Bandai Namco and Project Aces sped into The Game Awards 2025 to finally reveal Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve as the next entry in the long-running flight simulator series.
A trailer for the new high-octane installment arrives six years after the launch of Ace Combat 7, revealing a boatload of footage with near-photorealistic visuals as combat is once again taken to the skies. Project Aces refrained from announcing a release date but confirmed Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is currently planned to launch for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S in 2026.
Bandai Namco says Ace Combat 8 will “once again break boundaries” for arcade flight sims thanks to the power of a new generation of gaming consoles. Real-world jets, first-person cinematics, and invelment weather are just a few of the features the publisher says players can expect.
“The announcement trailer gives the first taste of the game’s deep Campaign Mode,” an official description for Ace Combat 8 says, “where players take on the role of an ace pilot in Strangereal, a world at war, rooted entirely in a fictitious universe but one where the weight of decisions, the pressure of command and the bonds forged in battle will feel all too real. With their nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its navy shattered, players enter the cockpit as the “Wings of Theve” – a legendary ace, a name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and a symbol of hope for every citizen in their homeland.
“Joined by three new fighter pilots, theirs is a flight against odds versus the Republic of Sotoa to reclaim their lost homeland, eliminate the threat to their people, and carry the hope of every FCU citizen.”
Bandai Namco says Ace Combat 8 will come with more features that “promise to make this an unforgettable sequel.” Details regarding these features, including multiplayer information, will be revealed at a later date.
The Game Awards 2025 has been filled with announcements for some of the biggest names in video games. You can check up on everything announced while we wait for more updates, and you can read up on our running list of all of the night’s winners, too.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
