Ace Combat 8 early access is already live for eligible Deluxe Edition buyers, while the full global launch lands October 2. That creates a weird buying window: the expensive edition still includes early access, but every hour that passes reduces the value of paying extra just to get in early. Check Ace Combat 8 on Steam.
1. Ace Combat 8 early access started September 28
The Deluxe Edition of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE includes three days of early access, officially scheduled to begin September 28 at 3:00 PM PDT. If early access is your main reason for buying Deluxe, the value is now declining in real time as the standard launch approaches. See ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE on Steam.
2. The official global release date is October 2
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is officially framed as an October 2 release by Bandai Namco and platform-holder promotion, while Steam may display October 1 in some regions because of the global unlock time. Treat that as a timezone difference, not a secret earlier standard launch. Check the current ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Steam countdown.
3. Standard is $69.99 on Steam, Deluxe is $89.99
On the US Steam store, ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is listed at $69.99 for Standard and $89.99 for Deluxe. The extra $20 buys the cosmetic set, Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher and early access. If you are reading this after September 29, do not pretend the remaining early-access hours are still worth the same $20 they were worth on September 28. Compare ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE editions on Steam.
4. The pre-order bonus includes an actual legacy game
Pre-ordering ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE includes a playable F-14A plus a platform-specific version of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR. That is more meaningful than a skin pack because the legacy title is a standalone game, although language support can differ from the new release. See the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE pre-order offer on Steam.
5. The campaign is leaning harder into the pilot’s perspective
The official store description for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE emphasizes first-person ground scenes between missions, squad relationships and the pressure of command alongside the usual arcade dogfighting. The pitch is not simply prettier clouds. Bandai Namco is trying to make the person inside the cockpit matter more. Read the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE feature list on Steam.
6. Online is bigger and cross-platform
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE introduces what the PlayStation Store calls the largest online mode in the series, including an online lobby, a customizable avatar, co-op missions and cross-platform play. The PS5 listing supports up to eight online players. Check ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE before launch.
7. PS5 Pro support is confirmed
The PS5 edition of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is marked PS5 Pro Enhanced and supports DualSense vibration and trigger effects. PC players should instead pay attention to the much larger 150 GB SSD requirement shown on Steam before deciding when to preload or buy. View ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE system and edition details on Steam.
Should you buy Deluxe now?
If you were already sold on the pass and cosmetics, the Deluxe version of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE still has a clear package. If the only thing tempting you is early access, the rational answer gets worse every hour. Standard buyers are only days away from takeoff. Check the current ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE price on Steam.
