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Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Online Expands Into a 100-Player Air Base
Bandai Namco Entertainment and Bandai Namco Aces have revealed just how substantial the multiplayer side of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will be. Rather than dropping players directly into a matchmaking menu, Ace Combat Online revolves around an interactive Air Base capable of hosting up to 100 players simultaneously.
The hub acts as a home for your custom mercenary pilot between sorties, with an arcade containing classic Namco games, a jukebox featuring music from previous Ace Combat titles, shops and Military Training where up to four players can practise together. Players can also customise their avatars with unlockable outfits, form parties with pilots they meet and establish their own squadrons.
It represents a considerably greater commitment to multiplayer than previous numbered entries, with Online Mode operating on its own progression and save data, separate from the campaign.
Co-Op Assault and Co-Op Warfare Lead the Multiplayer Modes
Two main modes sit at the centre of the experience. Co-Op Assault is PvE-focused, putting two teams of four against computer-controlled enemies as both compete for the highest score. Co-Op Warfare adds direct competition.
Two four-player squads fight against each other while NPC land, sea and air units remain active across the battlefield, turning matches into a PvPvE contest rather than a straightforward deathmatch. Limited-time PvP events will also include four-versus-four Team Deathmatch and eight-player Free-for-All battles.
Cross-play is supported across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Aircraft Have Their Own Online Progression
Aircraft unlocked in Campaign Mode will not automatically carry across for online play in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Online progression instead begins with players building their reputation as mercenary pilots, unlocking more aircraft as their rank increases. Individual planes also gain levels by surviving sorties, opening new abilities and improved statistics.
The roster spans Fighters, Attackers, Multi-role and Electronic Warfare aircraft, encouraging squads to think about team composition rather than simply bringing four identical jets. Recently detailed aircraft include the Rafale M, F-15J Eagle, F-22A Raptor and MiG-21bis Fishbed. Players can also customise aircraft skins, emblems and weathering.
Our previous Ace Combat 8 breakdown covers the broader aircraft progression, controls and customisation systems coming to the game.
Ace Combat 8 Adds a Two-Month Premium Ace Pass
Multiplayer progression also feeds into the Ace Pass, which rewards players with items as they earn XP from online missions in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Each season will last two months, with a paid Premium Ace Pass offering additional rewards, cosmetics and immediate access to playable aircraft.
Season 1 includes the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- as its Level 1 Premium reward. Importantly, Bandai Namco says Premium Pass aircraft will become available for separate purchase after their respective season ends, rather than disappearing permanently. The F-14A Tomcat is meanwhile being offered as an early purchase bonus.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches on October 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Deluxe Edition players can begin flying three days earlier.
