Quick flight briefing
Surprise! Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is back on the radar, and it’s bringing three different ways to throw yourself into the skies. Whether you’re a casual dogfighter who loves cosmetics or a soundtrack-hoarding collector, there’s an edition with your name on it (metaphorically). Below I’ve broken down what each edition gives you, where to buy it, and the sweet pre-order extras that make early adoption feel like piloting a luxury jet.
What editions are on the runway?
Bandai Namco is offering three editions: a Standard Edition with just the base game, a Deluxe Digital Edition loaded with online cosmetics and some early access perks, and a Joker Flight Pack collector’s edition aimed at folks who want physical goodies like vinyl and art books. All editions target modern platforms — PC (Steam), PlayStation, and Xbox — but the collector’s box is sold directly through the publisher’s store.
Deluxe Edition — dress to impress in Ace Combat Online
The Deluxe bundle is basically the base game with a style upgrade. You get early access (play a few days before the official launch), an Ace Pass voucher for progression rewards, avatar icons and outfits for Ace Combat Online, and instant access to the flashy ADFX-02 Morgan “PIXY” fighter. On top of that there are plane skins (think F-4E and F/A-18C team liveries), custom missile smoke effects, and other cosmetic bits. It’s for players who want to look cool while they’re beating you in multiplayer.
Price-wise it lands higher than the base game — expect a premium compared to the Standard Edition — and it’s available digitally on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store.
Joker Flight Pack Collector’s Edition — vinyl, art book, and serious swag
If you like turning game music into a living-room vibe, the Joker Flight Pack is the fancy option. It bundles everything from the Deluxe Edition plus physical collector items: a large themed mouse pad, two LP vinyl records with the soundtrack, a turntable mat, a hardcover case for the records, a campaign art book full of in-universe lore, and a small fabric patch. Note that the Premium variant includes extra goodies like the XXL mouse pad and the patch; the standard collector edition is a bit lighter.
This collector’s box is an exclusive drop from the official Bandai Namco store and you’ll need to pick the platform you want it for (PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S) when ordering. It’s pricier than the typical edition, reflecting the physical merch inside.
Pre-order perks — F-14 in your hangar and a free classic
Pre-order any edition before release and you get two neat bonuses. First: the iconic F-14A will be unlocked from the start, usable in both campaign and multiplayer without grinding for it. Second (and maybe more tempting): on launch day you’ll receive a free, permanent digital copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. That PS2-era classic will be added to your library at no extra cost and won’t be sold separately at launch, so it’s a nice piece of series history to claim.
Where to buy each edition
Standard and Deluxe editions are available through the usual digital storefronts (Steam for PC; PlayStation Store and Xbox Store for consoles). The Joker Flight Pack collector’s editions are exclusive to the Bandai Namco official store and ship as physical bundles, so expect limited quantities and platform selection at checkout.
Parting shot
In short: pick Standard if you just want to fly, go Deluxe if you want early access and cosmetics, and grab the Joker Flight Pack if you obsess over soundtracks, art books, and big pieces of merch. Pre-ordering scores you an F-14 and a lovely time machine back to Ace Combat Zero — not a bad deal for pilots who hate queues.
