ACE COMBAT 8 Enters Early Access Ahead of October 2 Launch

Bandai Namco Opens the Deluxe Edition Window With Cross-Play and a 100-Player Air Base

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is now playable in its three-day early-access window ahead of the full worldwide launch on October 2, 2026.

Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the new entry is the first mainline ACE COMBAT game in seven years. For players following new aerial combat releases, we recently covered Wild Blue Skies and its arcade-focused take on flight combat.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Launch Trailer

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Early Access Is Live Ahead of the October 2 Release

Bandai Namco says worldwide early access is now live on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The advance-access period is included with the Deluxe Edition, while the full game launches worldwide on October 2.

This is a three-day advance-access period tied to the Deluxe Edition, not a Steam Early Access development release. The Standard Edition remains tied to the full launch.

Strangereal Returns With a New War

The campaign returns to the fictional Strangereal setting. The Federation of Central Usea has been occupied by the Republic of Sotoa, leaving its military scattered as players take on the name Wings of Theve and fight to reclaim the homeland.

Four fighter jets fly in formation in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE.

Players fly alongside Baxter, Tasha, and Coster as Joker Flight. Bandai Namco says the game uses Unreal Engine 5 alongside proprietary technology, with real-world fighter jets, dynamic weather, large cloudscapes, and first-person cinematic sequences built into the campaign.

Cross-Play and a 100-Player Air Base Expand Multiplayer

Online play is also receiving a major expansion. ACE COMBAT 8 supports cross-play and introduces an Air Base virtual hub that can hold up to 100 players from different platforms.

The online modes include Co-Op Assault, Co-Op Warfare, limited-time emergency missions, and PvP events. Multiplayer also has its own progression, rewards, training, arcade activities, and Jukebox features.

For a very different approach to aerial combat, our earlier coverage of Korea. IL-2 Series looks at a more simulation-focused flight experience.

Full Launch Arrives October 2

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launches worldwide on October 2, 2026. On PC, the Steam store page lists Standard and Deluxe Editions, with the Deluxe Edition providing the advance-access window.

A cockpit view puts the pilot at the centre of ACE COMBAT 8’s aerial action.

This also looks worth putting through our 32:9 ultrawide setup. If the budget allows, we want to see how ACE COMBAT 8 handles the wider frame in both cockpit and external camera views.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE

Release: October 2, 2026; Deluxe Edition early access available now

Genre: Flight Shooting / Action

Developer / Publisher: Bandai Namco Aces Inc. / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam

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