Recommended Free Tools
Updated October 4, 2026: The “before Ace Combat 8” question is now out of date: Bandai Namco launched Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve worldwide on October 2. The useful question is whether Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is still worth playing now. Yes, if you want a focused flight-combat campaign; the available official information does not make AC7 a prerequisite for AC8.
Is Ace Combat 7 worth playing now that Ace Combat 8 is out?
AC7 remains a good option for players drawn to fast aerial combat, aircraft variety and a dramatic fictional-war campaign. Critics have praised its combat and presentation, while some have criticized its story and parts of its mission pacing. That mix makes it a reasonable pick for fans of the series’ campaign style, rather than an automatic recommendation for every player.
![PS4 ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN (US) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510WZEHzcJL._SL160_.jpg)
![PS4 - Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown - [PAL EU - NO NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NiuwP3PcL._SL160_.jpg)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
There is no stated requirement to finish AC7 before starting AC8 in the official material cited here. Bandai Namco describes AC8 through its own campaign setting and characters. That does not establish that the games have no narrative connections; it does mean the available information does not support treating AC7 as required homework.
What AC7 does well—and what may put you off
The appeal: aerial action and presentation
Critic reviews commonly highlight AC7’s air combat, aircraft, sky visuals, weather effects and a flight model that some reviewers found improved. Some reviews also praised its VR implementation. These are review judgments, not guarantees that every player will enjoy the game or that every edition includes the same features.
#1 Best Overall
- Innovation in the Sky: Breathtaking clouds coupled with highly detailed aircraft and photorealistic scenery makes this the most engaging Ace Combat to date.
- Return to Strangereal: The alternative Ace Combat universe composed of real-world current and near-future weapons, but with a history steeped in Ace Combat lore.
- All new arsenal of ultra-modern super weapons and formidable enemies.
The trade-offs: uneven campaign and story
Critical comments include sparse checkpoints or tedious stretches in some missions, a melodramatic plot that does not work for everyone, and complaints about multiplayer or features omitted from the series. If you mainly want a tightly paced story or a particular legacy series feature, those reservations are worth considering alongside the combat praise.
On PC, Steam classifies AC7 as single-player and online PvP and displays a “Very Positive” English-language user-review summary. Steam’s review sentiment is a changing platform-specific snapshot; it is not critic consensus or evidence of how many people are currently online. See AC7 on Steam.
AC7 versus AC8: choose by what you want to play
| What matters | Ace Combat 7 | Ace Combat 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign | An older campaign-focused entry; official product listings describe single-player content. | A newer campaign set in the Federation of Central Usea, with the occupied capital Theve and a pilot known as the Wings of Theve, according to Bandai Namco. |
| Online play | Online multiplayer is listed for supported editions and platforms; features vary by edition. | ACE COMBAT ONLINE is a separate multiplayer mode. Bandai Namco says it has separate save data and progression from Campaign Mode. |
| Online modes and scale | Do not assume every edition has identical multiplayer features; the Switch edition has no cross-platform matches. | Bandai Namco describes cross-play, an Air Base hub for up to 100 players, Co-Op Assault, Co-Op Warfare, limited-time emergency missions and PvP events. |
| Platforms listed by the publishers | PS4, Xbox One, Steam and Nintendo Switch; the Japan Game Awards 2018 release listing also names PSVR. | PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. |
AC8 launched worldwide October 2, 2026, according to Bandai Namco’s launch announcement. Its online features are a clear point of comparison if you want cross-play or the newly described cooperative modes, but they do not establish that AC8 is categorically the better game. For current AC8 campaign and online details, see the official AC8 site.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesCheck the AC7 platform and edition before buying
AC7 is available in multiple editions, and feature support is not uniform. Bandai Namco’s official product page lists PlayStation, Xbox and Switch editions, including digital bundles with different downloadable content. Some DLC packs are sold separately.
Rank #3
- DISCOVER 50 AIRCRAFT ACROSS ALL GAME MODES
- FLY WITH FREEDOM IN BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL BUT HARSH ENVIRONMENTS
- CUSTOMISE YOUR PLANE AND WEAPON LOADOUTS
- BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY ONLINE WITH UP TO 8 PLAYERS. ENGAGE THE ENEMY WITH A WIDE RANGE OF POWERFUL WEAPONRY AND TACTICS
- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WEATHER AND YOUR SURROUNDINGS TO GET THE UPPER HAND
Important Nintendo Switch differences
The Switch edition is not feature-equivalent to other versions. Bandai Namco says it does not support VR, flight sticks, local communication play or cross-platform multiplayer. Multiplayer requires Nintendo Switch Online. Check the product listing for the specific edition before purchase.
VR, controls and older bundles
Bandai Namco identifies VR content for specified editions; do not assume all platforms or editions include it. The CESA Japan Game Awards 2018 listing names PS4/PSVR, Xbox One and Steam among AC7 platforms. For bundle buyers, the Japanese product page describes editions with different DLC, including a Premium Edition where DLC comes as one-time product codes. With a used or older packaged copy, code availability or redemption cannot be assumed.
Bandai Namco’s US store listing includes standard PS4 and Xbox One editions. Confirm that a listing matches your platform and edition, and compare current prices on the storefront you plan to use; the official listing does not establish a current price comparison across platforms or retailers.
Who should play AC7, and who can skip to AC8?
- Play AC7 if its campaign and flight-combat focus appeal to you, or if you want to explore an earlier series entry without assuming it is a prerequisite.
- Start with AC8 if you are most interested in the current installment’s campaign, cross-play or its separately described cooperative and online modes.
- Check the edition first if VR, a flight stick, local play or cross-platform matches affect your decision—especially on Switch.
- Compare platform-specific prices before buying; no current cross-platform price winner is established here.
For more context on AC7’s critical reception, see Metacritic’s critic-review listings. The CESA Japan Game Awards 2018 release lists the game among Future Division winners and names PS4/PSVR, Xbox One and Steam as platforms.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
