Ace Combat 8 Hardest Difficulty Will Require Split-Second Decisions

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will feature four difficulty settings, ranging from Pilot for newcomers to Elite, where “split-second decisions” are required for victory.

Bandai Namco has revealed new details about Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, including two aircraft control schemes. Standard lets players turn left and right using the left stick, while Expert uses it for rolling and climbing to unlock more complex maneuvers.

Pilot is recommended for beginners and those returning to the series after a long break. Rookie lowers the difficulty and reduces environmental collision damage so players can focus on the story. Veteran is designed for longtime fans, making enemies more aggressive and giving them more health while making it harder to shake off missile locks.

On Elite, Bandai Namco states that players must “understand the battlefield and effectively prioritize targets,” because “split-second decisions determine victory or defeat.”

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will be released on October 2, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.