ACE COMBAT Online has its own separate progression distinct from Campaign Mode. You begin your journey as a mercenary pilot freshly stationed at an air force base.
Online Mode 101 Trailer
This is the largest online mode in the series' history, serving as the end-game content for 'ACE COMBAT 8'.
Players will arrive at the air force base's online lobby as mercenary pilots, gathering with aircrafts fans from around the world to enjoy cooperative play and competitive battles.
Let's aim to achieve success in missions and raise your "rank" as a mercenary.
Core Game Modes
Co-Op Warfare pits two squads of four against each other, with allied land, sea and air NPC units thrown into the mix. Victory goes to the squad with the highest total score.
This mode is focused on player versus enemy combat - where two teams of four players will compete to see which team can earn the highest score. As you advance, you will be able to expand your arsenal of fighter jets. Earn rewards to expand your arsenal of fighter jets as you gather accolades over your career.
As players rack up points, their Threat Level will rise.
You can see your current threat level displayed as stars, netting you more points per kill and the longer you fly uncontested. Depending on its number, the score you earn for pursuing enemy aircraft or destroying enemy units will increase. Use this score multiplier to your advantage and secure victory. On the other hand, the higher your Threat Level, the more points your opponents are able to obtain if you are shot down.
Raising your threat level to three stars earns you the designation of "Ace Aircraft." When two Ace Aircraft go head to head, it can change the entire outcome of the match.
When you return from Co-op Assault or Co-op Warfare, special limited-time missions such as “Scramble” or “Emergency Sortie” may become available to you. You can take on these special missions alongside other players who have also been matched to them. Victory in either special mission will earn you greater rewards.
Scramble
In “Scramble,” you’ll form a team of four to take on a formidable NPC rival squad.
Emergency Sortie
In “Emergency Sortie,” an 8-player team engages in a challenging battle against the series’ iconic superweapons.
Limited-time PVP events will be making an appearance, including 4v4 team deathmatches and 8-player free-for-all matches.
These missions might also include unit cost limits or role restrictions. Take part in a variety of missions, rack up victories, and rise through the ranks as a mercenary. Your post-mission earnings are determined by your overall mission rank—where the winning squadron will receive more rewards.
In Ace Combat Online, you have a wide array of craft at your disposal—each suited to different roles. Experiment with different team compositions, roles, special weaponry and builds to get the upperhand in the struggle for ace status.
Fighters excel in quarrying their prey and putting pressure on rampaging ace aircraft.
Attackers are prime candidates for running wild over the battlefield and earning the coveted title of ace aircraft for themselves.
Multi-role aircraft are ideal for rounding out team compositions.
Electronic Warfare Aircraft look to support allies and disrupt enemies.
The higher your rank as a mercenary, the more aircraft you'll be able to obtain. Your aircraft will gain levels as they survive through various sorties, allowing you to bolster their stats and unlock new abilities.
You can customize their appearance, including the skin, emblem, and weathering.
In the lobby, you'll find:
- An Arcade with classic Namco Titles
- A supply shop
- A jukebox playing music from past games
- A military training mode
- ACE Combat Store
Make the most of these facilities and fully enjoy your own unique life as a mercenary pilot.
Whether you're a seasoned pilot or flying for the first time, we look forward to meeting ace pilots from around the world at this air base.
Available 10.02.2026
- ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE
- Pre-Order Bonus:
- ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR
- Playable Aircraft: F-14A
- ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE
- 3 Days Early Access
- PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher
- Customizable Cosmetic Set
- Pre-Order Bonus:
- ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR
- Playable Aircraft: F-14A
- ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE DELUXE EDITION:
- ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE
- 3 Days Early Access
- PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher
- Customizable Cosmetic Set
- ACES at WAR: A HISTORY 2029 (200+ pages)
- 2 LP Vinyls with Slipcover and Slipmat
- Pre-Order Bonus:
- ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR
- Playable Aircraft: F-14A
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