Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve 2026

About

On Steam, 85% of 18,895 player reviews are positive (Very Positive). 3,789 people are playing it on Steam right now, with a peak of 15,748 in the last 30 days. Valve rates it Unsupported on Steam Deck.

Soar through the skies and rise above every challenge to earn your place among the elite. Engage in intense aerial combat to dominate the battlefield with powerful weapons. Experience a breathtaking campaign filled with high-stakes missions, hard choices, and deep squad connections.

Story

You're a fighter pilot, adrift at sea in a rescue boat until the outdated aircraft carrier, Endurance, pulls you aboard. Your homeland's navy is shattered. The aging vessel, its decks crowded with refugees, has already retreated far from the front lines. July 2029: The Federation of Central Usea (FCU) has fallen under a lightning invasion by the Republic of Sotoa. Most of the nation is occupied, the military is scattered, and the Endurance is just one fragment of what remains. On this ship, you're given a single name: "Wings of Theve". A legendary ace, a symbol of hope, a name tied to Theve, the FCU capital. But that legend was a lie; it was a story made to keep morale alive. Now, you must carry that name and take to the skies again. With three new comrades at your side, fight to reclaim your lost homeland.

What is happening now

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve continues the long-running military flight sim series with a shift to Unreal Engine 5, launching across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game introduces an "Aircraft Tree" system alongside customizable upgrade parts, while developer Project Aces has emphasized photorealistic aircraft design as a focus. Recent coverage has centered on technical specifications and production values. PC system requirements have been confirmed, with the game requiring ray tracing-capable hardware and featuring Denuvo anti-tamper protection. The developer has also highlighted the sweeping original soundtrack composed for the game's Strangereal setting, as well as the detailed aircraft models themselves. Early hands-on impressions have been positive regarding the flight mechanics and visual presentation ahead of the October 2 release date.