Making it through Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve missions 6 through 10 is all about managing your ammunition and knowing when to prioritize ground targets over dogfighting. You have just stepped into the shoes of a lead pilot, and these mid-game encounters will test whether you can handle the pressure of command.
I personally found that the biggest trap players fall into is overextending during the annihilation phases, leading to an empty ammo reserve when the real threats appear. Keep a close eye on your score requirements and don’t be afraid to retreat to the map edge to reload before diving back into the thick of it.
Before you hit the hangar for these sorties, make sure your loadout is balanced for both air-to-ground strikes and high-speed interception. You will need the versatility to clear out airfields and take down massive landships in the same flight.
Rex is now the lead fighter for the Joker squadron, earning the hard-won respect of his peers while dealing with the haunting presence of the late ace pilot, Cope. With the initial attempt to reclaim Theve faltering due to faulty calculations by the Enso Order, the team has to pivot quickly. The situation is desperate, but the path forward is clear if you can execute these next five missions with precision.
- Mission 6: Attack on the Drinwich Airfield
- Mission 7: A Lifeline in the Desert
- Mission 8: Retaking of Theve II
- Mission 9: The Land Battleship Blockade
- Mission 10: Over the Rainband
Mission 6 – Attack on the Drinwich Airfield
ace combat 8 endurance xo briefing the player for mission six
After the failed recapture attempt, the financial hit to Endurance is massive, making this raid on Drinwich Airfield essential for supplies. You aren’t just fighting for territory here; you are raiding the enemy to ensure your own squadron can survive upcoming counter-attacks.
While you need to clear ground targets to advance, keep your head on a swivel for enemy fighters that will try to disrupt your run. Most of the action is focused on the deck, so pack weapons that can handle clustered armor and bunkers.
ace combat 8 tactical map showing the drinwich airfield area
You must destroy all ground troops without accidentally striking protected base infrastructure, or the mission will fail instantly. Accuracy is everything, especially when the final wave of 20-plus enemies drops into the base.
Once the base is cleared, you transition into a defensive holding pattern. Simply patrol the skies and keep the airspace clear while the Spread troops finalize their capture of the facility.
Mission 7 – A Lifeline in the Desert
ace combat 8 player destroying energy stations in the desert
Following the accidental cratering of the Drinwich runway, you are tasked with hitting Faith Park to cripple Sotoan supply lines. This is a critical strike designed to keep enemy focus away from the secret development site in White Valley.
This mission features a massive total of 239 targets, so ammo management is your biggest hurdle. Remember that you can retreat across the map boundary at any time to replenish your payload before returning to secure the target score.
ace combat 8 jet flying over the arid desert landscape
Focus on ground targets for the highest point yield, but don’t stop once you hit the mission requirement. You have until the timer expires to rack up as much destruction as possible, which helps build your score for better post-mission rankings.
Mission 8 – Retaking of Theve II
ace combat 8 pilot returning to the city of theve
The tide has turned, and with Sotoa‘s power infrastructure in ruins, it is time to push back into Theve. You have to be cautious, however, as the enemy still has a battleship patrolling the perimeter that could end your advance if you get too close.
This mission requires a versatile airframe since you will face ships, armor, and jets simultaneously. Spend time in the hangar picking a setup that allows you to strike hard at ground AA before switching to interceptor mode.
ace combat 8 player targeting anti-aircraft cannons at night
The night raid gives you a tactical advantage, provided you act quickly to clear a path for friendly tanks and ships. Focus on eliminating AA emplacements first, as they will shred your support units if left unchecked.
Watch for the arrival of the Shadow forces, specifically the 77th Unit led by Lux Lunae. These pilots are incredibly slippery, so save your special missiles for when you have a solid lock rather than firing wildly.
ace combat 8 intense aerial combat against the 77th unit
Once the air is clear and the ground forces seize the enemy headquarters, the flag will drop to signal your victory. Successfully holding Theve at this point is a turning point for the entire campaign.
Mission 9 – The Land Battleship Blockade
ace combat 8 jet flying over theve to attack the landship
The Sotoa railgun land battleship is the greatest threat to Theve, and you must stop it before it reaches the capital. If it gets within range, the city is effectively lost.
Strategy here involves shielding bombing vehicles that are attempting to expose the battleship’s treads. While you handle the drones and aerial escort, keep your eyes on the ground to ensure these vehicles reach their marks.
Once the bombers strike and the treads are vulnerable, concentrate your fire on those exposed points immediately. Don’t waste energy on the main armor until you have crippled its movement.
ace combat 8 player engaging the massive land battleship
The battleship will deploy swarms of drones that are more resilient than they look. Prioritize these quickly, as they can overwhelm your flight path while you are trying to line up shots on the main treads.
When the landship reaches the Heaven’s Central area, you become the last line of defense after the ground engineering team fails. You need to hit it hard enough to cause a permanent stall.
The ship might try to make a final push using internal thrusters, but stay aggressive until the engine blocks are fully destroyed. Once those thrusters are out, the battleship is finished.
Mission 10 – Over the Rainband
ace combat 8 jet soaring through clear skies
With the first landship down, intelligence suggests a sister ship is already in production. This new threat is protected by a deadly satellite system known as Tontirus Spears.
Nikolai has provided data on the rainband, which you must use to navigate safely. When you see laser targeting from the satellites, locate the guiding airships and destroy them to break the lock.
ace combat 8 mission over the middle of the ocean
Compared to the intense landship battle, this mission is fairly straightforward. Just monitor your environment and keep your eyes peeled for those distinct laser pointers in the sky.
Time your attacks to follow the countdown on your comms. Once the lasers align, strike the airships and mop up any remaining fighters to secure the win.
ace combat 8 player closing in on an enemy airship
Successfully finishing this sequence clears the path for the next chapter of your campaign. Remember that staying mobile is your best defense against satellite-linked weaponry.
If you find yourself stuck on a specific boss or mission, take a break and swap your loadout before jumping back into the fray.
Just remember that the right music can make those long dogfights feel much more epic while you’re grinding for scores.
