Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has become the fastest-selling title in the Ace Combat series, reaching one million sales in less than two weeks after its global release on October 2, 2026. The game was first made available in early access on September 29, allowing players to purchase and play it before its official launch. This rapid success contrasts with Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, which took six months to reach its two million sales milestone, though the exact time it took to hit one million is unclear. Ace Combat 8 has also set new benchmarks for the series in terms of critical reception, ranking second in the series based on scores from specialized review sites. It trails only Ace Combat 4: Distant Thunder, a 2001 PlayStation 2 title, which remains the highest-rated entry in the series. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, offering a highly realistic flight experience. Its campaign mode has been particularly praised for its cinematic storytelling, immersing players in the role of an elite pilot in a fictional war-torn world. The game also introduces the most extensive multiplayer content ever seen in the Ace Combat franchise, with a variety of player versus environment (PvE) and player versus player (PvP) modes. A new feature called Air Base allows up to 100 players to gather in a virtual space, where they can customize their pilot, track rewards, and engage in activities such as playing classic arcade games from Bandai Namco. One standout character from the game is Tasha, a pilot with distinctive pink hair, whose design by character artist Yusuke Kozaki has sparked widespread interest and even inspired some to pursue careers in aviation. The Ace Combat series marked its 30th anniversary in June 2025, and Bandai Namco Entertainment launched a marketing campaign aimed at both longtime fans and a wider audience. The campaign sought to honor the legacy of the series while also introducing it to new players through modern features and an engaging narrative. With its impressive sales figures, critical acclaim, and innovative multiplayer elements, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is shaping up to be one of the most successful entries in the long-running franchise.