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Bandai Namco Announces Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve for 2026

Built on Unreal Engine 5, the sequel spotlights sky rendering with a first-person cinematic campaign from Bandai Namco Aces.

Overview

  • Revealed at The Game Awards 2025, the game targets a 2026 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
  • Development is led by Bandai Namco Aces/PROJECT ACES using Unreal Engine 5 to deliver dynamic cloudscapes, realistic skies, and weather effects.
  • Campaign presentation features first-person cinematics and an identity-driven narrative set in the series’ Strangereal universe.
  • Story placement follows Ace Combat 7 and precedes Ace Combat 3 as players assume the “Wings of Theve” callsign in July 2029 after rescue aboard the carrier Endurance to fight the Republic of Sotoa and reclaim the FCU.
  • Multiplayer dogfight modes are planned with more details and a precise release date to come, as the franchise returns seven years after Ace Combat 7’s roughly seven million sales.