Bandai Namco has released an eight-minute trailer dedicated to multiplayer in its upcoming arcade flight simulator, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. Players will find multiple online modes, an independent progression system, cooperative and competitive missions, limited-time events, and a virtual air base for up to 100 players. The competition will support cross-platform competition, allowing players on different platforms to compete together.
In multiplayer, players start as a hired pilot and create their own character. You can customize your appearance with unlockable bonuses and cosmetics. The mode has a separate save and its own progression system, independent of the single-player campaign.
The basis of the online game will be two main modes. In Co-p Assault, two teams of four battle against computer opponents and try to score as many points as possible by completing various tasks. Co-op is a form of PvPvE that pits two teams of four pilots against each other and simultaneously against an AI-controlled squad. The results here are affected by the level of threat and the presence of elite opponents, with the team with the highest score winning.
Special missions will appear from time to time. In Interception mode, four players take control of the game and engage in air combat against powerful opponent squadrons. Scramble is designed for eight pilots who will have to fight against the giant fighter jets that preceded them in the series. Some of the missions recreate the famous ACE COMBAT boss battle. Temporary PvP events are also planned to take place online. These include 4v4 team battles and an 8-pilot deathmatch.
The centerpiece of the network mode will be a virtual air force base. There you can search for matches and perform missions, as well as train with a team of up to four people. The developers have provided the ability to communicate with other players via chat, play classic Bandai Namco arcade games, and listen to previous ACE COMBAT music on the jukebox.
The air base also houses a supply store and the in-game ACE COMBAT store. Currency earned by completing missions can be used to purchase aircraft, cosmetics, makeshift amplifiers, and other merchandise. As the pilot progresses, more Air Force bases will open and serve as new online lobbies. ACE PASS owners will be able to count online play toward their pass progress.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will be released on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Deluxe version users will have early access on September 29, and the full version will be released on October 2, 2026.
