While many of us who are excited for Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve are interested in the single player, there is a big multiplayer community for the series as well. Today Project Aces and Bandai Namco highlighted the multiplayer in a big way with an “Online 101” trailer.

While previous Ace Combat games have had a solid multiplayer component, it looks like Ace Combat 8 is going bigger than ever. Players will start off as a customizable mercenary pilot and enter an air base. Much like how the single player has it’s base of operations on an aircraft carrier, this will be the multiplayer base of operations. It might not seem like much, but I think it’s a nice touch.

The base will also feature things like arcades with classic Bandai Namco games on them as well as a Jukebox playing some of the franchise’s most iconic music. Lastly there is the supply shop that will help you kit your plane with customizable items that you can purchase from the money you earn in matches.

Two Main Modes

Wings of Theve will feature 2 main online modes, Co-op Assault and Co-op Warfare. Co-op Assault will focus on a PvE experience where two teams of 4 compete to post the high score of the match while flying missions. These missions will feature objectives and a variety of enemies to help boost that score.

Co-op Warfare is a PvPvE experience where once again two teams of 4 will compete. In Warfare there will be specific “Threat Level” and “Aces” that players will be able to take down for bonus points. Having both live players and NPC’s in these matches should make for more chaos and action, which is great to see.

If you think two modes isn’t enough for multiplayer, you are in luck. While Co-op Assault and Co-op Warfare are the only 2 main modes, as players progress through multiplayer new, limited time emergency missions will pop up.

These emergency missions will see players scramble into huge dog fights with some of the franchises most prolific bosses of the past. Teams of 8 will sortie to fight off these major bosses and rival NPC squads delivering a unique and challenging mission, especially for those who are long time fans of the series.

Additionally there will also be some limited time PvP matches that will let players test their skills with nothing but other live players. All in all, Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve is shaping up to deliver a full package with single player and multiplayer.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2nd 2026 for Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. Players who purchase the deluxe edition will get early access to the game beginning on September 28th.