ACE COMBAT 8: Wings of Theve
Bandai Namco's arcade flight series turns 30 with Ace Combat 8, out on Steam on 1 October: a story campaign, Ace Combat Online and two control schemes.
What ACE COMBAT 8: Wings of Theve is
ACE COMBAT 8: Wings of Theve is Bandai Namco's new arcade flight game, released for the thirtieth anniversary of the series. You fly fighter jets through a campaign with a story told in first-person scenes, and between missions you spend time with your squad. There is also Ace Combat Online, which Bandai Namco calls the biggest multiplayer mode in the series.
$69.99
price on Steam
4
difficulty levels
2
control schemes
Bandai Namco explained the settings: four difficulties from Rookie to Elite, and two control schemes. Standard steers the way most games do, Expert makes you roll and pitch like a real plane.
Check your date: the Steam store lists 1 October, while Bandai Namco's own Steam post says 2 October, most likely a time-zone question. The Deluxe Edition gets early access from Tuesday. In the run-up, Bandai Namco released a live-action prequel series called Hour Zero and the full opening cinematic.
Pick it up if
- You want big arcade dogfights with a story
- You want a real-plane feel via Expert controls
Maybe skip it if
- You want a flight simulator
- You only buy games after a demo
It is one of the games in our weekly release video, releasing on Thursday, 1 October. Every other dated game is on the release timeline.
ACE COMBAT 8: Wings of Theve screenshots
Screenshots via the game’s Steam store page · © Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.. Facts checked against Steam on 28 September 2026.
ACE COMBAT 8: Wings of Theve FAQ
When does Ace Combat 8 come out on PC?
The Steam store lists Thursday, 1 October 2026. Bandai Namco's Steam post says 2 October, so check the time for your region.
Is there early access for Ace Combat 8?
Yes. The Deluxe Edition starts from Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
How much does Ace Combat 8 cost on Steam?
$69.99 for the standard edition.
Does Ace Combat 8 have multiplayer?
Yes. Ace Combat Online, which Bandai Namco calls the biggest multiplayer mode in the series.