Bandai Namco has revealed new details for the upcoming Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve multiplayer in a new trailer called Online 101.
In the Air Base virtual lobby, which can host up to 100 players worldwide, you can expect the same graphical fidelity you’d find in the campaign online. The difference here is that multiplayer has its own progression system, save slots, and more, plus cross-play functionality.
You play as a mercenary pilot with a customizable avatar, which you can personalize with cosmetics. You can enter the Air Base and interact with it, plus meet other players from across the globe. You can then tackle two online modes: Co-Op Assault, a PvE combat mode where two teams of four face off to earn high scores, and Co-Op Warfare, a PvPvE mode where two teams of four face off against each other and NPC targets.
As you advance in the online mode, two further special emergency missions will be available for a limited time. The Scramble missions offer thrilling dogfights in which a team of four players faces off against a powerful NPC rival air squadron.
The Emergency Sortie missions provide a challenging experience for new and returning players alike, as eight pilots fight against the series’ iconic colossal weapons and Ace Combat bosses. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve‘s online mode also includes limited-time PvP events, featuring both 4v4 team and 8-player deathmatch formats.
The main difference between campaign mode and Co-Op Assault is that you aren’t flying with Baxter, Tasha, or Coster but rather players you meet online. Together, your rewards are determined by the mission clear rank. Each mission has different enemies and aircraft depending on the situation at hand.
Co-op Warfare is a bit different, as you earn points while your Threat Level rises. As it grows, you’ll gain more points per kill, and the longer you survive. More points mean you earn more points and the ‘ace’ rank while in battle.
Both modes have limited-time missions like Scramble or Emergency Sortie. You can do these alongside other players who have matched up. Scramble has your team of four take on an NPC rival group, while Emergency Sortie has eight pilots taking on a colossal weapon from the series.
Bandai Namco says that the Air Base is a huge component of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve’s online mode. You can hang out here, matchmake, train in the military, and even play classic Bandai Namco games in the virtual arcade. Additionally, Bandai Namco says the game includes an in-game Ace Combat Store where you can use in-game currency to purchase aircraft, cosmetics, and more.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches for Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and PC on October 2, 2026.
