Overview
- Bandai Namco published an “Online 101” trailer Tuesday that confirmed Ace Combat Online is a standalone game mode with its own progression and save data separate from the single‑player campaign.
- Players enter an interactive airbase hub as customizable pilot avatars where up to 100 players can gather and use facilities such as an arcade, supply shop, training area, jukebox, and an in‑game store.
- The mode centers on two core four‑player match types: Co‑Op Assault, a PvE score race between two teams, and Co‑Op Warfare, a PvPvE team contest that mixes player combat with NPC land, sea and air units.
- Matches use a Threat Level system that awards up to three stars and the title of “ace,” which gives higher point gains but also makes a player a higher‑value target, and rotating limited‑time events include Scramble and eight‑player Emergency Sorties against series’ colossal weapons.
- Progression unlocks aircraft, upgrade parts and cosmetics through a two‑month Ace Pass with free and premium tiers and Bandai Namco says any aircraft in the premium pass will be sold separately after each season; Ace Combat 8 launches October 2 with Deluxe Edition early access from September 29.