The Tool Desk
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Which plane should you use for each mission?
Bandai Namco’s official walkthrough puts the choice plainly: “Consider the mission objective and your playstyle and pick the best aircraft for the job.” It also recommends selecting special weapons and combining parts to upgrade an aircraft for the mission. The aircraft below are role-based candidates drawn from the official roster descriptions—not a tested ranking or proof that one plane outperforms another in every scenario.
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| Mission need | Aircraft to consider | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Air-superiority combat | F-15C Eagle | The official roster describes it as a fighter with speed, maneuverability, and endurance for air superiority. |
| Close air support and ground targets | A-10C Thunderbolt II | It is described as a durable attacker carrying heavy close-air-support weapons and air-to-ground weaponry. |
| Electronic warfare and support | EA-6B Prowler | Its stated role involves interference and reconnaissance, including work against enemy defense networks. |
| A mix of mission types | F/A-18C Hornet or Rafale M | The Hornet can use air-to-air, anti-ground, and anti-ship weapons. The Rafale M is described for air superiority, interdiction, reconnaissance, and air support. |
| Carrier-based air combat | F-14D Super Tomcat or F-14A | The F-14D is described as carrier-based and able to carry long-range anti-air missiles; the F-14A is described in a fleet-defense role. |
These descriptions establish intended roles, not comparative in-game performance. The official pages do not provide a universal tier list or comparative aircraft tests, so they do not establish which plane is fastest, strongest, or best overall.
How to choose a plane and loadout
- Identify the mission’s main task. Decide whether you need to fight aircraft, attack ground targets, support the team through electronic warfare, or cover several kinds of targets.
- Match the aircraft’s role to that task. Use the roster descriptions as a starting point; for a mixed objective, consider an aircraft whose listed capabilities span more than one role.
- Choose special weapons for the objective. A suitable airframe can still be a poor fit if its selected weapons do not address the targets you need to engage.
- Apply available aircraft parts. The official walkthrough says parts can be combined to upgrade an aircraft. Consider your current build alongside the plane itself when making a mission choice.
- Revisit the choice when the mission changes. The walkthrough’s advice is objective- and playstyle-based, rather than a single recommendation for the whole campaign.
How aircraft unlocks and modes affect your options
Campaign progression
The official walkthrough says additional fighter jets unlock using MRP earned in missions. Your available choice therefore depends in part on campaign progress.
#1 Best Overall
- DELUXE EDITION INCLUDES: Base Game, 3 Day Early Access, Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher [Unlock the Premium Ace Pass for the Currrent Season] (includes ADFX-02 Morgan -Pixy aircraft + Ace Pass Levels [Instant Unlock of 30 Premium Ace Pass Levels]), and Customizable Cosmetic Set (includes F-4E Mobius Squadro Skin, F/A-1BC Team Zvezda Skin, Scarlet Missile Smoke, and Tasha Costume Set.)
- 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.
ACE COMBAT ONLINE
The official FAQ says ACE COMBAT ONLINE has the same playable-aircraft roster as Campaign Mode, but it is a standalone mode with separate progression and save data. Aircraft are acquired through online rewards, so campaign unlocks and online acquisition should not be treated as one shared progression track.
Preorder and season aircraft
The official game page identifies the F-14A as a preorder unlock. It lists the ADFX-02 Morgan–PIXY as a Season 1 Premium Ace Pass aircraft. The page says qualifying Deluxe Edition voucher users unlock the Morgan–PIXY immediately, while campaign use requires completing all campaign missions. It also says pass aircraft are planned to become separately purchasable after their season concludes. Check the current official FAQ for the latest availability terms.
Rank #2
- 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.
Will the aircraft roster change?
The official aircraft page says, “Stay Tuned for More Aircraft In ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE.” That signals that the displayed roster may not be final; it does not specify which aircraft may be added or when.
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Platforms and release date
Bandai Namco lists the game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, with Standard and Deluxe editions. Its official launch announcement gives October 2, 2026 as the worldwide release date.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- PRE-ORDER BONUS: - Playable Aircraft: F-14A - ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR* *Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War” is a ported version of the original game released in 2006. Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War” is a available from launch on the 2 October 2026. An internet connection is required to access this content.
- 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 immersive 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.
- The Largest Online Mode of the Series ACE COMBAT ONLINE delivers the most expansive multiplayer experience in franchise history. Step into the series’ first online lobby, explore an air base with your custom avatar before diving into multiplayer games. Sortie into online missions with pilots worldwide in a variety of modes including Co Op and cross platform play.
Rank #3
- ✈️ OFFICIAL ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE LICENSE : Step into the cockpit of Strangereal's most legendary pilots with this official Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve licensed Thrustmaster HOTAS. Designed for PS5, PS4 and PC, plug in and take off immediately.
- 🎯 ABSOLUTE COMBAT PRECISION : Dominate the skies with 16-bit technology and 7 control axes including the Z-axis. With 16 action buttons, a rapid-fire trigger and a multidirectional hat switch, every missile launched and every maneuver executed is accurate to the millimeter.
- 💥 IMMERSIVE VIBRATION FEEDBACK : Feel every missile impact, every cannon burst and every turbulence directly in your palm, thanks to the vibration motor built into the grip.
- 🔧 DETACHABLE THROTTLE: Customize your joystick to suit your gaming style! Rest the joystick on your lap, or detach the throttle for use on a desk or table. Experience tailor-made comfort for back-to-back missions with no compromises.
- 🛫 DUAL RUDDER SYSTEM : Control your aircraft's rotation via the joystick's Z-axis or the tilting lever on the detachable throttle. Two options, total freedom to dominate every combat situation.
Official sources
- Bandai Namco: ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE — game information, mode and access details.
- Bandai Namco: launch announcement — worldwide release date.
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