Military Captain and XO of the carrier Endurance. Oversees all carrier operations in place of the easygoing Captain Gordon.
A pragmatist to the core, she was willing to recruit anyone available, including civilians, to keep the carrier operational in the face of desperate personnel shortages.
Adelina Santos
A strong‑willed doctor assigned to the carrier Endurance, with a rank of Highest‑Ranking Senior Private.
Caring and supportive, she is well liked by the crew, though she herself seems unaware of it. She is never afraid to voice her opinions about caring for the wounded, even to the XO.
David Jenkins
Major and chief mechanic aboard the Endurance. A former Air Force maintenance officer rescued from a lifeboat, he began the war at a base in eastern FCU but joined the retreat westward as the front collapsed. He has extensive knowledge of Sotoan capabilities thanks to his experience on the sharp end of the fighting.