Finishing these final missions requires precision, especially when dealing with the high-stakes timing of the space elevator and the overwhelming speed of elite enemies. You are heading into the endgame, so expect the difficulty to spike as the story hits its climax.
I personally found that failing these missions usually comes down to ignoring flight altitudes or missing small details during chaotic dogfights. It is incredibly frustrating to restart a long encounter because you let a few drones slip above the limit, so keep your eyes on the altimeter.
Before you dive in, make sure your hangar is stocked with a reliable hybrid aircraft capable of switching between air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. Check your special weapon loadouts for bunker busters and high-capacity missile pods, as these will save you massive amounts of time during boss phases.
Sotoa’s scheme for a third Land Battleship has essentially crumbled, but the threat is far from over. After the close call with Baxter and Rex in enemy territory, the crew is focused on taking down the remaining hardware. The tension is palpable as you prepare to assault the space elevator.
- Mission 16 – Singer
- Mission 17 – Land Battleship No. 3
- Mission 18 – Moonlight and Shadows
- Mission 19 – Clearing The Lighthouse
- Mission 20 – Escort Orbiter
Mission 16 – Singer
Ace Combat 8 the space elevator and comms hacking sequence
The space elevator is the centerpiece of this region, designed as a symbol of global unity. You need to patrol the surrounding area to ensure no hostiles are hiding in plain sight among the civilian traffic.
Bring a hybrid aircraft for this sortie, as you will need versatility once the situation heats up. Shortly after approaching, a friendly hacker will intercept your signal; they aren’t a threat, so listen for their intel on which ships are hostile.
Ace Combat 8 identifying the disguised terrorist ships
You need to identify three specific terrorist ships hidden within the fleet. Ignore the generic vessels and look for the ships displaying both three cranes and the sun emblem to confirm your target.
The final ship will drop its disguise and launch 12 explosive drones toward the elevator. You must destroy every single one before they exceed 12,000ft, or the mission will be an immediate failure.
Mission 17 – Land Battleship No. 3
Ace Combat 8 Joker crew preparing for the third land battleship
Despite your previous efforts, Sotoa has finished construction on a third, more powerful Land Battleship. Your primary task is to clear the path for the B-2 Bombers by taking out radar arrays and SAM launchers.
Equip a plane strong in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat for this mission. You need to be ready to pivot instantly if the enemy scrambles fighters while you are focused on ground targets.
Ace Combat 8 fighting the third land battleship and its railgun
You only have eight minutes to finish this before the bombers run out of fuel. Stay low to minimize your profile against the battleship’s railgun fire, and prioritize the immediate perimeter targets before moving to the main hull.
Once the ground assets are clear, pull back and let the bombers finish the job with their bunker busters. Sit back and watch the fireworks to wrap up the mission.
Mission 18 – Moonlight and Shadows
Ace Combat 8 flying over the Comona Islands base
Sotoa plans to restock their missile supply via rockets launching from a space base near the Comona Islands. Your goal is to intercept these rockets, but you must let them ascend slightly before firing to avoid damaging the facility itself.
The base is located across the Rainband, and while there are several enemy airships in the area, you can bypass them if you maintain full throttle. Focus entirely on your primary flight path to save time.
The mission takes a turn for the worse when the Queen crew is ambushed by Shadow 22, the 22nd Unit of Lux Lunae. These pilots are objectively the best in the world, and they will punish any hesitation.
Ace Combat 8 engaging the elite Shadow 22 pilot squad
After losing two crew members, your priority shifts to saving the rest of the unit. You can pick off three of the Shadow pilots, but Colonel Toprak is a different breed of pilot entirely.
Shadow 22 will eventually outmaneuver Baxter, putting himself on your wing. When the game slows time, capitalize on the opening to land hits; he will eventually retreat, impressed by your performance.
Ace Combat 8 Baxter tracking the maneuvers of Colonel Toprak
With the ace gone, turn your attention to the two rockets launching the Tonitrus Spears. Blast them out of the sky, but keep your eyes on the debris falling toward the surface.
Destroy all large pieces of debris before they hit the ground to officially clear the mission requirements.
Mission 19 – Clearing The Lighthouse
Ace Combat 8 the internal conflict and traitor detection
The second land battleship has reached the base of the space elevator, and they are preparing to launch a massive payload of Tonitrus Spears. This is a do-or-die moment to prevent a global catastrophe.
During the briefing, a major security breach is revealed. A mole has been leaking your plans to Sotoa, which explains why they have been one step ahead of you throughout the campaign.
Ace Combat 8 heading toward the space elevator for final assault
The tension peaks when the XO identifies and shoots the true mole, who was hiding among the staff. With the traitor gone and the mission parameters updated, you have to move quickly to seize control of the elevator.
D.D. will accompany you on this flight to physically infiltrate the control room, so do not let him get intercepted. Get your loadout ready and launch.
Ace Combat 8 destroying the space elevator structure
Use your main guns rather than missiles to take down the space elevator. If you use missiles, you might risk damaging the infrastructure too much; the goal is to trigger a collapse onto the battleship below.
Once the battleship is hit, clear out the surrounding fleet so the B-1 bombers can move into range. The enemy forces will focus entirely on your bombers, so pull their aggro to keep your support aircraft alive.
Ace Combat 8 final aerial maneuvers around the space elevator structure
