Bandai Namco Aces has confirmed ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE during The Game Awards 2025, setting its release for 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S and X. This announcement ends years of speculation following a leaked actor resume that suggested a 2025 release. Fans of the franchise will get their first mainline entry in seven years, marking a return to the series’ iconic aerial combat gameplay.
The studio revealed that the game will utilize Unreal Engine 5 along with proprietary technology to deliver high-fidelity visuals and realistic flight mechanics. The campaign mode places players in the role of an ace pilot caught in a complex story of identity, duty, and loyalty. In addition to the single-player experience, ACE COMBAT 8 will include multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete in fast-paced aerial dogfights against friends and other pilots online.
The ACE COMBAT franchise has consistently combined arcade-style action with cinematic presentation, and this entry appears to continue that trend. Players will be able to pilot a variety of real-world fighter jets from different countries while navigating expansive terrain, dynamic weather, and realistic cloud formations. The game also includes cinematic sequences, which can be viewed from a first-person perspective, further immersing players in the story.
The campaign is set in Strangereal, a fictional world facing widespread conflict. Players take on the role of the “Wings of Theve,” a legendary ace tasked with reclaiming the capital city of Theve after the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) is invaded and its navy destroyed. Accompanied by three other fighter pilots, players will carry the responsibility of defending their homeland and restoring hope for its citizens. Decisions made during missions are expected to influence the narrative, adding depth to the campaign.
The announcement trailer highlights the game’s emphasis on cinematic storytelling and intense aerial combat. Players can expect detailed landscapes, realistic lighting effects, and weather systems that affect flight dynamics. Multiplayer battles promise high-speed engagements and strategic dogfights that complement the campaign experience.
With ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, Bandai Namco Aces aims to deliver a comprehensive flight combat experience that blends visual fidelity, immersive storytelling, and competitive multiplayer. The 2026 release will mark a significant milestone for the franchise, offering fans a new opportunity to experience the thrill of aerial warfare.
