Ace Combat 8 vs Project Wingman is the question every arcade dogfighting fan is asking right now. One is a legendary franchise making its next generation return. The other is the indie underdog that already won over thousands of pilots. Here is how they actually compare.
Ace Combat 8 vs Project Wingman – Which is Better?
If you want proven, budget friendly aerial combat you can play today, Project Wingman is the safer pick. If you want a bigger campaign with a full squad system, Ace Combat 8 is worth the wait. It launches on October 2, 2026. These two games are not really fighting for the same wallet. They are two different chapters of the same genre.
Ace Combat 8 vs Project Wingman at a Glance
| Category | Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve | Project Wingman |
| Developer | Bandai Namco Aces | Sector D2 |
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment | Humble Games |
| Release Date | October 2, 2026 | December 1, 2020 (PC) |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 | Unreal Engine 4 |
| Aircraft Count | 30 plus at launch | 20 plus |
| Starting Price | 69.99 USD (Standard Edition) | Around 24.99 USD |
| Multiplayer | Online PvP up to 8, online co op up to 4 | Mainly single player, VR supported |
Ace Combat 8 has not launched yet. Everything about it below comes from trailers, developer statements, and confirmed pre order details. None of it comes from hands on reviews just yet.
Story and Setting
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
Ace Combat 8 drops you into the Strangereal universe. This is the shared fictional world every mainline Ace Combat game uses. The story is set in July 2029. The Federation of Central Usea has just been invaded. The invasion comes from the Republic of Sotoa. Its capital city, Theve, has already fallen. You play a rescued pilot given a symbolic title. That title is Wings of Theve. It is meant to inspire a broken nation. You fly alongside a squad called Joker Flight.
Project Wingman
Project Wingman takes place on an alternate future Earth. This world is called World on Fire. A global disaster reshaped civilization here. It also introduced a new energy source. You play Monarch, a mercenary pilot. Monarch flies for a private military company called Sicario. Cascadia hires Sicario to fight for independence.
Cascadia is breaking away from the Pacific Federation. A later expansion called Frontline 59 adds a second campaign. It follows a Federation pilot named Driver.
Both stories lean into the same cinematic dogfighting drama that made the genre popular. Project Wingman was built by fans of the franchise. It was made specifically to fill the gap after Ace Combat 7. That influence shows throughout its plot.
Squad Systems: Wingmen vs a Mercenary Army
This is where the two games truly diverge.
Ace Combat 8 introduces a real wingman system. This is a first for the numbered series. Before each mission, you choose your squad lineup. During combat, you give real time orders. You can call for attacks or cover. Each squadmate also brings their own personality:
- Ellington Baxter, a former university lecturer known for staying calm under pressure
- Tasha Seversky, a former aerobatic performer known for aggressive maneuvers
- William Coster, a dependable wingman and a die hard rock music fan who flies with his own playlist
Project Wingman takes a different approach entirely. It uses a system called Conquest Mode. You do not command named wingmen here. Instead, you earn money from missions. That money buys new aircraft over time. You use it to build your own mercenary force. That army then helps you hold territory. Waves of enemies will try to take it back. The mode borrows structure from roguelikes, so every run plays out a little differently.
Neither system is objectively better. Ace Combat 8 leans into character driven strategy. Project Wingman leans into economy driven strategy.
Aircraft, Weapons, and Combat Feel
Ace Combat 8 launches with more than 30 aircraft. These are split across four roles. The roles are fighters, attack, multirole, and electronic warfare. Bandai Namco has confirmed a new damage model. You can now hit enemy planes anywhere on their frame. Older games only let you target specific weak points. The game runs on Unreal Engine 5. It is aiming for a real visual leap over Ace Combat 7.
Project Wingman ships with over 20 aircraft. It also includes more than 40 weapons. Most jets are inspired by real world designs, only with the names changed. Its combat model favors lightweight, arcade style handling. This feels closer to older PS2 era Ace Combat games. Ace Combat 7 feels noticeably heavier by comparison. Project Wingman also includes full VR support for the entire campaign. Ace Combat 8 has not confirmed VR support of its own.
One common complaint is worth knowing before you buy. Missions have no mid mission checkpoints. A mistake near the end sends you back to the start.
Multiplayer and Online Modes
Project Wingman was built mainly as a single player game. That has not changed since launch.
Ace Combat 8 is taking online modes far more seriously. No prior entry has gone this far with online features. Confirmed modes include online PvP for up to 8 players. It also has online co op for up to 4 players. Full crossplay works across all platforms. There is also a new endgame online mode. This makes Ace Combat 8 the more social option. It suits players who want to fight real opponents, not just AI.
Price and Value
Project Wingman remains one of the cheapest ways into this genre. It is often discounted well below its normal price during Steam sales. For unsure players, it is the lower risk purchase.
Ace Combat 8 launches with three pricing tiers. The Standard Edition costs 69.99 USD. It includes a bonus playable aircraft and a copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. The Deluxe Edition costs 89.99 USD. It adds early access, cosmetics, and a premium pass voucher. A collector focused Joker Flight edition costs 149.99 USD and includes physical extras made for series fans.
What Players Are Saying?
Project Wingman has built a strong reputation over the years. Many Ace Combat fans see it as a true successor. Some Steam reviewers even nicknamed it Ace Combat 8, long before Bandai Namco announced the real one. Common praise includes its cockpit view and its price to content ratio. Its story also earns praise for an indie title. The most repeated criticism is a smaller aircraft roster. Reviewers also note less overall polish than Ace Combat 7.
Reaction to Ace Combat 8 has been cautiously excited so far. Fans have responded well to the new wingman system. Many like that squadmates could genuinely affect strategy now. Some longtime fans remain wary after past announcements, since big promises have not always fully landed before.
Ready to Fly? Grab Ace Combat 8 at the Best Price
Once you have decided whether you are diving into Ace Combat 7 first or heading straight for Wings of Theve, the next step is simple: do not overpay for your copy. Driffle has Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve listed at one of the most competitive prices you will find anywhere, so you get the exact same day one experience on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC without paying full sticker price.
Lock in your key early, get your aircraft carrier ready, and be sitting in the cockpit the moment Wings of Theve goes live on October 2, 2026.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Is Ace Combat 8 out yet?
A. No, Ace Combat 8 launches on October 2, 2026.
Q. Is Project Wingman similar to Ace Combat?
A. Yes, it was built as a spiritual successor to the series.
Q. Can I play Project Wingman in VR?
A. Yes, the entire campaign supports optional VR play.
Q. Will Ace Combat 8 have multiplayer?
A. Yes, it includes online PvP for up to 8 players and co op for up to 4.
Q. Is Project Wingman worth buying before Ace Combat 8 releases?
A. Yes, it is a cheap way to enjoy the genre while you wait.
Q. Does Project Wingman have checkpoints during missions?
A. No, missions must be finished in a single attempt.
