The short answer
ACE COMBAT ONLINE is a separate multiplayer experience with its own progression and save data. Cross-platform play is announced. Co-Op Assault and Co-Op Warfare use two teams of four; their objectives differ. This does not establish co-op support for the story campaign.
Choose the experience you want
| Mode | Published structure | What you are doing |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Op Assault | Two teams of four | Fight NPC targets and compete for the higher score. |
| Co-Op Warfare | Two teams of four, plus NPC forces | Fight opposing pilots and NPC units across a shared battle. |
| Scramble | Four-player special mission | Fight a powerful NPC squad. |
| Emergency Sortie | Up to eight players | Join a battle against a series superweapon. |
| Limited-time PvP events | 4v4 or eight-player free-for-all | Play the announced deathmatch formats when the event is available. |
Keep your campaign and online hangars separate
The publisher says the playable roster is shared between campaign and online, but online aircraft must be acquired through online rewards. Owning an aircraft in one mode should not be treated as proof that you have unlocked it in the other.
Cross-platform multiplayer is announced. Cross-save, account-linking procedures and the exact friend-invite flow have not been established by this guide.
What the Air Base is for
The announced Air Base lobby accommodates up to 100 players. It is a social and matchmaking hub; that number is not the size of a combat match.
The reveal also describes a training mode for up to four players. Confirm the actual party and invite menus at launch before following any claimed step-by-step setup procedure.
Threat Level changes the risk
In Co-Op Warfare, scoring without being shot down increases Threat Level. Higher stars increase scoring rewards and make your defeat worth more to the other team. Three stars grants Ace status.
That makes survival a consideration when choosing your next engagement. Specific scoring multipliers and optimal tactics have not been tested here.
Seasonal progression and availability
ACE PASS progression uses XP earned through online missions. The publisher describes a planned two-month update cadence and paid tiers with additional rewards. Check the current season’s terms before purchasing.
Special missions and limited-time events should not be treated as always available. The mode overview is an announcement reference, not a live event schedule or server-status monitor.