Ace Combat 8 Will Reportedly Have Online Co-op Mode and Crossplay
In case you missed the news, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has officially been announced, and it’s releasing sometime next year. While details are still light, we learned plenty about the game’s story from the debut trailer, as well as teasers from Bandai Namco and Project Aces, who will reveal more about the multiplayer at a later date.
Well, it seems like we might have some idea as to what one of the modes might be, as the game’s official Steam listing seemingly confirms that Ace Combat 8 will feature online co-op.
Co-op Returning to Ace Combat? We Sure Hope So.
While co-op hasn’t been much of a staple feature for the Ace Combat franchise, it has been featured in a few of the games, be that through the main campaign or special missions. But for the few that do feature it, fans have grown pretty fond of the experience, as it lets them team up with friends and play against NPCs in some pretty fun scenarios. The last mainline entry to include it was Ace Combat 6, and when Ace Combat 7 was released, the mode unfortunately didn’t make a return. Understandably, despite how incredible Ace Combat 7 turned out, the lack of co-op did leave many feeling disappointed.
The good news? It looks like Project Aces is listening, as Ace Combat 8 will supposedly feature online co-op. That is, at least according to the official Steam page, which went live shortly after the game’s reveal at The Game Awards this year.
As you can see, not only is there a tag for “Online Co-op” but also “Cross-Platform Multiplayer.” Assuming this wasn’t a mistake by the publisher when they set the page up, this means that Ace Combat 8 is going to let players team up with one another, and across different platforms, for some co-operative missions.
Whether that will be the mainline story (oh, please let it be) or special missions (I’ll take this, too!) is anyone’s guess.
About Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve:
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE delivers high-octane aerial action!
Step into the cockpit and take flight as an elite pilot across stunning skies. Enter intense dogfights, eliminate threats, and rise through gripping missions to earn your wings. The game is developed by PROJECT ACES, the acclaimed team behind the franchise.
Aerial Warfare in Living Skies.
Campaign Mode showcases stunning visuals with dynamic multi-layered cloudscapes that capture the majesty of living skies. Feel the rush of a fast-paced arcade-style gameplay and deploy powerful weapons to dominate the battlefield.
A visceral journey from cockpit to ground.
Beyond the chaos in the air, breathtaking first-person scenes reveal your pilot’s story through breathtaking cinematics. Experience the pressure of command, the weight of decisions, and the bonds forged in battle. Between missions, bond with your squad members, rise to meet adversity, and prove yourself as a true ace.
I guess we’ll have to wait and see, which hopefully isn’t too long, as Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is due to release sometime in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
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