Hangar meta
Ace Combat 8 Best Aircraft & Loadouts by Mission Type
There is no single “best jet” — match role to the briefing. Start with a multirole (F/A-18E / F/A-18C path), then specialize: fighters for ace hunts, attackers for ships/ground score, EW for support medals. Dual SP weapons should cover the mission’s air and ground threats.
Meta Updated Sep 2026
Role quick picks
| Role | Use when | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fighter | Dogfights, named aces, bomber intercepts | F-14D, F-15C, Typhoon, F-22A, Su-57 |
| Attacker | Airfields, fleets, land ships, chain farms | A-10C, F-2A, Su-34 |
| Multirole | Mixed TGTs / first playthrough | F/A-18E, Mirage 2000-5, Rafale M |
| Electronic warfare | Support, EW-only medals, disruption | EA-6B, EA-18G, EA-36 |
Starter & mid-game plan
- Unlock one solid multirole branch early so mixed sorties stay comfortable.
- Buy duplicate airframes for wingmen — Baxter/Tasha/Coster matter on Ace.
- Prioritize Parts that help locks, missile power, and mobility before exotic jets.
- Special-case Mission 14: forced unarmed A-6 Intruder — loadouts don’t apply.
Loadout templates
- Air superiority: multi-lock AAMs (4/6AAM) + QAAM/HPAA style finisher; Body for turn, Arms for lock.
- Anti-ship / ground: AGMs + LACM/GPB/SOD family; bring one AA special for escorts.
- MRP farm (Mission 28): air-heavy multi-locks; rearm at Cima Island; Ace difficulty for ×1.5.
- Escort missions: prioritize intercept missiles and Cover orders over greed kills.
Online vs campaign
Campaign unlocks via Aircraft Tree MRP. Online progression uses mercenary rank and sortie XP — see online aircraft. Cosmetics/Ace Pass jets (e.g. preorder F-14A, Pass exclusives) are separate from raw performance tiers.
Full roster notes: aircraft list · weapons: special weapons · parts: parts.
People also ask
What is the best starter plane?
A multirole such as the F/A-18 family — balanced until you specialize.
Best plane for S-ranks?
Whatever matches the mission TGTs; Free Mission lets you swap every sortie.
Best MRP farm jet?
High ammo multi-lock air loadouts on Mission 28.
Further reading
Related guides
Aircraft Tree · Aircraft List · Special Weapons · S-Rank Guide
Primary: Ace Combat 8 best aircraft. Also: best loadouts, tier list, multirole, MRP farm plane. Independent fan guide.