Multiplayer hub
Ace Combat Online Guide — Modes, Air Base & Progression
Ace Combat Online is Ace Combat 8’s multiplayer layer with separate save data from Campaign, full cross-play, a 100-player Air Base hub, core modes Co-Op Assault & Co-Op Warfare, plus random Scramble / Emergency Sortie specials and Ace Pass seasons.
Official Online Player intent
What is Ace Combat Online?
Bandai Namco bills Ace Combat Online as the largest multiplayer suite in the series. You enter as a mercenary pilot with a customizable avatar, hang out in the Air Base lobby, then sortie into score-driven co-op modes while earning Online-only progression and Ace Pass XP.
Campaign vs Online — critical difference
- Online uses its own progression and save data.
- Campaign Aircraft Tree unlocks do not auto-transfer; earn Online aircraft through Online rewards/shop paths.
- Some Deluxe/Pass cosmetics are Online-first.
Core modes at a glance
| Mode | Format | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Op Assault | Two teams of 4 (PvE score race) | Highest team score vs NPC enemies |
| Co-Op Warfare | 4v4 PvPvE | Highest score with NPC land/sea/air in the mix |
| Scramble | 4 players vs elite NPCs | Limited-time special while in core modes |
| Emergency Sortie | Up to 8 vs superweapons | Limited-time colossal boss fights |
Limited-time PvP events (4v4 team and 8-player deathmatch) are also planned in Online.
How to start Online
- Finish enough campaign onboarding if the game gates Online behind story progress (check in-game prompts).
- Create/customize your mercenary avatar.
- Enter the Air Base lobby.
- Matchmake into Assault or Warfare; watch for Scramble/Emergency pop-ups.
- Spend rewards, raise merc rank, progress Ace Pass.
Rewards loop
Mission clear rank and winning-team bonuses feed Offline/Online currency, aircraft, cosmetics, and Ace Pass XP. Use shops in the base for purchases with earned currency.
People also ask
Is Ace Combat Online separate from the campaign?
Yes — separate save and progression.
Does Ace Combat 8 have cross-play?
Yes — full cross-platform Online support.
What are the main Online modes?
Co-Op Assault and Co-Op Warfare, plus Scramble and Emergency Sortie specials.
Further reading
Looking for Ace Combat 8 co-op?
Jump to the dedicated co-op modes hub for Assault vs Warfare at a glance.
Related guides
Air Base · Co-Op Assault · Co-Op Warfare · Ace Pass
Primary: Ace Combat Online. Also: multiplayer, cross-play, Air Base, mercenary pilot. Fan guide — Bandai Namco FAQ cited.