ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is officially confirmed for 2026, with Bandai Namco announcing a October 2, 2026 launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Steam currently lists October 1, 2026, reflecting a regional/platform timing difference. The game will also introduce the largest multiplayer experience in the series, including cross-platform online play and a 100-player air-base hub.
The title is the next numbered entry following ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN and is being developed by Bandai Namco Aces, formerly associated with Project Aces.
Is Ace Combat 8 coming out in 2026?
Yes. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is officially scheduled for 2026, and Bandai Namco has now confirmed the exact launch date.
The official Bandai Namco announcement gives October 2, 2026 as the release date for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Steam currently displays October 1, 2026, so readers checking the PC listing may see a one-day difference.
Players who purchase the Deluxe Edition or eligible premium editions will receive three-day early access, beginning September 29 on the official Bandai Namco schedule. Steam currently lists its early-access start according to its own regional timing.
Ace Combat 8 release date at a glance
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Game | ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE |
| Full release | October 2, 2026 |
| Steam listing | October 1, 2026 |
| Early access | September 29, 2026 |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
| Developer | Bandai Namco Aces Inc. |
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Multiplayer | Online PvP and co-op |
| Cross-platform play | Yes |
What does “Wings of Theve” mean?
“Wings of Theve” is the name given to the player character in the game's story. It is connected to Theve, the capital of the Federation of Central Usea (FCU).
The game's story takes place in July 2029, when the FCU has fallen to an invasion by the Republic of Sotoa. The player is rescued by the aging aircraft carrier Endurance and is given the name “Wings of Theve,” which represents a legendary ace and symbol of hope.
However, the game reveals that the legendary ace story was actually created as a morale-boosting tale. The player must take on that identity and fight to reclaim the homeland.
So, “Wings of Theve” is not simply a translation or dictionary phrase. It is a story-specific title tied to the game's fictional world.
Is Ace Combat 8 confirmed?
Yes. Ace Combat 8 is officially confirmed.
Bandai Namco announced ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE in December 2025 as the next numbered installment in the series. The announcement initially gave a 2026 release window before the company later confirmed the October 2 launch date.
The official game page lists PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam as its platforms.
This means search results describing Ace Combat 8 as merely a “rumored” game are outdated.
Does Ace Combat 8 have multiplayer mode?
Yes. Ace Combat 8 has multiplayer, including online PvP and co-op.
Bandai Namco describes it as the largest multiplayer experience in the franchise. The game introduces ACE COMBAT ONLINE, with an air-base social hub capable of hosting up to 100 players.
The two core multiplayer modes announced by Bandai Namco are:
- Co-Op Assault
- Co-Op Warfare
The game also supports cross-platform multiplayer, allowing players on supported platforms to play together.
What multiplayer features are confirmed?
| Feature | Ace Combat 8 |
|---|---|
| Online PvP | Yes |
| Online co-op | Yes |
| Cross-platform multiplayer | Yes |
| Multiplayer air-base hub | Yes |
| Air-base capacity | Up to 100 players |
| Co-Op Assault | Yes |
| Co-Op Warfare | Yes |
| Multiplayer aircraft customization | Yes |
The 100-player figure refers to the air-base hub, not a claim that 100 aircraft will participate in one simultaneous dogfight.
What is Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve about?
The game follows a fighter pilot who is rescued after being left adrift at sea. The pilot joins the crew of the aircraft carrier Endurance, which has withdrawn from the front lines after the FCU's military collapse.
The player is given the identity of the legendary “Wings of Theve” and fights alongside three new comrades to reclaim the occupied homeland.
Bandai Namco is also emphasizing dynamic skies and multi-layered cloud environments. The game uses Unreal Engine 5 alongside proprietary technology to create its environments and aerial combat effects.
How much does Ace Combat 8 cost?
The standard PC version is currently listed at $69.99, while the Deluxe Edition is listed at $89.99 on Steam. Bandai Namco's US store also lists the PS5 and Xbox standard edition at $69.99 and the Deluxe Edition at $89.99.
For Indian buyers, SteamDB currently records the Steam Standard Edition at ₹3,999, while the Xbox India store lists the Standard Edition at ₹4,799 and the Deluxe Edition at ₹6,399. Prices can vary by platform and regional storefront.
Ace Combat 8 price
| Edition | PC/Steam | Xbox India | US Bandai Namco Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ₹3,999* | ₹4,799 | $69.99 |
| Deluxe | - | ₹6,399 | $89.99 |
| Joker Flight Pack | - | - | $149.99 |
*SteamDB currently records ₹3,999 for the Indian Steam listing.
What are Ace Combat 8's PC system requirements?
The official PC requirements call for Windows 11, 16GB RAM and a hardware ray-tracing-capable GPU even at the minimum level. The game also requires an SSD and DirectX 12 with Shader Model 6.6 or higher.
Minimum requirements
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X |
| RAM | 16GB |
| GPU | RTX 2060 6GB / Radeon RX 6600 XT 8GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| Storage | 125GB |
| Storage type | SSD |
| Ray tracing | Hardware ray tracing required |
| Target | 1080p upscaled / 30fps, Low |
Recommended requirements
| Component | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| RAM | 32GB |
| GPU | RTX 3070 8GB / Radeon RX 6800 16GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| Storage | 125GB |
| Storage type | SSD |
| Ray tracing | Hardware ray tracing required |
| Target | 1080p upscaled / 60fps, Medium |
These are official estimated requirements, not independent benchmarks. Bandai Namco notes that frame rates can drop in graphics-intensive scenes.
Will Ace Combat 8 be available on PS5?
Yes. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is being released on PlayStation 5, alongside Xbox Series X|S and PC. There is no PS4 version listed by Bandai Namco's official game information.
The game is designed around current-generation hardware, with features including ray tracing and more advanced environmental effects.
Is Ace Combat 8 coming to PC?
Yes. The PC version will be available through Steam.
Steam lists the game as supporting single-player, online PvP, online co-op and cross-platform multiplayer. The PC version also requires Windows 11, an SSD and a ray-tracing-capable graphics card.
Is Ace Combat 8 connected to Ace Combat 7?
Yes, but it is the next numbered mainline entry, rather than simply another edition of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
Ace Combat 7 was released in 2019 and became the most recent mainline game before Wings of Theve. The official Ace Combat site says Ace Combat 7 has sold more than six million copies, while the series overall has sold more than 20 million.
Wings of Theve introduces a new story and characters while retaining the series' focus on arcade-style aerial combat.
Q&A: Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
Is Ace Combat 8 coming out in 2026?
Yes. Bandai Namco has confirmed October 2, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Steam currently shows October 1 because of its platform-specific release timing.
What does “Wings of Theve” mean?
It is the name given to the player character and is connected to Theve, the fictional capital of the Federation of Central Usea.
Does Ace Combat 8 have multiplayer?
Yes. It includes online PvP, co-op, cross-platform play and a 100-player air-base hub.
What is the Ace Combat 8 PC price?
Steam currently lists the Standard Edition at $69.99 and Deluxe Edition at $89.99 in the US. SteamDB records the Indian Steam Standard Edition at ₹3,999.
Our Take
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is no longer a rumor: the game, release year, platforms and multiplayer features have all been officially confirmed. The biggest additions are the expanded online component and 100-player air-base hub, while the campaign moves the series into a new conflict centered on the fictional FCU and the legend of “Wings of Theve.”