Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2 on Xbox with 30+ aircraft and squadron-led story

A New Campaign Takes Flight on Xbox Series X|S

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will launch on October 2 for Xbox Series X|S, bringing a fresh campaign, more than 30 aircraft, expanded customisation and a squadron-focused story to the long-running flight combat series. The title is available for pre-order now through the Xbox Store, with a Deluxe Edition unlocking early access from September 28.

More Than 30 Aircraft and Deep Customisation

The game remains centred on flying planes, and the campaign includes over 30 aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat and A-10 Warthog. Players spend credits earned in missions to unlock more planes and upgrades through an aircraft tree, while optional objectives award extra credits that can be used to expand the collection and improve existing machines.

The roster is divided into four categories — Fighters, Multirole, Attackers and Electronic Warfare — each serving a distinct role from air-to-air combat and ground attacks to support functions. Before each mission, players choose their aircraft and upgrade areas such as manoeuvrability, acceleration and targeting.

Missions Built Around Speed and Positioning

The campaign features varied mission types, including escort operations, bombing runs and air-to-air battles, alongside larger objectives such as attacks on land battleships and protecting carrier fleets. Combat focuses on speed and position control rather than simply pointing weapons at enemies. Training missions that increase in difficulty teach players how to use flight controls and combat systems.

The carrier Endurance serves as the campaign's primary home base, with detailed environments spanning buildings, trees, canyon terrain and the carrier's interior and exterior.

Joker Flight Steps Into the Spotlight

A major change in Ace Combat 8 is the expanded role of the player's squadron, Joker Flight, whose members play a larger part in the campaign. The group includes Professor, a veteran pilot; Tasha, a civilian-turned-pilot; and Noise, a musician. During missions, players can issue commands to the squadron — forward attack, dispersed attack, support and special weapons clearance — using the directional pad.

Between missions, the squadron features more prominently. Instead of relying primarily on briefing maps and conventional cutscenes, the game uses first-person sequences built with the in-game engine, letting players interact with squadron members, explore the carrier and witness activities taking place between missions.

New Cloud Technology and Large-Scale Combat

Ace Combat 8 also uses new cloud technology to change the appearance of the skies during missions. Ground environments have been developed with greater detail, while large maps include varied terrain and structures, supporting the game's large-scale combat scenarios.

Deluxe Edition and Early Access

The Deluxe Edition offers early access from September 28 and includes a copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, which will be available on Xbox Series X|S for the first time.