How the Ace Pass Works in Ace Combat 8
The Ace Pass is the seasonal progression system for ACE COMBAT ONLINE.
It rewards players for participating in online missions and completing eligible challenges.
As you earn Ace Pass XP, your seasonal level increases and you gain access to rewards assigned to that level.
Season 1 contains 100 levels, with separate Free and Premium reward tracks.
The important thing to understand is that you progress through one set of seasonal levels, not two completely independent passes.
If you're Level 40, for example, you've reached Level 40 of the season.
Your active reward track determines which items you can access.
Ace Pass Progression Is Online Only
The Ace Pass belongs to ACE COMBAT ONLINE, not the single-player campaign.
This means you cannot earn Ace Pass XP by repeatedly completing campaign missions.
Campaign Mode uses Military Result Points (MRP), which are spent through the Aircraft Tree.
ACE COMBAT ONLINE has its own progression and aircraft acquisition systems.
If your goal is earning Season 1 rewards, you need to play eligible online activities.
Ace Pass XP vs Combat XP
These two experience types are easy to confuse.
Ace Pass XP advances your seasonal reward level.
Combat XP contributes to individual online aircraft progression.
An item that increases Combat XP does not necessarily increase Ace Pass XP.
For example, Season 1 includes Special COMBAT XP Reward Contracts with a listed 100% increase.
These are aircraft progression rewards, not confirmed double-Ace-Pass-XP items.
Always check the exact reward description before using an experience-related item.
Ace Pass XP vs Mercenary Rank
Your mercenary rank represents your progression as an online pilot.
It helps determine access to additional aircraft and other multiplayer progression opportunities.
However, your mercenary rank and Ace Pass level aren't the same thing.
A player can make substantial progress with one system without advancing the other at the same rate.
For seasonal farming, watch your Ace Pass progress directly rather than assuming all experience points are interchangeable.

Free vs Premium vs Premium Plus Ace Pass
Ace Combat 8 offers three Ace Pass options.
Each provides a different combination of rewards and convenience.
You don't need to buy the most expensive version to participate in seasonal progression.
Free Ace Pass — Best for Casual Players
The Free Ace Pass is available without an additional pass purchase.
You earn seasonal experience through ACE COMBAT ONLINE and unlock rewards assigned to the Free track.
Season 1 includes:
12 aircraft skins. These let players customize the appearance of compatible aircraft. Some free rewards include cosmetics for the ADFX-02 Morgan, although obtaining a skin doesn't automatically give you the aircraft.
9 aircraft emblem rewards. These provide additional customization options, including emblems associated with different Ace Combat squadrons.
4 avatar costumes. Customize your online pilot's appearance with clothing and other cosmetic pieces.
Upgrade blueprints. These help with multiplayer aircraft progression and equipment upgrades.
Supply tickets and reward contracts. Useful resources that support other parts of your online career.
One detail is worth remembering.
Not every Free Ace Pass level contains a reward.
You may reach a level without receiving a new Free-track item.
That doesn't mean your progress has stopped.
It simply means the Free track doesn't assign an item to that particular level.
Who should choose it?
Players who mainly want to enjoy multiplayer without spending extra money on seasonal rewards.
Premium Ace Pass — Best for Morgan Collectors
The Premium Ace Pass unlocks an additional reward track.
You still receive access to the Free track, but you also gain Premium rewards associated with your completed seasonal levels.
The Season 1 Premium track includes:
ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY. The featured playable aircraft, available as a Level 1 Premium reward.
13 additional aircraft skins. Premium provides another selection of aircraft appearances beyond the 12 Free-track skins.
9 additional aircraft emblems. These include special customization designs unavailable through the Free track.
11 additional avatar costumes. More clothing and appearance options for your online pilot.
1 exclusive emote. An additional character expression associated with the Premium rewards.
Additional progression resources. These include credits, blueprints, supply tickets, and reward-related items.
Premium doesn't automatically complete all 100 levels.
You still need to earn seasonal experience for the remaining rewards.
Who should choose it?
Players who specifically want the Morgan, Premium cosmetics, or the additional progression resources.
Premium Ace Pass Plus — Best for Skipping Levels
Premium Ace Pass Plus includes the same Premium reward track with an additional benefit.
It immediately unlocks the first 30 levels of the Ace Pass.
That gives you access to the Free and Premium rewards assigned to those levels when you redeem it.
However, Premium Plus doesn't increase the total level cap.
There are still 100 levels, and you'll need to progress through the remaining levels normally.
The main advantage is reducing the amount of seasonal progression required.
Who should choose it?
Players who want the Premium rewards and value the convenience of an immediate 30-level unlock.
If you only want the Morgan, the normal Premium Ace Pass already provides access to that aircraft.
You don't need Premium Plus solely for the Level 1 aircraft.
Ace Combat 8 Season 1 Free Ace Pass Rewards
The Free Ace Pass contains useful rewards even if you don't plan to purchase Premium.
The main attraction is aircraft customization, supported by items that help your multiplayer progression.
Free Aircraft Skins
Bandai Namco confirms 12 aircraft skins on the Free track.
The community-documented reward list identifies the following skins:
ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY Forest Striped Camo
Gripen E Blood Striped Camo
F-15C Ocean Striped Camo
Mirage 2000-5 Forest Striped Camo
ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY Blood Striped Camo
F-15C Forest Striped Camo
Mirage 2000-5 Ocean Striped Camo
F-15C Blood Striped Camo
Gripen E Forest Striped Camo
Gripen E Ocean Striped Camo
ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY Ocean Striped Camo
Mirage 2000-5 Blood Striped Camo
These cosmetics provide different appearance options for several aircraft.
Remember that unlocking an aircraft skin doesn't bypass the requirement to own the playable aircraft.
If you earn a Morgan skin through the Free track, you'll still need the Morgan itself before using that appearance.
Free Aircraft Emblems
Season 1 includes nine Free-track emblem rewards.
The reward collection features low-visibility emblem variants associated with familiar squadron names.
These include Galm, Crow, Rot, Grun, Indigo, Gelb, Schwarze, Schnee, and the 6th Air Division.
Some reward levels contain multiple emblem variations.
This makes the Free track attractive for players who enjoy customizing aircraft appearances.
Avatar Customization
The Free track also provides avatar costume rewards.
These include clothing and accessories such as corporate-themed apparel and headwear.
The rewards don't provide aircraft performance upgrades.
Their purpose is to customize your online mercenary pilot.
Blueprints and Supply Tickets
Blueprints are particularly useful if you're developing your multiplayer aircraft.
The Free track includes General Purpose Upgrade Blueprints and other progression resources.
Supply tickets provide access to eligible item packs through the Supply Shop.
These rewards are useful even if cosmetic items aren't your main interest.
The Free Ace Pass is worth progressing through because it contributes to aircraft development while offering customization rewards along the way.
Ace Combat 8 Season 1 Premium Rewards
The Premium track adds more customization options, additional progression materials, and the featured aircraft.
Some rewards are available immediately, while others require higher Ace Pass levels.
ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY
The Morgan is the most important Premium reward.
It's available at Level 1 of Season 1.
Players who activate the appropriate Season 1 Premium entitlement receive access to the featured aircraft without needing to complete the entire pass.
The Morgan is a multirole aircraft with an unusual special weapon configuration.
Bandai Namco confirms that this version supports two types of special weapons simultaneously from a selection of three weapon types.
The selection includes high-output lasers.
This gives it a different combat identity from many conventional fighter aircraft.
However, its special abilities don't guarantee victory against every opponent.
Aircraft experience, equipment choices, and piloting skill remain important.
Additional Premium Aircraft Skins
The Premium track contains 13 additional aircraft skins.
The community-documented collection includes several especially interesting appearances.
These include:
F-22A Chrome Skin: A distinctive appearance for players who enjoy advanced fighter customization.
ADFX-02 Morgan Premium Bronze Skin: One of the Morgan's special Premium-themed appearances.
ADFX-02 Morgan Premium Silver Skin: Another dedicated Morgan customization reward.
ADFX-02 Morgan Premium Gold Skin: A notable high-level reward for players completing the Premium track.
MiG-29A Yellow Rider Skin: A distinctive appearance for the MiG-29A.
Additional striped and special-color designs: Available for aircraft including the F-15C, Mirage 2000-5, and Gripen E.
These skins are cosmetic rewards.
They don't automatically increase weapon damage, missile effectiveness, or aircraft maneuverability.
Additional Avatar Items
Premium also includes more avatar customization.
Players can earn additional jackets, headwear, sunglasses, and other appearance items.
Some rewards reference familiar Ace Combat characters and themes.
These items are especially attractive for players who enjoy building a recognizable online identity.
Premium Progression Materials
The Premium track also provides additional resources.
These include General Purpose Upgrade Blueprints, credits, supply tickets, and reward contracts.
These resources can help you develop aircraft through the normal multiplayer progression systems.
However, they shouldn't be confused with an exclusive upgrade path that is unavailable to other players.
Bandai Namco states that the relevant aircraft upgrades can also be obtained through regular gameplay.
Best Season 1 Ace Pass Rewards by Level
Season 1 contains 100 levels.
Rather than treating every blueprint or supply ticket as a major milestone, it's more useful to identify the standout rewards.
The following examples come from the community-documented Season 1 reward collection. The official announcement confirms the overall reward totals, while individual level assignments should be checked against the current in-game pass.
Level 1 — ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY
Premium Reward: ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY and its initial skin collection.
This is the most important reward for players who specifically want the featured aircraft.
You don't need to complete dozens of levels to obtain it.
Level 10 — First Ace Coin Reward
Free Reward: Avalon Menace nickname.
Premium Reward: 100 Ace Coins.
This is one of the first Premium currency milestones.
It also provides an early opportunity to customize your player identity.
Level 20 — Aircraft Skins
Free Reward: Gripen E Blood Striped Camo Skin.
Premium Reward: ADFX-02 Morgan Premium Bronze Skin.
This level is useful for players collecting aircraft appearances.
Level 30 — Additional Fighter Cosmetics
Free Reward: F-15C Ocean Striped Camo Skin.
Premium Reward: Mirage 2000-5 Pop Striped Camo Skin.
Premium Plus unlocks the first 30 levels immediately, making these rewards accessible through its included level advancement.
Level 40 — F-22A Chrome Skin
Free Reward: Mirage 2000-5 Forest Striped Camo Skin.
Premium Reward: F-22A Chrome Skin.
This is one of the more interesting Premium aircraft customization rewards for fighter enthusiasts.
Level 60 — Morgan Silver Skin
Free Reward: F-15C Forest Striped Camo Skin.
Premium Reward: ADFX-02 Morgan Premium Silver Skin.
The Silver Skin is another dedicated Morgan cosmetic.
Level 75 — Special Emote
Free Reward: Mirage 2000-5 Ocean Striped Camo Skin.
Premium Reward: Sit Down (Pixy) Emote.
This provides one of the more distinctive avatar customization rewards from the Premium track.
Level 80 — MiG-29A Yellow Rider
Free Reward: F-15C Blood Striped Camo Skin.
Premium Reward: MiG-29A Yellow Rider Skin.
Players collecting unusual aircraft appearances may want to aim for this reward.
Level 100 — Final Aircraft Skins
Free Reward: Mirage 2000-5 Blood Striped Camo Skin.
Premium Reward: ADFX-02 Morgan Premium Gold Skin.
Level 100 represents completion of the seasonal progression track.
The Morgan Gold Skin is a particularly attractive reward for players determined to complete Premium.
Important: These are selected highlights, not a replacement for the full in-game reward list. Check the active Ace Pass to confirm every intermediate reward and its claim requirements.
How to Unlock the ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY
The Morgan is one of the main reasons players consider buying the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass.
Fortunately, its acquisition requirement is straightforward.
Activate the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass
Open the Ace Pass section in ACE COMBAT ONLINE.
Select Season 1 and make sure you have the appropriate Premium entitlement.
This can be a separately purchased Premium Ace Pass, Premium Ace Pass Plus, or an eligible redeemed voucher.
The Morgan belongs to the Level 1 Premium reward.
Do You Need Premium Plus?
No.
The normal Premium Ace Pass includes the Morgan.
Premium Plus only adds the immediate 30-level unlock and corresponding rewards.
Buying Premium Plus is unnecessary if your only goal is obtaining the aircraft as quickly as possible.
Can You Use the Morgan in Campaign Mode?
The Morgan is primarily obtained through ACE COMBAT ONLINE's Premium reward system.
However, Campaign Mode has an additional restriction.
You must complete all campaign missions before using the Morgan in Campaign Mode.
Having the Premium entitlement doesn't automatically bypass that requirement.
Can You Unlock the Morgan for Free?
Not through the Free Season 1 Ace Pass.
Bandai Namco identifies the Morgan as a Premium reward.
The publisher has also stated that playable aircraft included in Premium Ace Pass seasons are planned to become available through separate purchases after their respective seasons.
That doesn't guarantee a particular future release date, price, or free acquisition method.
If the Morgan is your main reason for considering Premium, remember that it doesn't require completing all 100 seasonal levels.
How to Earn Ace Pass XP Fast
Now for the most important part: earning experience efficiently.
The Ace Pass rewards completed online missions and eligible challenge objectives.
However, not every type of experience earned during multiplayer advances the seasonal pass.
If you want to complete the Season 1 track, concentrate on activities that directly contribute to Ace Pass progression.
How Much Ace Pass XP Does Each Match Give?
Bandai Namco officially confirms that completing ACE COMBAT ONLINE missions awards Ace Pass XP.
Early player reports from October 2026 describe the following values:
15 Ace Pass points for an ordinary completed online mission.
This is the frequently reported base mission reward, not a guaranteed value officially published by the developer. Event rules and future balancing may affect the amount.
100 Ace Pass points required for one level.
Players report that each seasonal level requires 100 pass points during Season 1.
Under these reported values, completing seven ordinary matches provides enough base points to advance one level.
This explains why relying only on standard match completion can feel slow.
The exact numbers should be checked against your current game version and reward screen.
Prioritize Challenges That Award Ace Pass Progress
This is one of the most useful ways to improve seasonal progression.
ACE COMBAT ONLINE includes challenge objectives associated with different activities.
Player reports indicate that completing available challenge groups can provide substantially more pass progress than relying only on ordinary match rewards.
Examples include objectives involving:
Completing particular multiplayer mission types.
Destroying a required number of enemy units.
Participating in PvE or PvP activities.
Using particular aircraft roles.
Completing other eligible online challenges.
Before entering a match, inspect your available challenge objectives.
The most efficient approach is to complete several compatible objectives through the same successful mission whenever possible.
For example, if you have one challenge involving Co-Op Assault participation and another involving enemy destruction, completing both during the same match can be more useful than ignoring one of them.
Do not assume that every challenge rewards Ace Pass points.
Some award blueprints, tickets, contracts, or other resources instead.
Check the reward description before prioritizing an objective.
Focus on Reliable Mission Completion
You don't need to be the strongest player in every lobby.
If a mission awards standard Ace Pass progress for completion, finishing reliably is more useful than repeatedly failing difficult encounters.
Choose activities you're comfortable with.
Improve your aircraft and learn the objectives so you can finish matches without unnecessary delays.
This becomes especially important if you're playing alone.
A comfortable mission that you can repeat consistently may offer better progression than a difficult activity with an impressive reward screen but a high failure rate.
Compare Your Actual Progress Per Match
Don't rely entirely on claims about the fastest farming mode.
Look at how much Ace Pass progress you're receiving after completing a match.
Then consider how long the entire activity took, including waiting for matchmaking.
A useful comparison is:
Ace Pass points earned ÷ total time spent completing the activity.
Include challenge rewards when they are relevant, but don't treat a one-time challenge bonus as something you'll receive every match.
That distinction is essential when comparing repeatable farming methods.
Best Ace Combat 8 Mode for Ace Pass XP Farming
There isn't enough reliable, standardized testing to declare one multiplayer mode universally fastest for Ace Pass XP.
However, several activities are worth considering.
Co-Op Assault — Best for Consistent PvE Farming
Co-Op Assault is a practical choice for players who want to focus on fighting NPC enemies.
Two teams of four compete for the highest score while destroying computer-controlled targets.
Because the main enemies are NPCs, this mode can be easier to approach for players who don't enjoy direct PvP combat.
It also provides opportunities to complete challenges involving mission participation and enemy destruction.
For efficient progress:
Use a familiar aircraft. Learning one aircraft's strengths can help you complete engagements more consistently.
Prioritize suitable targets. Don't spend the entire match chasing a difficult aircraft if easier objectives are available.
Choose compatible special weapons. Multi-target missiles or effective surface weapons can improve your performance against appropriate enemy formations.
Complete the mission. Your priority is finishing eligible activities and receiving the relevant progression rewards.
Co-Op Assault is our preferred general starting point for players who want a consistent, lower-pressure online farming experience.
However, that is a practical recommendation, not proof that the mode has the highest Ace Pass XP multiplier.
Co-Op Warfare — Best for Mixed PvP and PvE Objectives
Co-Op Warfare features two teams of four players competing directly while NPC land, sea, and air units participate.
This makes it useful when you have challenges requiring PvP participation or particular combat actions.
However, matches can become more unpredictable because you're fighting human opponents.
For efficient progression, don't chase one enemy player across the entire map if that isn't helping your objectives.
Concentrate on contributing to your squadron and successfully completing the activity.
Co-Op Warfare is particularly useful when your current challenge requirements include PvP participation.
Scramble — Useful for Special Challenge Objectives
Scramble is a special cooperative encounter involving four players against powerful NPC enemies.
It can appear through ACE COMBAT ONLINE's special mission system.
These encounters provide a different challenge from ordinary online missions.
They may also contribute toward special challenge objectives when those objectives are active.
However, Scramble isn't always available on demand.
Don't rely on it as your only farming method.
Emergency Sortie — Worth Completing When Available
Emergency Sortie allows up to eight players to cooperate against enormous superweapons.
These encounters can be demanding, but they are worth considering when an available challenge specifically requires them.
The important detail is that Emergency Sorties appear through the special mission system rather than being guaranteed every time you want one.
Don't assume they provide a permanently higher Ace Pass XP rate without checking the actual results.
Our recommendation: Complete useful special missions when they appear, but continue using accessible core modes for consistent progress.
How to Complete More Ace Pass Challenges Efficiently
Challenge completion can be a major part of seasonal progression.
The goal isn't to play as many random matches as possible.
It's to understand which objectives can be completed together.
Read the Challenge Requirements Carefully
Some challenges involve completing a specific game mode.
Others involve aircraft types, enemy destruction, or special mission activities.
Always inspect the exact requirement.
For example, a challenge requiring a Fighter won't necessarily advance when you use a Multirole aircraft.
Similarly, a challenge involving Co-Op Warfare won't automatically be satisfied by completing Co-Op Assault.
Combine Compatible Objectives
Look for challenges that overlap.
If several objectives can be completed during the same match, prioritize that combination.
This helps you avoid repeating similar activities unnecessarily.
However, don't force a complicated setup if it makes the mission significantly harder.
A successful match with two completed objectives is more useful than an unsuccessful attempt to complete four at once.
Don't Ignore Simple Challenges
Some objectives are straightforward.
They may involve normal mission participation or defeating a small number of enemies.
These can provide useful progress without requiring advanced aircraft or difficult combat.
Check these before attempting a specialized objective that requires an unfamiliar playstyle.
Separate Ace Pass Challenges From Other Rewards
Not every challenge directly provides seasonal XP.
Some award aircraft blueprints, supply tickets, or special reward contracts.
Those rewards can still be valuable, but they serve different purposes.
If your immediate goal is leveling the Ace Pass, prioritize objectives that explicitly award the relevant seasonal progression.
Do XP Contracts Increase Ace Pass XP?
This is one of the most important details to understand before using reward items.
Season 1 includes different types of contracts.
The names can be confusing because several reward systems involve experience or currency.
Special COMBAT XP Reward Contracts
These contracts provide a listed Combat XP bonus.
Community-documented reward lists identify versions with a 100% increase.
However, Combat XP is not the same as Ace Pass XP.
Do not assume these contracts double your seasonal pass points.
Use them when they support the aircraft progression system described in their item details.
Special ZOLL Reward Contracts
Zoll is an online currency associated with multiplayer progression and purchases.
Special Zoll reward contracts increase the relevant currency rewards according to their listed effects.
They are not confirmed Ace Pass XP multipliers.
If you're farming seasonal levels, don't activate a Zoll contract expecting it to instantly increase your pass progress.
Boost Tickets and Other Reward Items
Season 1 also contains other progression-related items.
Read each item's description carefully.
Some bonuses affect aircraft development, while others influence currency or access to additional resources.
Don't assume every reward containing the word XP or Boost affects the seasonal track.
The safest rule is to check which progression system an item explicitly improves before using it.
Is the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass Worth Buying?
Whether Premium is worth buying depends on what you're trying to unlock.
You shouldn't feel that you need Premium simply to enjoy ACE COMBAT ONLINE.
The Free track already offers customization and progression rewards.
However, Premium has several advantages for players who specifically want its content.
Premium Is Worth Considering if You Want the Morgan
The Morgan is the strongest reason to consider the Season 1 Premium track.
It's a recognizable aircraft with distinctive special weapon capabilities.
Because it is unlocked at Level 1, you don't need to complete the entire pass just to obtain it.
If that aircraft is your main goal, ordinary Premium may be sufficient.
Premium Is More Attractive for Cosmetic Collectors
Premium includes additional aircraft skins, emblems, avatar costumes, and the special Pixy emote.
If you enjoy collecting cosmetic rewards, the additional track provides more items to work toward.
However, you should inspect the complete in-game reward selection before purchasing.
Not every cosmetic will necessarily appeal to you.
Premium Plus Is Mainly About Convenience
Premium Plus unlocks 30 levels immediately.
That can reduce the amount of experience you need to earn through gameplay.
However, it doesn't create additional reward levels beyond the 100 available in Season 1.
If you're already progressing comfortably, the extra cost may be unnecessary.
The Free Pass Is Enough for Many Players
If you mainly enjoy flying online and don't particularly care about the Morgan or additional cosmetics, staying Free is reasonable.
You can still participate in the main online activities and develop your aircraft through regular progression.
Our recommendation: Buy Premium for the rewards you actually want, not because you assume it's required to compete effectively.
What Happens When Season 1 Ends?
Season 1 is a limited seasonal reward track.
Bandai Namco states that Ace Pass seasons last approximately two months and that Premium rewards change between seasons.
The publisher's October 1 announcement specifically tells players interested in the Morgan to redeem the Season 1 Premium entitlement before the end of November 2026.
For the exact cutoff, use the current in-game season countdown.
Do Season 1 Rewards Carry Into Season 2?
Seasonal rewards change with the new pass.
You shouldn't assume unfinished Season 1 progress can be completed after the new season begins.
Check which rewards you still want while Season 1 remains active.
Can You Get the Morgan After Season 1?
Bandai Namco has stated that playable aircraft from Premium Ace Pass seasons are planned to become available through separate purchases afterward.
However, that doesn't guarantee an exact store release date or price.
It also doesn't confirm that every seasonal cosmetic will return.
Players specifically interested in Season 1's additional skins and customization rewards should keep that distinction in mind.
Should You Spend a Deluxe Edition Voucher on Season 1?
The Deluxe Edition includes a Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher.
Bandai Namco confirms that this voucher can be redeemed for an eligible season of your choice.
You're not required to use it on Season 1.
If the Morgan and its associated cosmetics are your favorite rewards, Season 1 may be a good choice.
If you're more interested in a future season, saving the voucher is also reasonable.
Common Ace Combat 8 Ace Pass Mistakes to Avoid
Many players slow their progression because they misunderstand how seasonal rewards work.
Here are the most important mistakes to avoid.
Farming Campaign Mode for Ace Pass XP.
Campaign progression and ACE COMBAT ONLINE progression are separate. Playing story missions doesn't advance your online seasonal pass.
Confusing Combat XP with Ace Pass XP.
Aircraft experience and pass experience are different systems. Check reward descriptions carefully before using experience contracts.
Ignoring available challenges.
Ordinary completed missions provide progression, but challenge rewards can contribute substantially toward seasonal advancement.
Assuming every victory doubles Ace Pass XP.
Winning helps with certain online rewards, but there isn't a verified universal double-pass-XP multiplier for every winning match.
Chasing difficult matches instead of completing reliable ones.
A match that repeatedly ends unsuccessfully may be less useful than an activity you can complete consistently.
Waiting only for special missions.
Scramble and Emergency Sortie can be useful, but their availability is not guaranteed. Core multiplayer modes provide more consistent opportunities to progress.
Buying Premium Plus only to unlock the Morgan.
The Morgan is already a Level 1 Premium reward. Premium Plus is mainly useful for its 30-level advancement.
Assuming Free Morgan skins unlock the aircraft.
A cosmetic reward doesn't automatically grant ownership of the plane required to equip it.
Using Zoll contracts as seasonal XP boosts.
Zoll and Ace Pass XP are separate systems. Spend your resources according to their actual descriptions.
Ignoring the season's remaining availability.
Premium rewards change between seasons. Check the active pass and its in-game countdown before making purchasing decisions.
The biggest improvement you can make is understanding exactly which activity advances which progression system.
That prevents wasted matches, wasted reward items, and unnecessary purchases.
Ace Combat 8 Ace Pass FAQ
How Many Levels Are in the Ace Combat 8 Ace Pass?
Season 1 contains 100 levels.
The Free and Premium reward tracks are associated with the same seasonal progression.
How Do You Earn Ace Pass XP?
Complete eligible missions in ACE COMBAT ONLINE.
Available challenge objectives can also contribute additional seasonal progress when they award Ace Pass points.
What Is the Fastest Way to Farm Ace Pass XP?
Prioritize eligible challenge rewards while completing online missions consistently.
Co-Op Assault is a practical starting option for PvE-focused players, but no universally fastest mode has been established through reliable official XP-per-minute testing.
How Much Ace Pass XP Do You Get Per Match?
Early player reports describe approximately 15 pass points per ordinary completed online mission, with 100 points required for a level.
These are community-reported values, not developer-guaranteed rates.
Can You Earn Ace Pass XP in Campaign Mode?
No.
Ace Pass progression belongs to ACE COMBAT ONLINE.
Campaign MRP and seasonal Ace Pass XP are separate systems.
Does Winning Give More Ace Pass XP?
Winning affects certain multiplayer rewards.
However, there is no confirmed universal Ace Pass XP multiplier that applies to every winning match.
Check the current results screen for the actual pass reward.
What Is the Best Mode for Ace Pass XP?
Co-Op Assault is a useful choice for reliable PvE participation.
Co-Op Warfare may be better when relevant challenges require PvP activities.
Choose the mode that helps you finish eligible objectives efficiently.
Is the Ace Pass Free?
Yes.
The Free Ace Pass is available without an additional pass purchase.
Premium and Premium Plus provide optional paid rewards and benefits.
What Does the Premium Ace Pass Include?
Season 1 Premium adds the ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY, 13 additional aircraft skins, 9 additional emblem rewards, 11 additional avatar costumes, 1 emote, and extra progression resources.
What Is the Difference Between Premium and Premium Plus?
Premium Plus includes the Premium reward track and an immediate unlock of the first 30 seasonal levels.
It doesn't increase the total pass beyond Level 100.
How Do You Unlock the ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY?
Activate the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass or Premium Ace Pass Plus.
The Morgan is a Level 1 Premium reward.
Can You Unlock the Morgan for Free?
The Free Season 1 track doesn't include the playable Morgan.
Bandai Namco plans to make Premium seasonal aircraft separately purchasable after their seasons, but no specific future free unlock method has been confirmed.
Do Combat XP Contracts Boost Ace Pass XP?
Not according to their stated purpose.
Combat XP contracts affect Combat XP rewards, which are different from seasonal Ace Pass points.
Can I Buy Premium After Already Earning Free Levels?
The Premium track is associated with the seasonal levels you've reached.
Post-launch guides report that activating Premium after progressing through the Free track provides access to corresponding earned Premium rewards, subject to the game's claiming rules.
How Do You Get the 500 Ace Coins?
Bandai Namco's Season 1 reward announcement states that completing the full Free and Premium reward tracks can provide 500 Ace Coins in total.
The community-documented reward list identifies Ace Coin rewards at several specific levels.
Does the Deluxe Edition Include Premium Plus?
Yes.
The Deluxe Edition includes a Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher.
The voucher can be redeemed for an eligible Ace Pass season of your choice.
When Does Season 1 End?
Bandai Namco identifies the end of November 2026 as the redemption deadline for Season 1 Premium rewards.
Check the in-game season countdown for the exact cutoff.
Will Season 1 Aircraft Be Available Later?
Bandai Namco has announced plans to offer Premium seasonal aircraft as separate purchases after their corresponding seasons.
That doesn't guarantee when a particular aircraft will return or how much it will cost.
Conclusion — How to Complete the Ace Combat 8 Season 1 Ace Pass Faster
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve gives online players plenty of rewards to work toward through the Season 1 Ace Pass.
With 100 levels, Free and Premium tracks, aircraft cosmetics, upgrade materials, and the ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY, there's something for both casual pilots and dedicated collectors.
However, the most important thing is understanding how the progression systems work.
Ace Pass XP isn't the same as Combat XP, mercenary rank experience, or campaign MRP.
If your goal is completing the seasonal pass, concentrate on eligible online missions and challenge objectives that contribute directly to seasonal progression.
Co-Op Assault is a comfortable starting point for players who prefer PvE, while Co-Op Warfare provides additional opportunities when relevant challenges require PvP participation.
Special missions can also be worth completing when available, but don't rely entirely on unpredictable encounters.
Choose aircraft you're comfortable flying, complete matches consistently, and check your actual Ace Pass rewards instead of assuming every online activity provides identical progression.
If you want the ADFX-02 Morgan – PIXY, remember that it is already available at Premium Level 1.
You don't need to complete all 100 levels or buy Premium Plus just to unlock that aircraft.
For players who mainly want cosmetics and additional progression rewards, the full Season 1 track offers plenty of reasons to continue flying.
Before purchasing Premium, review the active rewards and decide whether the content matches your goals.
For more gaming services and progression support across your favorite games, explore BoostRoom.
The best Ace Pass farming strategy isn't about playing the most matches. It's about earning useful progress from every match you complete.
Focus on the rewards you actually want, use your challenges wisely, and make every sortie count.