Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve reaches a critical point as the Endurance and Joker crews face the daunting challenge of halting the production of the third Land Battleship. Despite heavy losses, the enemy’s relentless salvage and recovery efforts have brought the third battleship online. Meanwhile, a second Land Battleship and the formidable Tonitrus Spear satellite threaten to tip the scales. These missions test your ability to manage high-stakes aerial battles and protect vital assets under pressure.
Mission 21: The Star-Bound Bird Mission 22: Pursuing the HSCA Mission 23: The Destruction of Expo City Mission 24: The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 1 Mission 25: The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 2
- Mission 21: The Star-Bound Bird
- Mission 22: Pursuing the HSCA
- Mission 23: The Destruction of Expo City
- Mission 24: The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 1
- Mission 25: The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 2
Mission 21: The Star-Bound Bird
Flying Over The Comona Space Base.
Your task is to ensure the safe passage of Baxter and D.D. as they prepare to launch their space shuttle from the Comona Space Base. Enemy Sotoan forces are relentless, attacking from both the air and the ground, so maintaining control of the airspace is paramount.
Opt for a versatile aircraft capable of handling both air-to-air dogfights and precise air-to-ground strikes. The mission is an annihilation type — you must achieve your target score before time runs out. Expect multiple waves of aggressive enemy fighters, meaning long, taxing aerial duels.
Focusing On Enemy Air And Ground Forces.
Destroy every enemy aircraft to clear the airspace for the shuttle’s launch. Success here requires constant vigilance and swift target prioritization to prevent any threats from reaching Baxter and D.D.
Mission 22: Pursuing the HSCA
Cope Talking About His Life.
With the shuttle crew in orbit aiming to disable the Tonitrus Spears, a new twist unfolds. The Tonitrus satellites are remotely controlled with lethal laser defenses that can vaporize anything approaching close.
Intel reveals that the command comes through a plane called Celaeno, guarded by a heavily armed battleship bristling with railguns and anti-air weaponry. Neutralizing Celaeno quickly is critical to disrupt remote control of the satellites.
Flying Above To Attack Celaeno.
Destroying Celaeno gives you a brief window before the battleship assumes control. Your approach must involve flying low—below 100 feet—to avoid early detection. When Celaeno passes overhead, pull up swiftly to strike key weak points: first the propellers, then all four wings. Remarkably, Celaeno can still stay airborne without them, so persistence is key.
As you dismantle this flying stronghold, focus on the generator once all external parts are down to finish the mission. Upon success, Baxter and D.D. confirm the Tonitrus satellite’s destruction. However, a railgun blast from the battleship forces you to retreat rapidly.
Landing AT Fort Grays Air Base.
Mission 23: The Destruction of Expo City
Mission 23: The Destruction of Expo City
In The Expo City.
Rocky Island’s capture hinges on neutralizing Expo City’s densely packed Sotoan defenses blocking your path. Despite sending ground troops, the enemy maintains a stiff resistance with air and ground units overwhelming your forces.
Your priority is to support allied ground forces by dismantling the city’s defenses. This annihilation mission demands a score of 15,000. Fast, precise strikes against both air and ground targets will earn you the points required to force a tactical retreat.
Gemma and Ventus Crews.
Among the defenses, two enemy fighter crews, Gemma and Ventus, pose moderate threats. While less experienced than the elite Shadows, their numbers warrant caution. Methodically circle the area, eliminating these crews and all enemy units to reach your target score.
Once the timer expires with the score met, the mission concludes.
Mission 24: The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 1
Heading Towards Rocky Island.
Despite earlier successes, the repaired Tonitrus satellite has returned to orbit with an untapped offensive payload. Your new objective is to support the ground assault on Rocky Island’s power plants and weaken Sotoan command.
Due to the satellite’s active threat, the Turntable Power Plant stands as a heavily fortified, bomb-resistant target with ample bunkers. Ground forces aim to capture it first, providing cover while the satellite’s orbit shifts out of firing range.
Protecting Our Forces At Rocky Island.
Choose a multirole fighter adept at both aerial and ground combat to provide flexible support. The allied ground force splits into Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie squads. Prioritize assisting whichever team faces the most danger and then cycle through others.
The mission takes a dire turn when the Tonitrus Spear targets and annihilates Alpha and Bravo squads. The surviving Charlie team now relies on your protection to push through and secure the power plant.
A Successful Tonitrus Spear Strike.
Clear enemy forces relentlessly to allow Charlie’s advance. This marks the close of the battle’s first day, setting the stage for the final push tomorrow.
Mission 25: The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 2
The Second Day Of The Rocky Island Battle.
Day two begins with the satellite’s fuel exhausted, a critical advantage for your forces. Headquarters reports that the enemy pushed their orbital speed to gain fire superiority, but that window has now closed.
The Charlie team divides into two groups—one strikes directly at the Central Command’s ground defenses, the other takes a flanking route through lighter opposition before converging at the command center.
Helping Our Forces.
Your role remains air superiority and ground support. Pick a fighter proficient in both combat styles to sortie efficiently. The annihilation timer is seven minutes; your job is to disrupt enemy attacks and protect allied ground units.
After the initial time runs out, the mission escalates unexpectedly. The Sotoan command refuses to yield, unleashing elite Lux Lunae units—specifically, the 33rd and 44th Wings, collectively deploying 12 formidable fighters. These Shadows are ruthless and require careful tactical engagement.
Lux Lunae’s Shadow 33rd and 44th Units.
