Mission 21
Ace Combat 8 Mission 21: The Star-Bound Bird — Operation Dawn Rising
Mission 21 — The Star-Bound Bird (Operation Dawn Rising). Escort medal — zero damage to escort. Ace note: Alienus (EA-18G).
Mission Play-sourced
Mission card
- Title: The Star-Bound Bird
- Operation: Dawn Rising
- Number: Mission 21 / 30
- Mission medal: Complete without damaging the escort target.
Objectives & approach
Escort medal — zero damage to escort. Sink the fleet for Alienus; prioritize threats aimed at the protected craft.
Hidden ace / Assault Record
Alienus (EA-18G): sink all enemy ships.
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 21 called?
The Star-Bound Bird — Operation Dawn Rising.
How do I get the mission medal?
Complete without damaging the escort target.
Can I replay it later?
Yes — Free Mission after the campaign.
Further reading
Related guides
Mission 20 · Mission 22 · Campaign · S-Rank · Hidden Aces
Primary: Ace Combat 8 Mission 21 The Star-Bound Bird. Also: Operation Dawn Rising, S-rank, walkthrough, Assault Record. Independent fan guide — verify in-game if patches change conditions.