Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve releases in 2026

Announced at The Game Awards, Bandai Namco revealed Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, the first mainline entry in the Ace Combat series in seven years. It will release in 2026 for Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.

Ace Combat 8 harnesses the power of Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary technology to create a visually stunning, ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will feature a deep, engaging Campaign Mode revealed at announcement 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. With details to be revealed later, the title will also deliver multiplayer modes that thrust players into unforgettable aerial dogfights against friends and foes. 

Here is an overview of the new Ace Combat via Bandai Namco:

Ace Combat 8 carries on the legacy of ACE COMBAT, a franchise that has always pushed the envelope of game visuals and action-packed, arcade-inspired game play in the flight shooting genre. The newest entry will once again break boundaries, with the reveal showing a glimpse at what realism powered by new generation consoles can bring to the experience. Players fly various real-world fight jets in a game marked by stunning visual details and effects, with realistic expanses of clouds and finely rendered terrain and landscape, and the added challenge of navigating through inclement weather. Players will also experience thrilling first-person point-of-view cinematics, adding even more immersion to the story.

Announcement Trailer