Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today lifted the veil on the multiplayer sector of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, which will be available from day one and promises to be the most ambitious online air combat experience ever made by the series. The new chapter developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc. will arrive on October 2, but those who bet on the Deluxe Edition will be able to take the controls as early as September 29 thanks to early access.

The video illustrates the competitive and cooperative modes, the progression system and rewards, as well as the content that can be reached from the virtual lobby. We will play the role of mercenary pilots equipped with a customizable avatar, which we can enrich over time with aesthetic elements and with the rewards gradually unlocked. The online component maintains the same visual realism and the same intensity of the clashes of the Campaign, but travels on its own tracks: dedicated progression, separate saves and cross-play support, so you can face opponents of all backgrounds without barriers related to the platform.

There are two main modes. Cooperative Assault focuses on PvE, putting two teams of four pilots competing for the high score along a series of missions populated by very different enemies and objectives. Co-Op War, on the other hand, is the new PvPvE, where two formations of four clash directly alongside AI-controlled units: here the approach becomes more strategic and revolves around the concepts of "Threat Level" and "Aces", with victory and the richest rewards awarded to the team that has accumulated the highest total score at the end of the match.

As the progression progresses, two types of emergency missions will also make their appearance for limited periods. The Scrambles will throw us into high-voltage dogfights, with a team of four pilots called to face a fearsome squadron managed by artificial intelligence. The Emergency Sortie raise the bar even further by deploying eight pilots against the famous colossal weapons of the series, offering many the opportunity to relive some of the boss fights that have remained in the memory of fans. To complete the offer there will be limited-time PvP events, including 4v4 team deathmatches of eight participants in total.

The hub of everything is the Air Base, an interactive hub capable of welcoming up to a hundred pilots from all over the world. From here we can search for companions through matchmaking and prepare sorties, or devote ourselves to the Military Training mode for up to four participants. However, there is also room for more relaxed moments: you can chat with other users, try Bandai Namco's arcade classics in the virtual arcade or use the Jukebox to listen to the most memorable soundtracks of the franchise. There is also a supply shop and the ACE COMBAT STORE, where you can spend the currency earned by completing missions to buy aircraft, customizations, special upgrades and other items. Continuing, we will also unlock some gates that will lead to other Air Bases intended to act as alternative lobbies, while those who own the ACE PASS will see online matches contribute to their progression.

We now leave you to the new trailer, subtitled in Italian. Enjoy the viewing!