In ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, start by matching your aircraft to the sortie: choose a fighter for air combat, an attacker for ground targets, a flexible multirole plane for mixed objectives, or an electronic aircraft for support. The official roster describes these roles and individual strengths, but does not rank aircraft by tested performance. Bandai Namco advises adapting your aircraft and special weapons to the mission and your playstyle.
How to compare aircraft in Ace Combat 8
The game’s missions include dogfights, air support for ground troops, and attacks on seaborne threats. A plane that suits one objective may be a poor fit for another. The official aircraft page groups examples as Fighter, Attacker, Multirole, or Electronic, then offers qualitative descriptions rather than a complete set of comparable stats.
Use those descriptions as a shortlist, not a performance ranking. The publisher’s walkthrough describes full 360-degree flight freedom, dynamic weather, high-G defensive turns, and real-time wingman commands for attack and cover. Mission briefings, special weapons, and upgrade parts can all affect how a plane works for you. Bandai Namco’s September 25, 2026 overview puts the advice plainly: “Optimizing your craft for each mission will make the difference between success and failure.” Bandai Namco’s game overview presents that line as briefing narration without naming a speaker.
Which Ace Combat 8 plane is best for dogfighting?
For an air-to-air starting point, compare aircraft whose official descriptions emphasize turning, maneuverability, speed, or air-combat capability:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall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.
- MiG-29A Fulcrum: Bandai Namco describes its turning ability as making it an excellent knife fighter.
- F-22A Raptor: The official entry highlights stealth and high maneuverability for air combat.
- Su-57 Felon: Its thrust-vectoring is described as aiding control.
- F-15C Eagle: Its description emphasizes speed and maneuverability.
- Su-35S Flanker-E: The roster highlights dogfighting maneuverability as well as long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
These are qualitative clues from the official roster, not verified evidence that one aircraft turns faster, wins more often, or performs best in every mode. If you prefer an aircraft with described flexibility alongside air-combat ability, the Typhoon is officially labeled Fighter but described as multirole, stable, and powerfully armed.
What plane should you use for ground attack?
For close air support and ground attack, the official descriptions point first to dedicated attackers:
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.
- A-10C Thunderbolt II: Described as durable and specialized for close air support, with heavy air-to-ground weapons.
- Su-25SM Frogfoot: Also described as an attack aircraft specialized for close air support.
- F-15E Strike Eagle: Combines basic air-combat capability with more weaponry than a standard fighter, according to its entry.
For a ground-focused sortie that also targets ships, consider the F-2A: its Attacker description emphasizes sea interdiction while retaining aerial combat ability. The A-6E Intruder is described as a carrier-based attacker designed for precise attacks in any weather. Check the briefing and available special weapons before settling on a choice; the roster does not provide mission-specific damage figures.
Which aircraft offers the most flexibility?
For missions that mix target types, these official descriptions emphasize multiple roles or weapon options:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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.
- Rafale M: Labeled Multirole and described as omnirole and maneuverable, with long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
- F/A-18C Hornet: Labeled Multirole, with air-to-air, anti-ground, and anti-ship weapon options described.
- F-35C Lightning II: Described as configurable for air-to-air and ground missions.
- Gripen E: The roster describes it as suitable for several mission types.
- Mirage 2000-5: Labeled Multirole; the description notes balanced speed and maneuverability and stable flight.
Flexibility means a description supports more than one kind of mission; it does not establish that the aircraft scores highest or is easiest to handle.
What should you pick for interception or electronic support?
Interception and range
The MiG-31B Foxhound is described as a high-speed interceptor with long-range missiles. The F-14A and F-14D Super Tomcat entries focus on long-range air-to-air interception and fleet defense; the F-14D is also described as carrier-based. Treat these as playstyle cues, not guarantees about in-game missile range or kill efficiency.
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.
Electronic support
The EA-6B Prowler is the roster’s Electronic example. Its description centers on electronic interference, reconnaissance, and proficiency against enemy defense networks. The EA-18G Growler combines attack capability with air-to-air self-defense. These aircraft fill a support-oriented niche, so compare them by the sortie’s needs rather than treating them as direct substitutes for conventional fighters or attackers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which aircraft can you use from a carrier?
Several roster entries explicitly describe carrier operations, including the F-14D and A-6E. Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review reports that some campaign missions restrict aircraft to carrier-capable planes. That is a reviewer’s account, not a universal rule established by the official roster; check the mission briefing and the game’s current behavior before choosing.
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
A quick aircraft-selection checklist
- Read the mission briefing. Identify whether the main objective is air combat, ground support, anti-ship action, interception, or a mix.
- Pick the matching role. Use Fighter, Attacker, Multirole, and Electronic labels as an initial filter, then read the aircraft description.
- Check weapons and upgrades. Bandai Namco says aircraft can be customized with upgrade parts and special weapons; match those choices to the targets rather than assuming the aircraft label tells the whole story.
- Account for your handling preference. Descriptions mentioning turning, stability, speed, or maneuverability can help narrow the shortlist, but they are not numerical handling comparisons.
- Consider squad commands and restrictions. Wingman attack and cover commands are part of the described flight systems; confirm any carrier or other aircraft restriction in the briefing.
What the published roster does—and does not—tell you
Bandai Namco’s aircraft page currently lists 29 aircraft: Mirage 2000-5, Typhoon, F-2A, F/A-18C Hornet, F-14D Super Tomcat, A-10C Thunderbolt II, EA-6B Prowler, F/A-18F Super Hornet, Su-33 Flanker-D, MiG-29A Fulcrum, Su-57 Felon, Su-25SM Frogfoot, MiG-31B Foxhound, F-15C Eagle, Su-34 Fullback, F-35C Lightning II, EA-18G Growler, F-4E Phantom II, F-14A, F-15J Eagle, F-22A Raptor, MiG-21BIS Fishbed, Rafale M, A-6E Intruder, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, Gripen E, Su-35S Flanker-E, and Su-47 Berkut. Some entries have no visible description on the page, and Bandai Namco says more aircraft are coming. Check the official aircraft roster for additions and current descriptions.
The roster does not provide a comprehensive performance ranking, comparative aircraft stats, or win-rate figures. Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review describes missions involving dogfights, ground strikes, escort tasks, and larger enemies, and reports that MRP unlocks aircraft, weapons, and upgrades; those are review observations, not an official aircraft tier list. The game is listed for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, with a worldwide release date of October 2, 2026, in Bandai Namco’s September 29, 2026 launch announcement.
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.
