Mission 18
Ace Combat 8 Mission 18: Moonlight and Shadows — Operation Branching Path
Mission 18 — Moonlight and Shadows (Operation Branching Path). Branching night sortie. Ace note: Lux Lunae 140th (auto with Shadow 22 & 24). Curis (F-15J).
Mission Play-sourced
Mission card
- Title: Moonlight and Shadows
- Operation: Branching Path
- Number: Mission 18 / 30
- Mission medal: none
Objectives & approach
Branching night sortie. Destroy Shadow 24 for Curis and to unlock Mission 28’s Lux Lunae 22nd Unit — missable continuity flag.
Hidden ace / Assault Record
Lux Lunae 140th (auto with Shadow 22 & 24). Curis (F-15J): destroy Shadow 24 (near launch pad). Kill Shadow 24 also unlocks Lux Lunae 22nd later in Mission 28.
Named aces need Veteran+. Finish the mission after the kill. Full table: hidden aces.
S-rank tips
- Replay in Free Mission with a role-matched jet and dual SP weapons.
- Farm high-value TGTs early; don’t waste the clock on low-point leftovers until you’re near the threshold.
- On Ace, expect tighter enemy fire — use Cover and terrain, rearm if the map allows mid-mission landings.
People also ask
What is Mission 18 called?
Moonlight and Shadows — Operation Branching Path.
How do I get the mission medal?
This sortie has no unique mission medal — focus S-rank and Assault Records.
Can I replay it later?
Yes — Free Mission after the campaign.
Further reading
Related guides
Mission 17 · Mission 19 · Campaign · S-Rank · Hidden Aces
Primary: Ace Combat 8 Mission 18 Moonlight and Shadows. Also: Operation Branching Path, S-rank, walkthrough, Assault Record. Independent fan guide — verify in-game if patches change conditions.