Bandai Namco has released a new trailer for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve revealing the new online modes, progression system, features, and content of the new title. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will feature a new Air Base virtual lobby, which can host up to 100 players from around the world. The online mode features its own progression system, separate save data, and cross-play functionality.
Get the full details below:
Players enter online mode in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve as a mercenary pilot, with a customizable avatar that they can continue to personalize with unlocked rewards and cosmetic items. Once outfitted, they enter an interactive Air Base that acts as online lobby, where they can meet and chat with pilots worldwide. The game features two main online multiplayer modes. Co-Op Assault mode is focused on PvE combat, where two teams of four players compete for high score in missions that feature a variety of enemies and objectives. Co-Op Warfare is the game’s PvPvE mode, pitting two teams of four against each other, along with NPC units. You can enjoy strategic gameplay centered around “Threat Level” and “Aces.” The team with the highest total score at the end wins and earns more rewards.
As players progress in online mode, two additional special emergency missions will appear for a limited time. Scramble missions promise pulse-pounding dogfights, where a team of 4 players take on a formidable NPC rival air squad. Emergency Sortie missions deliver a challenging treat to new and returning players, with eight pilots taking on iconic colossal weapons from the series and, for some, reliving legendary Ace Combat boss fights. Limited time PvP events will also make an appearance in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve online mode, including both 4v4 team and 8-player deathmatch.
The Air Base lobby is a big part of the experience in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve online mode, where players can matchmake and launch sorties or participate in military training mode with up to four players. They can also just hang out to interact with pilots worldwide via chat, play classic Bandai Namco arcade games in the virtual arcade, or play the Jukebox to hear memorable soundtracks from prior Ace Combat games. There is also a supply shop as well as the ACE COMBAT STORE, where players can use in-game currency earned through missions to purchase aircraft, cosmetics for customization, or special in-game boosts and other items. As players progress, they will also unlock gates that take them to other Air Bases that act as online mode lobbies. For ACE PASS holders, playing online mode counts towards their progress.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches on October 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders are available now for $69.99, and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve players will receive a digital port of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as a pre-order bonus alongside an unlocked playable in-game F-14A aircraft.
Pre-orders for the Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Joker Flight Pack are also available now in the Bandai Namco Store for $149.99. The exclusive pack includes everything in the Deluxe Edition alongside The Vinyl Collection, a premium set that includes two LP vinyl records of the soundtrack, the official 200-page “ACES at WAR HISTORY 2029” artbook, a collectible slipcase, and a slipmat.
Bandai Namco recently revealed its first Premium Ace Pass for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, which can be purchased separately and is also included with the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher. The Premium Ace Pass grants an instant unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels with bonus rewards like aircraft skins, avatar costumes, and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN –PIXY additional aircraft.
