BANDAI NAMCO has announced that the latest numbered entry in the Ace Combat series, 'ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE,' will officially launch on October 2, 2026. Digital pre-orders are now available alongside the announcement.

'ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE' is the newest numbered title in the Ace Combat series, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. Set in July 2029 within the series' traditional world, the story begins after the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) loses its primary military strength and most of its territory following a surprise invasion by the Republic of Sotoa. The Player, a fighter pilot, is rescued by the aging aircraft carrier 'Endurance' while drifting at sea. Later, the Player is bestowed with the title 'Wings of Theve'—named after a legendary ace from the FCU capital—and takes to the skies with allies to reclaim their lost homeland.

The Ace Combat series has established itself as a cornerstone of the flight shooter genre, with over 22 million units sold worldwide. Notably, 'Ace Combat 7,' released in 2019, surpassed 7 million units in cumulative sales, garnering significant attention from both long-time fans and new users alike.

Buyers of the 'Ace Combat 8' Deluxe Edition can play the game three days early, starting September 29. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, a cosmetic set for changing ally Character outfits, a PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS voucher, and 3-day early access.

Pre-order bonuses include the playable F-14A aircraft and the Steam version of 'ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR.'

'Ace Combat Zero,' originally released for the PS2 in 2006, has been hailed as one of the best in the series. It is well-regarded for its documentary-style presentation featuring interviews with enemy aces shot down in combat, as well as its 'Ace Style' system, where the enemy units encountered change based on the Player's playstyle. Given that the protagonist 'Cipher,' who enters the battlefield as a mercenary, is considered one of the greatest pilots in the series' history, fans are highly enthusiastic about the news of the title being ported to modern platforms.

However, BANDAI NAMCO added that some bonuses, excluding 'Ace Combat Zero,' may be distributed separately at a later date, and that the contents and specifications of the bonuses are subject to change.

More detailed information about the game can be found on the Steam Shop page.