Ace Combat 8 Aircraft Roster & Unlock Methods
As of the latest official announcements, Ace Combat 8 does not have a publicly confirmed aircraft roster or unlock system. Bandai Namco has not released a full list of planes or detailed progression details for the next mainline entry. This article explains what is known, what to expect based on series patterns, and how aircraft unlocks have worked in recent Ace Combat titles.
What We Know About Ace Combat 8
Bandai Namco confirmed Ace Combat 8 is in development, but details remain scarce. The game was officially announced in a 2024 video message from series producer Kazutoki Kono, who stated the team is working on a new title using Unreal Engine 5. No release date, gameplay footage, or specific aircraft list has been shown. The announcement focused on the team’s commitment to a new story and improved visuals, not on the plane roster.
How Aircraft Unlocks Have Worked in Past Games
If Ace Combat 8 follows the series’ established formula, unlock methods will likely mirror Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. In that game, aircraft are earned through a campaign currency called MRP (Mercenary Rank Points). You earn MRP by completing missions, earning high scores, and destroying targets. Each plane has a purchase cost, and some require you to complete specific missions or reach a certain campaign progress level.
- Campaign progression: The starting aircraft (usually an F-16 or similar) is available from the start. Later planes unlock as you complete story missions.
- MRP grinding: You can replay missions to earn more MRP and buy higher-tier aircraft.
- Special aircraft: DLC planes or pre-order bonuses are often available separately, sometimes requiring real money.
- Tree structure: Ace Combat 7 used a tech tree where you unlock new planes by purchasing and upgrading previous ones.
Likely Aircraft Categories in the Roster
Based on every mainline Ace Combat game, the roster will likely include three broad categories: multirole fighters, dedicated air superiority fighters, and ground attack aircraft. A typical roster spans from early Cold War jets to modern fifth-generation fighters.
- Early jets: F-4 Phantom II, MiG-21, A-10A (often a low-tier attacker).
- Multirole: F-16C Fighting Falcon, F/A-18F Super Hornet, MiG-29A, Su-33.
- Air superiority: F-15C Eagle, Su-35S, F-22A Raptor.
- Special/experimental: The series often includes fictional superplanes like the ADF-11F or X-02S, unlockable for completing the campaign or special challenges.
Note that these are not confirmed for Ace Combat 8. They represent a pattern from Ace Combat 7 and earlier titles. The final roster may differ significantly, especially with the shift to Unreal Engine 5 and potential licensing changes.
Common Unlock Requirements in Ace Combat 7
To give you a concrete idea of what to expect, here is how Ace Combat 7 handled specific aircraft unlocks:
- F-22A Raptor: Unlocked after completing Mission 18 (the final campaign mission).
- Su-57: Unlocked after completing Mission 15.
- X-02S Strike Wyvern: Requires purchasing the DLC or reaching a high campaign completion percentage in some editions.
- A-10A: Available early, usually after Mission 4 or 5.
These exact mission numbers may not apply to Ace Combat 8, but they show the pattern: campaign progress gates the best planes, and you need to earn enough MRP to buy them.
How to Choose Your Aircraft
When the roster is revealed, you will want to match your plane to the mission type. Ace Combat missions usually feature a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground targets. A multirole fighter like the F-16 or F/A-18 is a safe early choice. For dedicated air combat missions, pick a high-maneuverability fighter like the Su-35 or F-22. For ground attack, the A-10 or Su-34 excels. Pay attention to the special weapons each plane carries—some have better anti-ship missiles, others carry long-range air-to-air missiles.
DLC and Post-Launch Aircraft
Ace Combat 7 had three DLC aircraft packs that added planes like the F-15S/MTD and the ADF-11F. Ace Combat 8 will likely follow a similar model. Expect season passes or individual aircraft packs that add fictional or experimental planes. These are typically purchased separately and are not unlockable through gameplay. If you want a complete roster, budget for possible DLC, but know that the base game usually has a solid 20+ aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Ace Combat 8 aircraft list be announced?
No date has been given. Bandai Namco typically reveals aircraft rosters a few months before launch. The game has no release window, so the list may not appear until 2025 or later.
Will Ace Combat 8 have more aircraft than Ace Combat 7?
Unknown. Ace Combat 7 had about 30 aircraft in the base game plus DLC. The team has not stated a target number. The shift to Unreal Engine 5 may affect development time, which could influence roster size.
Can I unlock all planes without paying real money?
In past games, yes—the base roster is fully unlockable through gameplay. DLC planes are the only ones that require real money. Ace Combat 8 will likely follow this model, but no official confirmation exists.
Will the aircraft roster include only real planes?
No. Ace Combat has always included fictional superplanes like the ADF-01 and X-02. Expect a mix of real licensed aircraft and original designs, especially for the final bosses and post-game content.
Do I need to play Ace Combat 7 to understand Ace Combat 8’s aircraft?
No. Each mainline Ace Combat game has a standalone story, and aircraft stats are self-contained. You will not need prior knowledge to unlock or use planes in Ace Combat 8.
Will the unlock system change from Ace Combat 7?
Possible, but not confirmed. The producer has mentioned wanting to evolve the game, but no details on progression systems have been shared. It could stay similar or shift to a more modern battle-pass or challenge-based system.
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