Bandai Namco has unveiled the release date for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, along with information on pre-order bonuses and the first Premium Ace Pass in the series. We will have to wait until September 29 for the early access reserved for owners of the Digital Deluxe Edition, while the final launch for everyone is set for October 2.

Developed as always by the Project Aces team, this chapter marks the return of the saga after seven years and promises to elevate the franchise thanks to Unreal Engine 5, proprietary technologies and the "Cloudly" system for an ultra-realistic flight experience.

In Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve we will step into the shoes of an elite pilot in a deep and cinematic campaign, set in the legendary world of Strangereal now devastated by war. With the Federation of Central Usea occupied and its army annihilated, we will have to wield the commands as "Wings of Theve", an ace linked to the capital Theve and a symbol of hope for a nation in danger. Flanked by the Joker Flight, the squadron made up of Baxter, Tasha and Coster, we will have to repel the offensive of the Republic of Sotoa and regain our lost homeland in missions full of tension and meaning.

The announcement is accompanied by a new trailer that gives us a look at the air battles that we will have to face, anticipating plot details and introducing the teammates who will support us in the missions. In addition to the campaign mode, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will also include an online multiplayer component, details of which will be revealed closer to launch.

For those who want to prepare for take-off, pre-orders are already open in the Standard and Deluxe editions. All pre-orders include a digital copy of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR, a 2006 title considered one of the best in the series and available at launch on October 2nd. That chapter introduced the iconic Ace Style system, a dynamic mechanic that shapes the identity of the pilot based on the choices made in battle, an element that should further enrich our experience.

The Deluxe Edition guarantees exclusive content from day one: the Customisable Cosmetic Set with skins for F-4 Mobius Squadron 25th Anniversary and F/A-18C Team Zvezda, the Scarlet Missile Smoke effect and a costume dedicated to Tasha. It also includes the Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher, which unlocks the post-launch season with immediate benefits.

Bandai Namco introduces the Premium Ace Pass for the first time, which can be purchased separately or included in the Deluxe Edition. This pass allows for the instant unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels, giving us an initial advantage to get seasonal rewards such as aircraft skins, avatar costumes, and the additional ADFX-02 MORGAN -PIXY playable aircraft. For collectors, the Bandai Namco Store offers exclusive bundles such as the Joker Flight Pack, which combines all Deluxe content with a Vinyl Collection with two soundtrack LPs, an official 200-page "ACES at WAR HISTORY 2029" artbook, a collector's case and a slipmat.

We leave you to the trailer and a set of images: enjoy!