Bandai Namco launches Ace Combat 8 Early Access

Bandai Namco has launched the Early Access phase for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, the first major installment in the long-running flight combat series in seven years. Players who purchased the digital Deluxe Edition can begin playing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam as of September 29, 2026, ahead of the full global release scheduled for October 2, 2026.

Developed using Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary technology from Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the game features highly detailed environments, realistic fighter jets, and dynamic weather systems. The campaign is set in the fictional Strangereal universe during a conflict between the Republic of Sotoa and the Federation of Central Usea. Players take on the role of an ace pilot known as the ‘Wings of Theve’ to reclaim occupied territory.

A major highlight of this entry is its multiplayer component, described as the largest in the series' history. It includes cross-play support and a virtual hub called the Air Base, which can accommodate up to 100 players for cooperative and competitive modes.

While the game has received high critical scores, particularly on PlayStation 5, some technical issues have been reported. PC players have encountered crashes and difficulties with flight-stick integration, prompting the studio to announce they are working on fixes.