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Ace Combat 8 Ace Pass Season 1: Rewards and Fast XP

Discover all Ace Combat 8 Season 1 Ace Pass rewards and learn how to earn XP faster. Compare Free, Premium, and Premium Plus rewards, unlock the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-, and find practical ways to complete all 100 levels

October 10, 202625 min read

Ace Combat 8 Ace Pass Season 1 – Rewards and Fast XP Guide

Want to unlock the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-, collect exclusive aircraft skins, and complete the Season 1 Ace Pass without wasting hours on inefficient multiplayer matches?

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve introduces a reward system built around ACE COMBAT ONLINE, giving players additional reasons to complete multiplayer missions, improve their aircraft, and earn cosmetic rewards.

But there is one important detail that many players overlook.

Ace Pass progression is not the same as aircraft leveling, mercenary rank, or campaign MRP farming.

You can perform exceptionally well in a match, earn valuable aircraft experience, and still make relatively modest progress toward the next Ace Pass level.

That's because the pass has its own experience system, and completing challenges can make a much bigger difference than repeatedly playing ordinary matches.

Season 1 features 100 progression levels, three Ace Pass options, aircraft customization rewards, upgrade resources, and the iconic ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-.

The most important features include:

  • Free Ace Pass: Available to everyone who owns the game, with aircraft skins, emblems, avatar cosmetics, upgrade resources, and other rewards.

  • Premium Ace Pass: Unlocks an additional reward track, including the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-, more cosmetics, and extra progression resources.

  • Premium Ace Pass Plus: Includes the Premium rewards and immediately unlocks the first 30 Ace Pass levels.

  • 100 Reward Levels: Both Free and Premium players advance through the same seasonal progression levels by earning Ace Pass XP.

  • Challenges and Missions: Completing ACE COMBAT ONLINE missions provides progression, while available challenges offer additional opportunities to advance.

The fastest practical approach is to prioritize eligible challenges while completing online missions efficiently, rather than relying exclusively on match XP.

This guide explains the confirmed Season 1 rewards, the different pass options, how XP works, which activities are worth prioritizing, and how to avoid common progression mistakes.

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How the Ace Pass Works in Ace Combat 8

The Ace Pass is the seasonal progression system for ACE COMBAT ONLINE.

As you complete online missions and earn Ace Pass XP, you advance through reward levels.

Each unlocked level gives you access to any rewards assigned to that level on the tracks you own.

However, different reward tracks provide different items.

Ace Pass Progression Is Separate From Campaign Mode

ACE COMBAT ONLINE uses progression separate from the single-player campaign.

This distinction matters because players often confuse the different currencies and experience systems.

In Campaign Mode, you earn Military Result Points (MRP) for aircraft and Aircraft Tree purchases.

In Online Mode, you develop your mercenary pilot through separate systems.

These include:

  • Ace Pass XP: Advances your seasonal reward track. This is the progression you need for Season 1 cosmetics, blueprints, and other pass rewards.

  • Mercenary Rank Progression: Determines your advancement as an online pilot and helps unlock access to additional aircraft.

  • Aircraft Experience: Improves individual aircraft as you use them in online missions. Increasing aircraft levels can improve their capabilities and unlock additional equipment options.

  • Zoll: An online currency used for purchases and progression-related resources through the online store.

These systems serve different purposes.

Earning additional aircraft experience does not automatically mean you're earning the same amount of Ace Pass XP.

Likewise, having a high mercenary rank does not mean you've completed the Season 1 reward track.

Do You Need to Win Matches to Earn Ace Pass XP?

Bandai Namco confirms that completing missions in ACE COMBAT ONLINE earns Ace Pass XP.

Player reports indicate that ordinary completed matches award a fixed amount of pass progress, while match performance influences some other rewards.

That means even players who aren't consistently finishing first can still work toward their Ace Pass rewards.

Winning remains valuable for multiplayer progression and rewards, but you shouldn't assume it multiplies Ace Pass XP in the same way.

The important thing is completing eligible activities and collecting challenge rewards.

Free vs. Premium vs. Premium Plus Ace Pass

Ace Combat 8 offers three Ace Pass options.

Understanding their differences can prevent unnecessary purchases.

Free Ace Pass – Best for Players Who Don't Want to Pay Extra

The Free Ace Pass is available to all players.

You don't need to purchase an additional battle pass to earn its rewards.

Bandai Namco confirms that the Season 1 Free track includes:

  • 12 aircraft skins: Cosmetic appearances for different aircraft. They allow you to customize your hangar without paying for Premium rewards.

  • 9 aircraft emblem rewards: Additional customization options inspired by the wider Ace Combat series.

  • 4 avatar costumes: Clothing and cosmetic items used to personalize your online mercenary character.

  • Blueprints: Resources used for online aircraft progression and upgrades.

  • Reward contracts and supply tickets: Items that support other parts of your multiplayer progression.

The Free track is not equally rewarding at every level.

Some levels have no free reward attached.

That doesn't mean your progression has stopped.

You're still advancing toward the next available reward and can continue earning Ace Pass XP normally.

Best for: Players who mainly want free cosmetics, upgrade resources, and additional rewards while enjoying multiplayer.

Premium Ace Pass – Best for Players Who Want the Morgan

The Premium Ace Pass unlocks an additional reward track alongside the Free track.

Its biggest attraction is the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-.

Bandai Namco confirms that the aircraft is a Level 1 Premium reward.

That means you don't need to complete dozens of levels before accessing the featured Season 1 aircraft.

Redeeming the Season 1 Premium entitlement unlocks the Morgan and its associated initial skin collection.

Other Premium rewards include:

  • 13 additional aircraft skins.

  • 9 additional emblem rewards.

  • 11 additional avatar costumes.

  • 1 emote.

  • Extra blueprints and progression resources.

  • Additional Ace Coins and cosmetic rewards.

Players with Premium access can earn both Free and Premium rewards at their unlocked levels.

This makes the Premium track particularly attractive to collectors who want more than the standard cosmetics.

Best for: Players who specifically want the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- and the additional Season 1 rewards.

Premium Ace Pass Plus – Best for Skipping Early Progression

Premium Ace Pass Plus contains the same premium reward track.

Its additional benefit is an immediate unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels.

Bandai Namco confirms that the first 30 levels of both Free and Premium rewards become available through the level unlock.

You therefore begin with more of the reward track completed.

However, Premium Plus doesn't provide a separate collection of exclusive rewards beyond the normal Premium track and its level advancement.

It also doesn't automatically mean you'll complete the remaining levels.

Best for: Players who want Premium rewards but prefer to skip a substantial part of the pass progression.

All Ace Combat 8 Season 1 Reward Categories

Season 1 contains several different types of rewards.

Some are purely cosmetic.

Others help with upgrading aircraft or accessing additional multiplayer resources.

Understanding what each category provides helps you decide which rewards matter most.

ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- – Featured Premium Aircraft

The ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- is the headline Season 1 reward.

Fans of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War will recognize the aircraft as the experimental fighter associated with Larry Foulk, known as Pixy.

In Ace Combat 8, the Morgan is a playable multirole aircraft with an unusual special-weapon selection.

Bandai Namco confirms that this version can equip two special-weapon types from three available options.

Its experimental equipment includes powerful laser-based weaponry.

How to unlock the Morgan:

  • Redeem the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass or Premium Ace Pass Plus.

  • Receive the Level 1 Premium aircraft entitlement.

  • Access the aircraft in ACE COMBAT ONLINE.

  • Complete the full single-player campaign before using the Morgan in Campaign Mode.

That final restriction is important.

Owning the premium aircraft doesn't automatically allow you to use it throughout an unfinished campaign.

You don't need to reach Level 100 to unlock the Morgan.

This makes Season 1 significantly more appealing to players who primarily want the aircraft rather than every cosmetic reward.

Aircraft Skins – 25 Across Both Tracks

Bandai Namco confirms a combined total of 25 aircraft skins across Free and Premium rewards.

The Free track contains 12, while Premium adds 13 more.

These cosmetics let players customize aircraft appearances.

The rewards include distinctive paint schemes and appearances inspired by previous entries in the franchise.

Some of the documented Season 1 skins include:

  • F-22A Chrome Skin: A Premium reward for players interested in a striking appearance for the Raptor.

  • MiG-29A Yellow Rider Skin: A Premium cosmetic associated with one of the classic aircraft identities in Ace Combat.

  • Gripen E Blood Striped Camo Skin: A Free track cosmetic that gives the Gripen another distinctive appearance.

  • F-15C Forest Striped Camo Skin: A Free reward for players who enjoy collecting alternate Eagle liveries.

  • ADFX-02 Morgan Premium Skins: Special Bronze, Silver, and Gold appearances tied to Premium progression.

Remember that a cosmetic skin isn't the same as an aircraft unlock.

Obtaining a skin for a particular jet doesn't automatically grant you ownership of that aircraft.

You'll still need the appropriate aircraft entitlement or progression unlock to use it.

Aircraft Emblems – 18 Across Both Tracks

Season 1 also features 18 emblem rewards across the two tracks.

Nine are included on the Free track and nine more are Premium rewards.

These include emblems associated with classic Ace Combat squadrons and organizations.

The community-documented reward list includes names such as:

  • Galm

  • Crow

  • Rot

  • Grün

  • Indigo

  • Gelb

  • Schwarze

  • Schnee

  • 6th Air Division

Some Free emblem rewards feature multiple low-visibility variations.

These are especially attractive to players who enjoy customizing their aircraft to represent legendary squadrons from the series.

Avatar Cosmetics – 15 Across Both Tracks

Ace Combat 8's online Air Base includes a customizable mercenary avatar.

Season 1 offers cosmetic clothing for this character.

The Free track contains four avatar costume rewards, with Premium adding another eleven.

Community-documented rewards include:

  • Flight jackets: Different clothing styles suitable for players who prefer traditional aviation-inspired appearances.

  • Sunglasses: Accessories that allow additional avatar customization.

  • Newsboy Cap – Cipher: A Premium cosmetic associated with the Ace Combat Zero theme.

  • Souvenir Jacket – Pixy: Another cosmetic inspired by the featured character.

  • Casual Flight Suit – Pixy: An additional outfit reward available through advanced Premium progression.

These items are cosmetic rather than direct aircraft-performance upgrades.

Blueprints – Important for Aircraft Progression

Blueprints are among the most useful non-cosmetic Season 1 rewards.

In ACE COMBAT ONLINE, aircraft have their own progression systems.

Blueprints can help unlock aircraft improvements and expand capabilities.

Season 1 includes General Purpose Upgrade Blueprints across both reward tracks.

The Premium track provides additional blueprint rewards at numerous levels.

These are valuable because they support progression beyond the Ace Pass itself.

However, blueprint requirements vary depending on the aircraft and upgrade.

Do not assume one blueprint reward is enough to complete an entire aircraft upgrade.

Supply Tickets and Reward Contracts

Season 1 also includes tickets and contracts.

These provide additional benefits within the online progression system.

Regular Supply Tickets

These can be used for available supply-related rewards.

Bandai Namco confirms that supply tickets can be exchanged for item packs through the Supply Shop.

Special Zoll Reward Contracts

These are associated with increasing Zoll earnings.

The community-documented reward list identifies contracts carrying a 100% UP description.

Special COMBAT XP Reward Contracts

These are associated with combat experience rather than the Ace Pass reward track itself.

The distinction matters.

Do not assume that a COMBAT XP contract doubles Ace Pass XP.

The available official information doesn't establish that these contracts provide a direct multiplier to seasonal pass progression.

Use them for their stated purpose, and check the current in-game description before activating any limited-use reward.

Best Ace Pass Season 1 Rewards by Level

The complete Season 1 track contains 100 levels.

Rather than listing every small blueprint and ticket reward individually, these are the most notable milestones identified in the community-documented reward database.

Levels 1–20 – Morgan, Emblems, and First Cosmetics

Level 1

  • Premium: ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- and its initial skin collection.

Level 2

  • Free: Galm low-visibility emblem variants.

  • Premium: Galm emblem.

Level 10

  • Free: Avalon Menace nickname.

  • Premium: 100 Ace Coins.

Level 15

  • Free: ADFX-02 Morgan Forest Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: Newsboy Cap – Cipher.

Level 20

  • Free: Gripen E Blood Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: Morgan Premium Ace Pass Bronze Skin.

These early rewards are particularly attractive because they include the featured aircraft, recognizable cosmetic items, and the first premium aircraft appearance milestones.

Levels 21–50 – More Aircraft Customization

Level 30

  • Free: F-15C Ocean Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: Mirage 2000-5 Pop Striped Camo Skin.

Level 35

  • Free: 100 Ace Coins.

  • Premium: Souvenir Jacket – Cipher.

Level 40

  • Free: Mirage 2000-5 Forest Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: F-22A Chrome Skin.

Level 45

  • Free: Nugget Headband.

  • Premium: Morgan Pop Striped Camo Skin.

Level 50

  • Free: Morgan Blood Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: Gripen E Pop Striped Camo Skin.

For collectors, the F-22A Chrome Skin is one of the more interesting rewards in this part of the track.

Meanwhile, Morgan owners gain access to additional cosmetic customization.

Levels 51–80 – Premium Skins and Unique Cosmetics

Level 55

  • Free: Snow Camo aircraft banner.

  • Premium: 100 Ace Coins.

Level 60

  • Free: F-15C Forest Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: Morgan Premium Ace Pass Silver Skin.

Level 65

  • Free: Pumpkin Head.

  • Premium: Souvenir Jacket – Pixy.

Level 70

  • Free: Regular Supply Tickets.

  • Premium: 100 Ace Coins.

Level 75

  • Free: Mirage 2000-5 Ocean Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: Sit Down (Pixy) emote.

Level 80

  • Free: F-15C Blood Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: MiG-29A Yellow Rider Skin.

These rewards provide a stronger incentive for cosmetic collectors who have already unlocked the aircraft and lower-level rewards they wanted.

Levels 81–100 – Final Season 1 Rewards

Level 85

  • Free: Gripen E Forest Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: Casual Flight Suit – Pixy.

Level 90

  • Free: Gripen E Ocean Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: 100 Ace Coins.

Level 95

  • Free: Morgan Ocean Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: F-15C Pop Striped Camo Skin.

Level 98

  • Premium: Solo Wing Pixy nickname.

Level 100

  • Free: Mirage 2000-5 Blood Striped Camo Skin.

  • Premium: Morgan Premium Ace Pass Gold Skin.

The Gold Morgan appearance is the notable final Premium cosmetic.

Important: These individual milestones come from the community-maintained Season 1 reward listing. The publisher confirms the overall reward counts and categories, but individual level rewards should also be checked against the current in-game Ace Pass interface.

How to Earn Ace Pass XP Fast

Now for the most important part: progression.

The best Ace Pass XP strategy is not necessarily the same as the best strategy for earning Zoll, increasing mercenary rank, or leveling an individual aircraft.

Seasonal progression rewards completed online missions and additional challenge objectives.

How Much XP Do You Earn Per Match?

Bandai Namco confirms that completed ACE COMBAT ONLINE missions award Ace Pass XP.

Early player reports suggest the following standard values:

  • 15 Ace Pass points per completed ordinary mission.

  • 100 points required to advance one Ace Pass level.

Under that reported system, seven completed missions would provide enough base mission points to advance one level if you received no additional challenge rewards.

These figures are community-reported observations from the early version of the game.

They aren't a developer-guaranteed rate and may change with balance adjustments or future updates.

The bigger takeaway is that ordinary match completion alone can be a relatively slow way to advance.

Completing challenges is therefore especially important.

Complete Challenge Objectives for Additional Progress

ACE COMBAT ONLINE includes challenge objectives that reward participation and specific actions.

Early player reports identify daily and weekly challenge categories as major contributors to Ace Pass advancement.

Examples of reported objectives include:

  • Participating in Co-Op Assault: A useful objective for players who prefer fighting NPC enemies. You can work toward it while improving aircraft experience.

  • Participating in Co-Op Warfare: Encourages players to try the competitive PvPvE mode. Completing the match can contribute to both general progression and relevant challenges.

  • Destroying enemy units: Straightforward for players already participating actively in battles. Prioritize suitable targets instead of forcing difficult engagements.

  • Completing special missions: Some challenges involve Scramble or Emergency Sortie activities. These can be less predictable because special mission availability is not entirely under your control.

  • Aircraft-related objectives: Certain challenge categories involve acquiring or improving aircraft.

Not every challenge necessarily grants Ace Pass XP directly.

Some special challenges instead award tickets, blueprints, or other resources.

Check the reward displayed on each challenge before deciding which objective to prioritize.

If your immediate goal is increasing the Ace Pass level, concentrate on challenges that actually provide pass progression.

Use Co-Op Assault for Consistent Mission Completion

Co-Op Assault is a strong option for players who want a straightforward multiplayer experience.

It focuses on fighting computer-controlled enemies.

Two teams of four compete to earn the highest score against NPC forces.

That makes it particularly attractive for players who don't enjoy direct PvP.

Co-Op Assault can be useful for Ace Pass progression because:

  • You can focus on predictable combat objectives. Rather than constantly dealing with enemy players, you can concentrate on NPC formations and mission targets.

  • It supports aircraft progression alongside pass progress. You can gain experience using aircraft you want to improve while earning eligible mission-completion rewards.

  • It's accessible to newer multiplayer pilots. You don't need to become an expert PvP dogfighter before making progress.

  • It can overlap with challenge objectives. Participating in Co-Op Assault and destroying enemies may satisfy more than one available challenge.

However, don't assume Co-Op Assault automatically awards more Ace Pass XP than every other mode.

If standard completed missions provide the same base pass points, the more important factors are successful completion and challenge progress.

Our recommendation: Co-Op Assault is an excellent default activity when you want dependable progression without relying heavily on PvP performance.

Use Co-Op Warfare When Challenges Require It

Co-Op Warfare combines direct player combat with NPC enemies.

Two four-player squads compete while air, ground, and naval units participate in the battle.

This mode can be more demanding because human opponents can interrupt your attacks and pressure your aircraft.

However, Co-Op Warfare is relevant to Ace Pass progression when challenges specifically require participating in the mode.

The smartest approach is to focus on completing those objectives rather than chasing unnecessary dogfights.

You can support your squadron by attacking NPC targets, intercepting dangerous enemies, or helping protect teammates.

Remember that match performance and Ace Pass points aren't necessarily the same reward calculation.

A useful match contribution is better than repeatedly risking your aircraft in pursuit of a personal score that may not accelerate the pass.

Are Scramble and Emergency Sortie Good for XP?

Scramble and Emergency Sortie are special cooperative missions that can appear while playing the main ACE COMBAT ONLINE modes.

They provide additional challenges and potentially greater mission rewards.

However, there is an important difference between earning more general multiplayer rewards and earning more Ace Pass XP.

Scramble – Special Four-Player Battles

Scramble brings four players together against a powerful NPC enemy squadron.

It's designed around challenging cooperative air combat.

Successful special missions can provide valuable rewards.

However, that doesn't automatically mean Scramble has the best Ace Pass XP per mission.

The publisher confirms that these activities provide greater rewards, but does not establish a universally superior Ace Pass XP rate for them.

Scramble becomes especially attractive when an available challenge specifically requires participation or completion.

Emergency Sortie – Eight-Player Superweapon Battles

Emergency Sortie supports up to eight players fighting powerful superweapons.

These encounters can be more demanding than ordinary online missions.

Players need to coordinate attacks and focus on important objectives rather than simply destroying unrelated enemies.

Emergency Sortie is worth participating in when it appears, particularly if you're pursuing a related challenge.

However, special missions are not always available on demand.

Don't build your entire Ace Pass farming strategy around an activity you cannot consistently select.

For straightforward progression, normal mission completion and available challenges provide a more dependable foundation.

Fastest Ace Pass XP Strategy for Different Players

Not everyone approaches multiplayer in the same way.

The best method depends on what you enjoy and what rewards you're trying to unlock.

Best Method for Beginners

Recommended Activity: Co-Op Assault

Beginners should focus on learning the online systems while completing eligible missions.

You don't need an expensive fighter or highly upgraded aircraft to begin earning Ace Pass XP.

Choose a comfortable aircraft and contribute to the mission objectives.

Focus on:

  • Completing sorties successfully.

  • Participating in challenge activities.

  • Destroying suitable NPC targets.

  • Learning how your aircraft performs.

  • Improving your online progression alongside your pass.

Don't waste currency upgrading several aircraft solely to increase Ace Pass XP.

A powerful hangar is useful for gameplay, but completing the relevant progression objectives is what matters for the pass.

Best Method for PvP Players

Recommended Activity: Co-Op Warfare

Players who enjoy competitive combat can make progress through their preferred mode.

Co-Op Warfare offers opportunities to fight enemy pilots while also engaging NPC units.

However, the most efficient approach is not necessarily maximizing personal kills.

Focus on completing the match and any relevant objectives.

If a challenge requires participating in another mode, decide whether the additional reward justifies changing activities.

Best Method for Reward Collectors

Recommended Approach: Prioritize Challenge Rewards and Specific Ace Pass Levels

Collectors should examine the entire reward track.

Identify which cosmetics are most important.

For example, if you only want the F-22A Chrome Skin, your target is the Premium reward at Level 40.

If you want the Gold Morgan appearance, you'll need Premium access and Level 100.

This changes how much progression is actually necessary.

Not every player needs to complete the entire pass.

Stop treating Level 100 as mandatory unless the rewards you want require it.

Best Method for Players With Premium Plus

Recommended Approach: Make Use of the 30-Level Unlock

Premium Plus immediately unlocks the first 30 levels.

That removes a substantial portion of the normal progression requirement.

However, it doesn't change the fundamental XP mechanics for the remaining levels.

You still earn progress through online missions and challenges.

Use the head start to focus on the higher-level rewards that matter to you instead of assuming Premium Plus guarantees full completion.

How to Use Ace Pass Rewards Efficiently

Season 1 isn't only about earning cosmetic items.

Some rewards help improve your online aircraft and overall multiplayer experience.

Don't Waste Blueprints on Aircraft You Rarely Use

Aircraft progression is separate from the Ace Pass.

If you receive General Purpose Upgrade Blueprints, consider which aircraft you genuinely enjoy flying.

A frequently used aircraft may benefit more from an upgrade than a plane you only purchased for collection purposes.

Look at the requirements for your preferred aircraft before consuming valuable resources.

Use Zoll Contracts for Their Intended Purpose

Zoll is part of online progression.

A Special Zoll Reward Contract can be useful when you're trying to earn more currency for available purchases.

However, earning more Zoll doesn't directly mean you're advancing the Ace Pass faster.

Do not confuse currency farming with seasonal XP farming.

Check COMBAT XP Contracts Carefully

Season 1 also includes Special COMBAT XP Reward Contracts.

Their names distinguish them from Ace Pass XP rewards.

If you want to improve aircraft or combat-related progression, they may be useful.

However, the available official information doesn't confirm that activating one increases Ace Pass points.

Check its actual in-game effect before using it.

Choose Cosmetic Goals Before Spending More

If you're considering purchasing Premium, look at the rewards you actually want.

The Morgan is available at Level 1.

Some additional cosmetics require substantially more progression.

For players interested exclusively in the aircraft, standard Premium may already provide the main benefit.

Premium Plus becomes more attractive when skipping levels is worth the additional cost to you.

Is Premium Ace Pass Worth Buying?

There isn't one answer that fits every player.

Premium value depends on whether you want the playable aircraft, cosmetics, and additional progression resources.

When Premium Makes Sense

Premium is attractive if:

  • You specifically want the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-.

  • You enjoy collecting themed aircraft skins.

  • You want additional emblems and avatar cosmetics.

  • You expect to earn several Premium reward milestones.

  • The extra blueprints and supply resources are useful for your online aircraft progression.

The Morgan is the strongest immediate selling point because it unlocks at Level 1.

You don't need to complete the full track to obtain it.

When the Free Ace Pass Is Enough

The Free track may be sufficient if:

  • You don't particularly want the Morgan.

  • You mainly enjoy online matches rather than collecting cosmetics.

  • You're satisfied with the standard aircraft progression system.

  • You don't want to pay extra for seasonal rewards.

The Free track still contains valuable customization and progression items.

You can enjoy the core multiplayer modes without purchasing Premium.

When Premium Plus Makes Sense

Premium Plus is worth considering when you specifically value skipping 30 levels.

However, a level unlock is not the same as a permanent increase to your XP earnings.

If you're already comfortable progressing through missions and challenges, the additional expense may be unnecessary.

Choose based on the value of the skipped progression rather than assuming it provides stronger aircraft performance.

Does the Deluxe Edition Include the Season 1 Ace Pass?

The Deluxe Edition includes a Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher.

However, the voucher is not automatically tied to Season 1.

Bandai Namco confirms that players can redeem it for a selected eligible season.

That means Deluxe Edition owners have a choice.

You can use the voucher for Season 1 and receive the Morgan plus the Premium Plus benefits.

Alternatively, you can preserve the voucher for another season if those rewards appeal more to you.

The Deluxe Edition voucher does not require you to choose Season 1.

Before redeeming it, check which season is active and confirm that its rewards are the ones you want.

The Deluxe Edition also includes separate cosmetic bonuses.

Those should not be confused with items unlocked through the Season 1 reward track.

Can You Get the Morgan After Season 1?

Bandai Namco has stated that aircraft included in Premium Ace Pass seasons are planned to become available for separate purchase after their associated season ends.

That includes the general policy for aircraft like the Morgan.

However, this should not be interpreted as confirmation of an exact future purchase price or availability arrangement.

The current confirmed method is redeeming the appropriate Season 1 Premium entitlement.

The developer's stated plan is to offer premium aircraft separately afterward.

Other seasonal cosmetics may have different availability rules.

Do not assume every skin, emblem, outfit, or nickname will return.

For collectors who specifically want the seasonal cosmetic collection, the current Premium reward track provides the clearest acquisition path.

Common Ace Pass XP Farming Mistakes

Several mistakes can make seasonal progression slower or less rewarding than expected.

Ignoring Challenges and Only Playing Ordinary Matches

Completed missions grant pass progress, but challenges can contribute significant additional rewards.

If you're trying to advance quickly, check which available objectives provide Ace Pass points.

Don't rely exclusively on the base reward from repeated missions.

Assuming More Kills Always Mean More Pass XP

More kills can improve mission performance and other rewards.

However, early player observations suggest that ordinary Ace Pass points are not directly proportional to personal kills.

Focus on completed missions and eligible challenge rewards rather than sacrificing match success for extra eliminations.

Confusing Aircraft XP With Ace Pass XP

Aircraft experience improves individual aircraft.

Ace Pass XP unlocks seasonal reward levels.

These are separate progression systems.

Improving one doesn't guarantee an identical improvement in the other.

Expecting COMBAT XP Contracts to Multiply Ace Pass XP

The reward track includes COMBAT XP contracts.

But these should not automatically be treated as seasonal XP boosters.

Read their descriptions and confirm which progression system they affect.

Buying Premium Plus Without Checking Existing Progress

Premium Plus grants 30 levels.

If you already have substantial Ace Pass progress, compare the remaining rewards and actual value before purchasing.

Don't assume the extra cost is worthwhile simply because it offers a large level unlock.

Forgetting to Redeem the Deluxe Edition Voucher

Owning the Deluxe Edition and redeeming its Premium Plus voucher are separate considerations.

Check whether you've activated the relevant season entitlement before expecting the Morgan to appear in your online hangar.

Grinding for Rewards You Don't Actually Want

Not everyone needs the Gold Morgan skin or every emblem.

Identify your most valuable rewards.

A player who only wants a mid-track cosmetic may not need to complete all 100 levels.

Choose a sensible progression goal based on what you actually use.

Relying Entirely on Random Special Missions

Scramble and Emergency Sortie can be rewarding.

However, their availability is less predictable.

Don't ignore accessible core missions and straightforward challenges while waiting for a special activity.

Ace Combat 8 Ace Pass Season 1 FAQ

How Many Levels Are in the Ace Combat 8 Ace Pass?

Season 1 contains 100 reward levels.

Both the Free and Premium tracks advance through Ace Pass XP earned in ACE COMBAT ONLINE.

How Do You Earn Ace Pass XP Fast?

Complete eligible online missions and prioritize challenges that award Ace Pass progress.

Early player reports indicate that challenges contribute significantly more progress than relying on ordinary match completion alone.

What Is the Best Mode for Ace Pass XP?

Co-Op Assault is a practical option for consistent PvE gameplay.

However, a universally fastest mode hasn't been established through reliable official XP-per-minute testing.

Complete relevant challenges and choose matches you can finish reliably.

How Much Ace Pass XP Do You Get Per Match?

Early players report approximately 15 Ace Pass points per standard completed online mission, with 100 points needed for a level.

These are community-reported values rather than officially guaranteed rates.

Does Winning Give More Ace Pass XP?

Winning affects certain multiplayer rewards.

However, early community observations suggest that standard pass points can be fixed per completed mission.

There is no verified universal Ace Pass XP multiplier for winning every match.

Can You Earn Ace Pass XP in Campaign Mode?

No.

Bandai Namco describes Ace Pass progression as being earned through ACE COMBAT ONLINE missions.

Campaign MRP and seasonal Ace Pass XP are different systems.

Is the Ace Pass Free?

Yes.

The Free Ace Pass is available without an additional pass purchase.

Premium and Premium Plus are optional paid upgrades.

How Do You Unlock the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-?

Redeem the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass or Premium Ace Pass Plus.

The Morgan is the Level 1 Premium aircraft reward.

Do You Need Level 100 to Get the Morgan?

No.

The Morgan is unlocked through the Season 1 Premium Level 1 reward.

Higher levels provide additional cosmetics and progression resources.

What Does Premium Ace Pass Plus Include?

Premium Plus includes Premium rewards and immediately unlocks 30 Ace Pass levels.

It doesn't provide an entirely separate seasonal reward track.

Does the Deluxe Edition Include Premium Plus?

Yes.

The Deluxe Edition includes a Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher that can be redeemed for an eligible season.

The voucher isn't permanently tied to Season 1.

Can You Use the Morgan in Campaign Mode?

Yes, but only after completing all campaign missions.

Owning the Premium aircraft grants access in Online Mode without removing that campaign restriction.

Are Premium Rewards Pay-to-Win?

Premium includes a playable aircraft and additional upgrade resources, so it offers more than cosmetics alone.

However, Bandai Namco states that aircraft upgrade resources are also obtainable through normal gameplay.

The publisher does not describe Premium as guaranteeing competitive superiority.

How Many Ace Coins Can You Earn?

Bandai Namco confirms that completing the full Free and Premium tracks provides 500 Ace Coins in total.

The individual community-documented rewards place 100 on the Free track and another 400 across Premium milestones.

Can You Buy the Morgan After Season 1?

Bandai Namco plans to make Premium Ace Pass aircraft available through separate purchases after their corresponding seasons.

However, exact future purchase terms have not been confirmed.

Conclusion – How to Get the Most From Ace Combat 8 Season 1

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve offers a substantial collection of Season 1 rewards through its Ace Pass system.

From aircraft skins and classic squadron emblems to upgrade blueprints and avatar cosmetics, both Free and Premium players have rewards worth pursuing.

The most important Premium reward is the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-, which unlocks at Level 1 rather than requiring the entire pass to be completed.

For players who want additional progress immediately, Premium Plus unlocks the first 30 levels.

However, the most important lesson is understanding how Ace Pass progression actually works.

Completing eligible challenges and finishing online missions consistently is more effective than assuming high personal scores automatically grant much more seasonal XP.

Co-Op Assault provides a comfortable option for players who prefer PvE.

Co-Op Warfare offers another route for competitive pilots and can help satisfy specific challenge objectives.

Special missions are worth completing when available, but they shouldn't be treated as guaranteed superior Ace Pass farms.

Before spending money or committing to an extensive grind, decide which rewards matter most.

If you only want the Morgan, the Level 1 Premium unlock may be enough.

If you want every aircraft skin, emblem, and the final Gold Morgan appearance, completing the full reward track becomes much more important.

And if you have a Deluxe Edition voucher, remember that you can choose which eligible season to redeem it for.

For players who want to explore gaming services and additional support for their favorite titles, BoostRoom offers a marketplace built around helping gamers pursue their goals.

Focus on the rewards you actually want, complete worthwhile challenges, and make your time in ACE COMBAT ONLINE count.