Expect an exciting challenge in missions 21 to 25 of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. You’ll be taking on various formidable enemies and defending key objectives as you push toward victory against the Sotoan forces. It can get overwhelming, especially with the intense dogfights and strategic ground battles, so keeping your combat skills sharp is crucial.
In these missions, the stakes are high, and it’s easy to waste resources if you’re not careful. For example, managing your plane’s ammo and targeting priority can make or break a mission. You might find yourself in prolonged dogfights, so staying aware of your surroundings is key to success.
Before diving into these missions, ensure you’ve equipped your aircraft for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. This versatility is crucial, especially in missions where you’ll face varied threats. Pack your gear wisely, and prepare for an action-packed series of aerial battles!
| Mission | Description |
|---|---|
| Mission 21 | The Star-Bound Bird |
| Mission 22 | Pursuing the HSCA |
| Mission 23 | The Destruction of Expo City |
| Mission 24 | The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 1 |
| Mission 25 | The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 2 |
Mission 21: The Star-Bound Bird
Your primary objective is to safeguard Baxter and D.D. as they head to the Comona Space Base in their shuttle, preparing to tackle the Tonitrus Spear satellite. Anticipate fierce assaults from Sotoan air and ground forces aiming to stop the launch. Protecting the shuttle is essential to ensure its safe ascent.
Select a plane adept in both air and ground combat for this annihilation mission. You need to achieve a target score before time runs out. Long dogfights are unavoidable, so be ready for back-and-forth aerial combat.
Simply put, destroy all enemy aircraft, achieve the required score, and clear the air for the shuttle’s launch. Keep your targets in sight and pace your attacks wisely to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Mission 22: Pursuing the HSCA
As missions progress, Baxter and D.D. work towards neutralizing the Tonitrus Spears from space. However, the Celaeno is a remote control plane for the Tonitrus and is heavily guarded by a powerful battleship brimming with railguns.
Destroying Celaeno is the priority, as it handles the satellite’s control. Plan to fly low to avoid detection, then climb high for a surprise attack. Kate joins the Joker crew, stepping in for Baxter.
Focus on taking out the propellers before moving on to the four wings. Knowing Celaeno can counter even without its wings, you need a well-assured attack strategy.
Now, get ready in the hangar and sortie. Fly under 100 Ft until you reach Celaeno, and pull up as soon as it is above you. It’s a plane with numerous weak points that you have to destroy. First, destroy the propellers and then focus on its wings. There are four of them that you have to destroy. Knowing it’s a massive plane, it manages to fly even without the wings.
Once all targets are neutralized, aim for the generator with full force. Upon its destruction, D.D. and Baxter confirm the satellite’s demise. However, watch out for the battleship’s railgun; quickly leave the area after achieving your objectives.
Mission 23: The Destruction of Expo City
The Tonitrus satellite’s temporary defeat allows us to set sights on Expo City, dense with Sotoan forces blocking our progress. The XO has dispatched ground units, but they’re struggling against fierce enemy resistance.
As you undertake this annihilation mission with a 15,000 score requirement, help the friendly units clear a path through Expo City. Time is of the essence, so get ready to sortie.
Two Sotoan fighter crews, Gemma and Ventus, will appear. They might not be as seasoned as the Shadows, making them prime targets for you. Move swiftly around the battlefield to eliminate them and achieve your target score.
Let the timer run out to complete the mission.
Mission 24: The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 1
New developments reveal that the Tonitrus satellite is active again, posing a significant threat as we prepare to seize Rocky Island, the main Sotoan HQ. The Joker Crew will support ground troops moving toward key power plants.
With the satellite back online, ground forces aim to capture the protected Turntable Power Plant. This will allow our troops to evade the satellite’s assault.
Your role focuses on protecting the ground teams, particularly the one under heavy fire. It’s crucial to select an aircraft that excels in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat for this mission.
Once the Charlie team fights their way to the plant, you’ll witness enemy action intensifying as the Tonitrus Spear targets our forces, causing severe casualties. Support through heavy enemy fighter waves.
Defeat all nearby forces, allowing the Charlie team to take control of the power plant as the first day wraps up.
Mission 25: The Battle of Rocky Island, Day 2
Following the losses of Day 1, the XO reveals that the Sotoans have accelerated the Tonitrus satellite’s orbital speed, giving them an edge. However, its fuel is depleted, providing our forces a window to attack.
For this mission, divide Charlie team into two groups: one to confront the central command directly, while the other approaches from a less defended flanking route.
Stay engaged to protect both teams from aerial threats. After the timed portion ends—an annihilation mission lasting seven minutes—the Sotoan forces call in backup: the Lux Lunae’s elite Shadow units.
Prepare for a tough fight against the 33rd and 44th units, making this mission a fierce challenge as you support your ground teams with unwavering vigor.
