ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Reveals Online Mode Details

Following the success of ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN, the ACE COMBAT series is preparing to return with its next numbered entry, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. This is a new mainline title in the series, developed by Bandai Namco using Unreal Engine 5 and scheduled to launch on October 2, 2026. The publisher has now released the Online 101 trailer, offering the first look at ACE COMBAT ONLINE, an endgame online mode built for the new game.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Expands the Experience with a Large-Scale Online Mode

The return of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE comes with high expectations, as the series has built a strong position following the success of its previous entry. As of early 2026, ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN had sold more than 7 million copies worldwide, pushing total franchise sales beyond 21 million. Building on that foundation, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will take players back to the fictional world of Strangereal, with Campaign Mode centered around a story of identity, responsibility, and the fight for the survival of one's homeland. The new entry also marks the mainline series' first return in seven years, while taking advantage of new technology to deliver larger-scale aerial battles with more realistic visuals.

Alongside the Campaign, Bandai Namco has now revealed more details about ACE COMBAT ONLINE, an endgame online mode with its own progression system and separate save data. Players will start out as mercenary pilots, creating and customizing their avatars before entering the Air Base, an online lobby that can hold up to 100 players at once. Here, pilots can meet, chat, and look for other online activities.

Two main modes have been introduced: Co-Op Assault and Co-Op Warfare. Co-Op Assault focuses on PvE, dividing players into two teams of four to compete for the highest score across missions with different objectives. Meanwhile, Co-Op Warfare combines PvP and PvE, with two teams fighting each other while also dealing with NPC units on land, at sea, and in the air.

More notably, Online will also feature special missions available for a limited time. Scramble pits four players against a powerful NPC aircraft squad, while Emergency Sortie allows eight pilots to team up against giant superweapons familiar to the series. There will also be limited-time PvP events featuring 4v4 Team Deathmatch and eight-player Deathmatch.

The entire Online experience will also support cross-play between PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, along with its own progression system that allows players to unlock more aircraft, improve their capabilities, and customize their appearance as they take part in sorties.

With ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN achieving strong sales, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE has a solid foundation to carry the franchise forward. What has been revealed about Online also shows that Bandai Namco is looking to expand the experience beyond the traditional Campaign. Could the new entry take ACE COMBAT to new heights?

Visit the game's official website for more details, and don't forget to check out our price comparison platform to pre-order ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE at the best price.