Ace Combat 8 Multiplayer: Crossplay, Air Base, Modes and Early Access

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2, 2026, with Deluxe early access starting September 28 at 3 p.m. Pacific, or September 29 at midnight Central European Summer Time. Its online mode supports crossplay, but has its own save and progression, separate from the campaign. Bandai Namco’s multiplayer reveal and game FAQ spell out the modes and their player counts.

When does Ace Combat 8 early access start?

The Xbox listing gives the Pacific clock time, while Bandai Namco Europe gives the midnight CEST unlock. They describe the same moment, which explains the September 28/29 dates in regional marketing. The standard launch is October 2. Check your platform’s local store for the entitlement attached to the edition you buy; the standard edition alone does not grant this early access.

Does Ace Combat 8 have crossplay?

Yes. Bandai Namco confirms cross-platform play in ACE COMBAT ONLINE across the game’s PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC launch platforms. It does not say that progress or saves transfer between platform accounts. Crossplay and cross-save are different features.

What is Air Base?

Air Base is the online lobby and social hub, with capacity for up to 100 players. Pilots can meet, chat, train, use the store and access activities there. The 100-player figure describes the hub, not a 100-aircraft combat match. Bandai Namco also describes arcade games and a jukebox within the lobby.

Which multiplayer modes are confirmed?

Co-Op Assault has two teams of four fighting AI enemies while competing for the higher score. Co-Op Warfare also has two teams of four, but they face one another alongside NPC land, sea and air units: it is PvPvE. In Warfare, a pilot’s Threat Level rises through scoring without being shot down, making that pilot worth more points to opponents if defeated.

Limited-time Scramble missions put four players against powerful NPC rivals; Emergency Sortie brings up to eight pilots together against series-scale superweapons. Separate limited-time PvP events include 4v4 Team Deathmatch and eight-player Free-for-All Deathmatch. Availability can depend on the event schedule, so these should not be mistaken for permanent playlists.

Does campaign progress carry into online play?

No automatic carryover is described. ACE COMBAT ONLINE has its own save and progression. The aircraft roster is shared in the sense that the same aircraft can appear in both modes, but Bandai Namco says aircraft must be earned separately in online play. For the campaign’s story and Annihilation Battle, read our Ace Combat 8 story-trailer breakdown.

How does the ACE Pass work?

The free ACE Pass rewards online mission progress. Bandai Namco says it is scheduled to update every two months, with paid Premium and Premium Plus options offering additional rewards or level skips. Its FAQ lists the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- as a Season 1 premium reward. Bandai Namco says the game has no paid randomized loot boxes and currently plans no consumables, but the paid pass and other purchases mean it would be inaccurate to call the online mode free of monetization.