Preorder FAQ
Ace Combat Zero Preorder Bonus — How to Play (PC vs Console)
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is the Ace Combat 8 preorder bonus (orders before Oct 2). On PS5/Xbox it is a standalone app with its own trophies. On Steam it is a DLC executable that requires the full Ace Combat 8 install (~130–140 GB) even though Zero itself is only a few GB — Bandai cites licensing limits for no separate Steam app.
Buying Launch Oct 2, 2026
Who gets Zero?
- Preorders of Ace Combat 8 placed before October 2, 2026 (Standard/Deluxe and qualifying packs).
- Also includes the F-14A preorder aircraft — preorder bonuses.
How to play on console
Install the separate Ace Combat Zero / Belkan War application from your library. It has its own achievements/trophies and does not require launching Wings of Theve each time.
How to play on Steam (PC)
- Install ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE fully.
- Ensure the Zero / Belkan War DLC is owned and downloaded under that app.
- Launch Zero via its DLC executable (separate launch from the AC8 campaign EXE; still depends on the AC8 install).
Steam limitations vs console: no separate Steam achievements list, no separate cloud saves, playtime often logs under AC8, and you need the huge AC8 install to run a small classic. Bandai has apologized for packaging confusion after the store text changed from “standalone application” to “DLC executable.”
Steam Deck note
Zero would be ideal on Deck, but requiring the full AC8 install makes it awkward — see Steam Deck guide.
FAQ
Is Zero a separate Steam game?
No — DLC executable tied to Ace Combat 8’s install.
Do consoles get a standalone app?
Yes — PS5/Xbox get Zero as its own app.
Can I buy Zero alone on Steam?
Not planned; licensing cited as blocking a separate sale.
Further reading
Related guides
Preorder Bonuses · Steam · Editions · Reviews
Primary: Ace Combat Zero Belkan War AC8. Also: preorder bonus, Steam DLC, standalone. Independent fan guide.