Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia announced that ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE has sold 1 million units worldwide. The game reached this milestone faster than any previous ACE COMBAT title. The announcement was made in Singapore on October 12, 2026.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is the first mainline game in the ACE COMBAT series in seven years. The game was released on October 2, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Two editions are available: the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Edition.
Ranked second in critics' scores
In addition to its sales figures, the game has also received positive reviews from critics. Based on critic scores on a game review aggregator site, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is currently ranked second in the ACE COMBAT series. The top spot is still held by ACE COMBAT 04: Shattered Skies.
ACE COMBAT 04: Shattered Skies was released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. To this day, it still holds the highest critical score in the series. Along with the sales announcement, Bandai Namco also released an accolades trailer for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE.
Campaign Mode with a cinematic story
One feature that has caught the attention of players and critics alike is Campaign Mode. This mode presents a cinematic story. In it, you play as an ace pilot in a fictional world at war.
The cinematic scenes in this game can also be viewed from a first-person perspective. This feature makes the story feel more immersive.
Online multiplayer with the Air Base lobby
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features the most extensive online multiplayer mode in the series' history. The cross-play feature allows players from different platforms to play together. This online mode offers both PvE and PvP options.
This game also features a virtual lobby called Air Base. This lobby can accommodate up to 100 players at a time.
Here are some activities you can do at Air Base:
- Customizing and leveling up online characters
- Practice and track your rewards
- Playing classic arcade games from Bandai Namco
- Form a team with other players to carry out a sortie mission
Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT ONLINE
This game also offers the Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT ONLINE. This pass can be purchased separately. Owners of the Deluxe Edition also gain access via the Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher.
This voucher unlocks the Premium Ace Pass Plus for one season after launch. The Premium Ace Pass Plus instantly unlocks all 30 Ace Pass levels. This means you can immediately claim rewards from the first 30 tiers of that season.
In addition, the Premium Ace Pass Plus also offers a full-season track bonus reward. It includes aircraft skins, avatar costumes, and the additional playable aircraft ADFX-02 MORGAN–PIXY.
Real-world fighter jets and next-generation visuals
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is an aerial action game with arcade-style gameplay. Players can fly a variety of real-world fighter jets in both single-player and multiplayer modes. Battles take place across vast areas featuring a variety of battle theaters.
The copyright information for this game lists the trademarks of several aircraft manufacturers. Here is a list of those manufacturers:
- Boeing
- Dassault Aviation
- Eurofighter
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- SAAB
- Bell
Weather conditions are also part of the gameplay. Players must fly through bad weather, which adds an extra challenge when fighting in the air.
Also Read: Ace Combat 8 Now Feels More Cinematic
About ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE
The ACE COMBAT series will celebrate its 30th anniversary in June 2025. The series falls under the flight-shooting genre and features arcade-style gameplay.
Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia also serves as the publisher for other franchises such as PAC-MAN, GUNDAM, DARK SOULS, and ELDEN RING. The ACE COMBAT series itself is one of Bandai Namco’s long-standing IPs that continues to thrive in the global market.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The game can be played in both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Accolades Trailer
