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Ace Combat 8 Aircraft Unlock and Upgrade FAQ

Unlock Campaign aircraft with mission-earned MRP, tailor loadouts to each sortie, and keep ACE COMBAT ONLINE’s separate rewards and progression straight.

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In ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, you unlock additional aircraft in Campaign Mode by spending MRP earned in missions. Before each sortie, choose an aircraft, special weapon and upgrade parts to suit the mission. ACE COMBAT ONLINE has separate progression and save data, so Campaign unlocks do not carry over.

How do you unlock aircraft in Ace Combat 8?

Campaign: Earn MRP by completing missions, then use it to unlock additional fighter jets. Bandai Namco’s official campaign walkthrough describes the system this way: “You will be able to unlock additional fighter jets using MRP, an in-game currency earned in mission.”

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The walkthrough and official aircraft roster do not provide a complete table of each aircraft’s MRP price or unlock prerequisites. Check the in-game progression for the aircraft you want rather than relying on an unverified price or requirement.

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What is MRP?

MRP is the in-game currency earned in Campaign missions and used to unlock aircraft. The official campaign guidance ties this currency to aircraft unlocks; it does not establish a complete list of every other possible use or a fixed amount earned per mission.

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ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE - PlayStation 5
  • ACE COMBAT 8 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.

How do aircraft upgrades and loadouts work?

Before a mission, select an aircraft and special weapon, then combine upgrade parts to tailor the aircraft. Bandai Namco says players can “build a fighter jet tailored to each mission by freely combining parts to upgrade your aircraft.” Its gameplay walkthrough announcement also points players to the briefing for strategic insight into adapting aircraft and tactics.

  1. Read the briefing. Use the mission objective and strategic information to decide what kind of aircraft and weapon fit the sortie.
  2. Choose an aircraft and special weapon. Start with the aircraft’s roster role, then consider whether its available weapon options suit the task.
  3. Combine upgrade parts. Adjust the aircraft for that mission and your playstyle; the official guidance does not specify a universal best build or numeric parts recipe.

Use aircraft role as a starting point

The official roster labels the MiG-21BIS Fishbed a Fighter, the Rafale M Multirole, and the carrier-based A-6E Intruder an Attacker. These labels help frame a choice, but they are not a complete tactical guide or proof that a particular aircraft is available for a particular mission. Compare aircraft by role, mission fit, special weapons and the parts you can equip—not by an unsupported ranking.

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  • Magnetic contactless sensors provide smooth, accurate input and long‑lasting durability
  • Independent throttle & brake levers offer fast, intuitive control for rapid speed adjustments during combat
  • Ambidextrous, symmetrical design
  • Dedicated High‑G Mode button for instantly trigger High-G turns
  • Officially Licensed by Bandai Namco Entertainment and SONY

Do Campaign aircraft unlocks carry over to multiplayer?

No. Bandai Namco Europe’s multiplayer FAQ says ACE COMBAT ONLINE is multiplayer-only and has progression and save data separate from Campaign Mode. Online aircraft are acquired through rewards earned in that mode, so Campaign MRP unlocks do not transfer.

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Keep the systems distinct: Campaign aircraft unlocks use mission-earned MRP; online aircraft come from online-mode rewards, and the ACE PASS grants rewards as players earn pass XP. The FAQ says ACE PASS updates are scheduled every two months, a schedule that may change. The online mode lists Fighter, Attacker, Multirole and Electronic Warfare aircraft roles, while acquisition remains separate from Campaign progression.

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ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE | Standard Edition | Xbox Series X|S Digital Code
  • TAKE FLIGHT AS AN ELITE ACE — Step into the cockpit and soar through thrilling missions, intense dogfights, and high-stakes aerial combat developed by PROJECT ACES.
  • AERIAL WARFARE IN LIVING SKIES — Experience stunning visuals featuring dynamic multi-layered cloudscapes, realistic weather conditions, and breathtaking skies that transform every battle.
  • FAST-PACED ARCADE AIR COMBAT — Engage enemy aircraft, deploy powerful weapons, and dominate the battlefield with the signature high-speed gameplay the ACE COMBAT series is known for.
  • A VISCERAL PILOT STORY — Experience dramatic first-person sequences, cinematic storytelling, squad relationships, and the pressures of command between missions.
  • THE LARGEST ONLINE MODE IN SERIES HISTORY — Explore the franchise's first online lobby, customize your avatar, and sortie into online missions with pilots worldwide.

Can the ACE PASS include aircraft?

Yes. At launch, Bandai Namco announced that Premium ACE PASS PLUS included 30 immediate pass levels and a season-long reward track featuring the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN –PIXY, alongside cosmetics. That is a launch announcement, not a guarantee about the current season: check the terms of the pass currently offered before purchasing.

How do I unlock the F-14A?

Bandai Namco Europe’s edition guide described the playable F-14A as a preorder bonus for orders placed before October 2, 2026. That cutoff has passed as of October 4, 2026, so do not assume a new purchase includes it. Bonus availability and terms can vary by region; check the offer for your location.

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ACE COMBAT 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition (Switch)
  • Unreal Engine 4 Technologies - Breathtaking clouds coupled with highly detailed aircraft and photorealistic scenery make this the most engaging Ace Combat to date.
  • Dynamic Weather - Witness the sudden changes during your flight and strive to fight the environmental conditions to take advantage over your enemy.
  • Return To Strange Real-World - The alternative Ace Combat universe is composed of real-world current and near-future weapons, but with a history steeped in Ace Combat lore.
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Which edition includes the game or collector items?

Edition availability depends on region, retailer and platform. Bandai Namco Europe says the Standard Edition is available digitally or on physical disc for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in participating countries and retailers. Its guide describes the Joker Flight Pack as an official-store exclusive and, on that page, available only for Digital PC Steam: it pairs a Steam game code with physical collectibles, including a 208-page artbook and a two-disc soundtrack vinyl set. Verify current regional availability and platform terms with the official store before ordering.

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