Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
News, coverage and analysis tracking Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is Finally Playable Standalone on Steam for Ace Combat 8 Pre-Orders
Project Aces has made Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War available as a standalone title on Steam, exclusively for those who pre-ordered Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. While current owners will see the standalone version appear in their library with compatible save data and unlocked achievements, those who did not pre-order the sequel cannot access it. Ace Combat 8 itself has achieved significant success, selling over one million copies and receiving critical acclaim.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Showcases Critical Acclaim With New Accolades Trailer
Bandai Namco has released an accolades trailer for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, highlighting positive reviews and critical acclaim for the title. Despite ongoing work to improve the PC version, the game has achieved significant sales and is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Ace Combat 8 becomes fastest-selling game in the series, and very nearly the highest rated
Ace Combat 8 has achieved 1 million sales within its first week, making it the fastest-selling title in the series. The game also holds the second-highest Metacritic score in the franchise, though controversy has arisen regarding the PC version of the pack-in game, Ace Combat: The Belkan War. Ace Combat 8 introduces new live service-style multiplayer modes.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Crosses 1 Million Sales, Becomes Fastest Selling Game in the Series
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has achieved over 1 million sales worldwide, making it the fastest-selling game in the series. Despite some launch issues on PC, the game has received critical praise and strong player ratings, with the development team thanking players and promising continued updates.
Ace Combat 8 Nearly Quadruples Ace Combat 7’s Steam Peak
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve achieved a new series record on Steam with 52,694 concurrent players at launch, significantly surpassing Ace Combat 7's peak. However, the game's launch was marred by confusion regarding a pre-order bonus, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, which was not a standalone application as expected, leading to an apology from Bandai Namco Entertainment.
Ace Combat 8 is far and away the series' biggest launch on Steam
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has achieved a strong launch on Steam, peaking at over 52,000 concurrent players. This significantly surpasses the previous series record set by Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. Players are largely positive, though a controversy regarding the pre-order bonus Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War has led to an apology from Bandai Namco.
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War Could Become a Standalone Title on Steam After All
Project Aces is exploring the possibility of releasing Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as a standalone title on Steam, following discussions with platform partners. This comes after initial marketing suggested it would be a free bonus for purchasing Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, but it was later bundled. The developer is still reviewing implementation details and distribution timing, acknowledging that it may not ultimately be realized due to licensing and platform considerations.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the Biggest Steam Launch in the Series Despite Various Issues
Despite significant performance issues, crashes, and the unavailability of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as a separate title on Steam, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has achieved the franchise's biggest launch on the platform. The game also launched on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, focusing on the conflict between the Republic of Sotoa and the Federation of Central Usea.
Ace Combat Zero Can’t Be Separated From Ace Combat 8 on Steam Due to “Licensing Restrictions”
The developers of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve have announced that Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is only playable within Ace Combat 8 on Steam due to licensing issues. This decision makes accessing the classic title inconvenient for PC players, unlike its standalone availability on consoles. Discussions are ongoing to find a solution, but the PC version may not match other platforms.
Ace Combat 8 developer apologises for Belkan War pre-order backlash, explains why it happened and vows to explore possible solutions
The developer of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has apologized for confusion surrounding the pre-order bonus of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. Players were led to believe it was a standalone product, but due to licensing restrictions, it requires Ace Combat 8 to be installed and is not available separately on Steam. The studio is exploring solutions with platform partners.
Steam Players Need 135GB To Reach The Belkan War Bonus
Players purchasing Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve on Steam are required to install the full 135GB game to access the preorder bonus Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. This contrasts with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S owners, who receive the 2006 title as a standalone application. This delivery method has led to significant player complaints on Steam.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Studio Apologizes for PC Issues, Working on Fixes
The developers of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve have apologized for significant technical issues affecting the PC version, including crashes and poor flight-stick integration, which have led to a 'Mostly Positive' rating on Steam. While the PlayStation 5 version is praised for its gameplay and story, the studio is actively working on fixes for the PC version. Players are advised to update drivers and check system requirements as temporary measures.
Controversy erupts around Ace Combat 8 on PC as bundled Belkan War re-release remains problematically attached to the new game, whereas it's standalone on console
Players who pre-ordered Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve on PC are experiencing issues with the bundled re-release of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. Unlike console versions where it's standalone, the PC version is attached as DLC, requiring the full 135GB Ace Combat 8 installation to play the 4GB older game, and preventing its use on devices like the Steam Deck.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Launch Trailer Hypes Early Access With High-Octane Aerial Battles
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is launching for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on October 2nd, with Deluxe Edition owners gaining early access today. The launch trailer showcases high-octane aerial battles, a rocking soundtrack, and hints at the game's narrative conflict. Pre-ordering either edition includes a modern version of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
A 16-Minute Story Trailer Sets the Stage for Ace Combat 8
Bandai Namco Entertainment America has released a 16-minute opening cinematic trailer for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, showcasing the game's story ahead of its October 2 launch. The Deluxe Edition will be available early on September 29. The trailer also confirmed multiplayer modes and a pre-order bonus of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
Over 7 years since the last entry, arcade flight sim Ace Combat 8 is one of the best-rated games of the year and a close…
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has received strong reviews, with its PlayStation 5 version scoring 87 on Metacritic, making it one of the year's highest-rated games. The game is praised for its thrilling combat, incredible music, and a surprisingly good story, earning a 4.5/5 from GamesRadar+.
How Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Brings High Flying Drama to XBOX Series X|S
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is set to launch on October 2 for Xbox Series X|S, offering a deep dive into aerial combat with enhanced aircraft customization and a compelling storyline. The game features stunning visuals, over 30 aircraft, and a robust multiplayer mode, aiming to improve upon its predecessors.
Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve pre-orders have taken flight on Xbox and PS5, and it's your only chance to grab The…
Pre-orders for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve are now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, with a release date set for October 2, 2026. A special pre-order bonus includes a digital copy of the classic Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, which will not be sold separately. The game also features a Deluxe Edition with early access and cosmetic items, and a Joker Flight Pack version with additional physical merchandise.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve – 15 Biggest Details Revealed So Far
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is launching on October 2nd for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, featuring a new story set in Strangereal and introducing first-person cutscenes. The game promises the largest campaign content in the series, over 30 aircraft at launch, and enhanced multiplayer modes including PvE and PvP options. Developed on Unreal Engine 5, it also boasts improved cloudscapes and PC system requirements significantly higher than its predecessor.
Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve – Official Story Overview Trailer
The official story overview trailer for Ace Combat 8: Wings of the Veve has been released, detailing the game's narrative of lies and conspiracies. The game is set to launch on October 2nd, 2026, with pre-orders unlocking the F-14A aircraft and exclusive access to Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. A Deluxe Edition will also be available, including three days of early access and a premium ace pass voucher.