The short answer
Steam currently lists October 1, 2026; Bandai Namco advertises October 2, 2026. Steam’s Deluxe advance access is scheduled for September 28, 2026 · 3 p.m. PDT. Check the storefront for your platform and region before buying.
Which date applies to you?
The storefront date and the publisher’s headline date differ. We preserve both instead of assigning a single global unlock time. A precise standard-edition unlock time has not been established in this guide.
| Listing | Published date | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Steam full release | October 1, 2026 | Your local Steam store and its unlock notice. |
| Bandai Namco launch announcement | October 2, 2026 | PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC are listed; consult your regional storefront. |
| Steam Deluxe advance access | September 28, 2026 · 3 p.m. PDT | This is a published timestamp, equivalent to 22:00 UTC. |
Compare what each edition includes
The publisher also lists a Joker Flight Pack with the Deluxe game, an ACES at WAR book, and vinyl records. Regional stock, prices and delivery are separate from digital unlock timing. We do not quote a single price across currencies.
| Content | Standard | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Full game | Included | Included |
| Three-day advance access | Not included | Included; check platform timing |
| Customizable Cosmetic Set | Not included | Included |
| PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS voucher | Not included | Included |
| F-14A and ACE COMBAT ZERO preorder offer | Listed for qualifying preorders | Listed for qualifying preorders |
Check the bonus before you buy
Steam describes ACE COMBAT ZERO as a separate application. Its listed languages can differ from AC8. Do not assume the bonus shares AC8’s advance-access schedule; that timing is not established here.
- Open the listing for your platform and region.
- Check that the purchase is still within the preorder offer and that the bonus is explicitly included.
- Read the language and redemption notes for ACE COMBAT ZERO separately from AC8.
- Keep your purchase confirmation and follow the platform’s redemption instructions.
What the pass voucher does
The publisher says the Deluxe voucher can be saved for a later season. Premium Plus includes the Premium rewards and a 30-level skip. It should not be described as access to every future season or all future DLC.
The official FAQ places the Season 1 Morgan –PIXY aircraft behind additional campaign-use conditions: campaign missions must first be completed. Online access and campaign access are different questions.
Choose around the feature you want
- For the full game, compare the Standard listing first.
- If advance access matters, verify its date for your storefront before choosing Deluxe.
- If the bonus is the deciding factor, read the bonus terms rather than inferring them from the edition name.
- Retail gameplay and the paid rewards have not been tested by Kingy, so this is an inclusion comparison, not a value review.