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Ace Combat 8 All Aircraft: How to Unlock Every Plane

Discover all 34 aircraft in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve and learn how to unlock every plane. Explore the complete aircraft list, MRP prices, Aircraft Tree requirements, free rewards, and special unlock conditions for advanced fighter jets.

October 10, 202624 min read

How Many Aircraft Are in Ace Combat 8?

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has a reported launch roster of 34 playable aircraft, including 32 base-game aircraft and two additional aircraft tied to special entitlements.

The aircraft are divided into four combat roles:

  • Fighters – 12 aircraft: These planes specialize in air-to-air engagements, interception, and dogfighting. Eleven belong to the base roster, while the F-14A Tomcat is an additional preorder aircraft.

  • Multirole – 13 aircraft: These versatile planes can engage airborne enemies and surface targets. Twelve are part of the base game, while the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- is an additional Premium Ace Pass aircraft.

  • Attackers – 6 aircraft: These aircraft focus on destroying ground installations, armored targets, and ships. They are useful when surface objectives make up a large part of the mission.

  • Electronic Warfare – 3 aircraft: These specialized aircraft provide electronic interference and tactical support, creating opportunities that conventional fighters cannot replicate through firepower alone.

Not every aircraft is immediately available when you start the campaign.

Most require MRP purchases through the Aircraft Tree. A few have different unlock conditions, including campaign completion and bonus-content ownership.

Important: The listed MRP prices are first-copy aircraft costs reported in current post-launch guides. They are not necessarily the full costs of reaching each aircraft through connected Aircraft Tree nodes.

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How the Aircraft Tree Works in Ace Combat 8

The Aircraft Tree is the primary progression system for unlocking planes in Campaign Mode.

Instead of presenting every aircraft as an independent purchase, the game connects aircraft, upgrades, and special weapons through branching paths.

You begin with the F/A-18C Hornet and expand your available aircraft by progressing through these branches.

What Are Military Result Points (MRP)?

Military Result Points are the currency used to purchase aircraft and related upgrades in the campaign.

You earn MRP by completing missions and destroying enemies.

Your earnings depend on mission performance and other factors, including difficulty.

MRP can be spent on:

  • New aircraft: Purchasing an aircraft adds it to your available campaign hangar once the relevant Aircraft Tree requirements are satisfied.

  • Upgrade parts: These modify aircraft capabilities. Some upgrades are useful purchases in their own right, while others also form part of the route toward another aircraft.

  • Special weapons: Different aircraft can equip different weapon options. Unlocking useful equipment can make an aircraft more effective against particular target types.

The Aircraft Tree therefore serves two purposes: expanding your aircraft collection and improving the planes you already own.

Why the Listed Aircraft Price Is Not the Final Cost

Imagine you want to unlock the F-35C Lightning II.

Its reported aircraft price is 550,000 MRP.

However, that amount only covers the F-35C itself.

You also need to purchase the required connecting nodes before the aircraft becomes available.

Those prerequisites can significantly increase the total investment.

Always inspect the complete route to your desired aircraft before spending MRP.

A cheaper plane is not necessarily a better purchase if it sits on a branch you have no intention of completing.

Do Aircraft Purchases Carry Over?

Yes. Aircraft Tree purchases persist across subsequent campaign playthroughs and Free Mission progression.

That means you do not need to obtain every plane during your first campaign run.

You can focus on a useful branch, complete the story, and return to the remaining aircraft later.

This is especially important because the entire Aircraft Tree requires a substantial amount of MRP.

All Ace Combat 8 Multirole Aircraft and Unlock Requirements

Multirole aircraft are among the most versatile options in Ace Combat 8.

They offer different combinations of aerial combat capability and surface-attack weapons, making them attractive for players who want flexibility.

There are 13 multirole aircraft in the wider reported roster, including the Premium Ace Pass Morgan.

F/A-18C Hornet – Free

Unlock Method: Starting aircraft

The F/A-18C Hornet is available from the beginning of the campaign.

You do not need to spend MRP or complete a special challenge to obtain your first copy.

It provides a useful starting platform for learning air-to-air combat and surface attacks.

Tip: You can continue using the Hornet while saving for more advanced aircraft. Replacing it immediately is not necessary.

F-4E Phantom II – 25,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The F-4E Phantom II is one of the least expensive aircraft purchases in the game.

It costs 25,000 MRP for your first copy.

This classic multirole aircraft offers an early alternative to the starting Hornet.

Before purchasing it, inspect whether its branch contributes to another aircraft you want.

Mirage 2000-5 – 130,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Mirage 2000-5 costs 130,000 MRP.

Its balanced speed and maneuverability make it a useful multirole aircraft during campaign progression.

The Mirage is also part of the reported Aircraft Tree route toward the F-35C Lightning II.

That makes it an important purchase for players choosing that progression path.

Su-33 Flanker-D – 180,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Su-33 Flanker-D costs 180,000 MRP.

It is a carrier-capable multirole fighter with strong maneuverability characteristics.

Players interested in naval aviation or aircraft that can handle mixed combat objectives should consider this option.

However, carrier capability alone does not mean it is automatically required for every naval mission.

Su-47 Berkut – 180,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Su-47 Berkut costs 180,000 MRP.

Its forward-swept wings give it a distinctive appearance and strong maneuvering potential.

Although it is categorized as multirole, its handling makes it particularly appealing to players who enjoy aggressive air combat.

It is a worthwhile aircraft for pilots who want something different from conventional fighter designs.

F/A-18E Super Hornet – 240,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet costs 240,000 MRP.

It offers improved capabilities compared with the earlier Hornet and remains a versatile carrier-based aircraft.

The F/A-18E is also one of the reported options on the Aircraft Tree route leading toward the F-35C.

For players already comfortable with the starting Hornet, this is a natural aircraft to consider.

F/A-18F Super Hornet – 240,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet also costs 240,000 MRP.

It is a carrier-capable multirole aircraft designed for varied combat operations.

Current unlock guides report that either Super Hornet variant can be used on the relevant F-35C progression route.

Check the connecting nodes in your own Aircraft Tree before choosing which variant to buy.

Gripen E – 240,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Gripen E costs 240,000 MRP.

This lightweight multirole aircraft combines compact design with versatility across different mission types.

It is a useful choice for pilots who prefer responsive handling.

Before investing, compare its available weapons and Aircraft Tree position against other aircraft in the same price range.

Rafale M – 350,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Rafale M costs 350,000 MRP.

It is a carrier-based multirole aircraft capable of performing aerial and surface-attack missions.

Its versatility makes it attractive to pilots who want one aircraft that can handle different objectives.

The Rafale is worth considering when your preferred missions include naval operations and mixed enemy formations.

Su-35S Flanker-E – 350,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Su-35S Flanker-E costs 350,000 MRP.

It combines thrust-vectoring maneuverability with air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.

This makes it appealing to players who enjoy fighter-style combat but still want multirole flexibility.

It is one of the stronger conventional options before reaching the most expensive aircraft tier.

F-35C Lightning II – 550,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Advanced Aircraft Tree

The F-35C Lightning II costs 550,000 MRP for its first copy.

It is a high-end carrier-capable multirole aircraft with stealth capabilities.

Unlock requirements:

  • Reach the F-35C through the connected Aircraft Tree branch.

  • Purchase the required aircraft and connecting nodes.

  • Accumulate the additional 550,000 MRP for the F-35C itself.

The F-35C also matters for endgame progression because owning it can satisfy the reported aircraft prerequisite for the X-40 Nightmare.

X-40 Nightmare – 1,000,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Post-campaign Aircraft Tree

The X-40 Nightmare is the most expensive aircraft in the reported launch roster.

Its first-copy purchase price is 1,000,000 MRP.

Unlike conventional Aircraft Tree purchases, the X-40 requires additional progression.

To unlock it:

  • Complete the main campaign, including Mission 30.

  • Own at least one of the following aircraft: F-22A Raptor, F-35C Lightning II, or Su-57 Felon.

  • Reach and purchase the necessary Aircraft Tree nodes.

  • Spend 1,000,000 MRP on the X-40 Nightmare.

Its advanced weapon systems make it an appealing endgame aircraft, but it should not be treated as an ordinary first-playthrough unlock.

ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- – Premium Ace Pass

Unlock Method: Season 1 Premium Ace Pass entitlement

The ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- does not have a normal Aircraft Tree MRP price.

It is connected to the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass in Ace Combat Online.

The aircraft is available as the Level 1 Premium Ace Pass reward.

Bandai Namco also confirms that owning the Morgan does not immediately make it usable throughout an unfinished campaign.

Campaign restriction: You must complete all campaign missions before using the Morgan in Campaign Mode.

This is a premium-content aircraft, not a standard MRP unlock.

All Ace Combat 8 Fighter Aircraft and Unlock Requirements

Fighters specialize in attacking airborne enemies.

These aircraft are particularly useful when missions involve enemy fighter formations, interceptors, or dangerous pilots.

There are 12 fighters in the wider reported roster, including the preorder F-14A Tomcat.

MiG-21bis Fishbed – 25,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The MiG-21bis Fishbed costs 25,000 MRP.

It is a lightweight fighter with distinctive maneuverability characteristics.

Its relatively low price makes it accessible early in campaign progression.

However, its handling may require practice, so do not assume that its low cost makes it the easiest aircraft to fly.

F-14D Super Tomcat – 90,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The F-14D Super Tomcat costs 90,000 MRP.

This carrier-based fighter is known for its variable-sweep wings and long-range interception capabilities.

It is a good option for pilots who enjoy traditional fighter aircraft and engaging aerial targets.

Important: The F-14D is a separate aircraft from the preorder F-14A. You can obtain the F-14D through normal Aircraft Tree progression.

MiG-29A Fulcrum – 130,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The MiG-29A Fulcrum costs 130,000 MRP.

It specializes in aerial combat and offers strong turning capabilities.

Players who enjoy close-range dogfighting may find it attractive.

The MiG-29A provides another fighter option without requiring the large MRP investment associated with advanced aircraft.

MiG-31B Foxhound – 130,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The MiG-31B Foxhound costs 130,000 MRP.

It is a high-speed interceptor designed around engaging airborne threats.

Its strengths differ from those of highly maneuverable dogfighters.

Consider the Foxhound when interception performance is more important to your preferred combat style than extremely tight turning.

F-16C Fighting Falcon – 180,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The F-16C Fighting Falcon costs 180,000 MRP.

This lightweight fighter combines agility with dependable aerial combat characteristics.

It is a useful aircraft for developing fighter-focused gameplay without immediately investing in advanced stealth aircraft.

Before purchasing it, check whether its branch contributes to your desired endgame fighter.

F-15C Eagle – 240,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The F-15C Eagle costs 240,000 MRP.

It is a dedicated air-superiority fighter offering strong speed, maneuverability, and endurance.

Pilots who prefer conventional fighter engagements may find it a valuable investment.

The F-15C is also worth considering as a step toward more advanced aircraft, depending on your Aircraft Tree route.

F-15J Eagle – 240,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The F-15J Eagle costs 240,000 MRP.

It is another member of the Eagle fighter family, featuring updated avionics and aerial combat capabilities.

Although it shares similarities with the F-15C, it is listed as a separate playable aircraft.

Collectors must obtain both variants if they want to complete the roster.

Typhoon – 350,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Typhoon costs 350,000 MRP.

It is a highly capable fighter with strong maneuverability and versatile armament characteristics.

The Typhoon is a sensible aircraft to consider when moving toward advanced fighter progression.

Its position in the Aircraft Tree should determine whether it fits your preferred route.

F-22A Raptor – 550,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Advanced Aircraft Tree

The F-22A Raptor costs 550,000 MRP.

This advanced stealth fighter is one of the most recognizable high-end aircraft in Ace Combat 8.

To unlock it:

  • Locate the F-22A branch in the Aircraft Tree.

  • Purchase the required predecessor nodes.

  • Accumulate the 550,000 MRP needed for the aircraft itself.

Owning the F-22A can also satisfy the reported advanced-aircraft prerequisite for unlocking the X-40 Nightmare after completing the campaign.

Su-57 Felon – 550,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Advanced Aircraft Tree

The Su-57 Felon costs 550,000 MRP.

It is another high-end stealth fighter with exceptional maneuverability potential.

The Su-57 is obtained through the Aircraft Tree rather than through a special campaign reward.

Its unlock process requires reaching the necessary nodes and paying the aircraft's purchase price.

Like the F-22A, it can satisfy the reported ownership requirement for the X-40 Nightmare.

FA-36 Game – 750,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Post-campaign Aircraft Tree

The FA-36 Game is an original advanced fighter in Ace Combat 8.

It costs 750,000 MRP.

You cannot purchase it through ordinary early campaign progression.

To unlock the FA-36 Game:

  • Complete Mission 30 and finish the main campaign.

  • Access its newly available Aircraft Tree progression.

  • Purchase any required connecting nodes.

  • Spend 750,000 MRP on the aircraft.

The FA-36 is an advanced option for players who have already completed the campaign.

F-14A Tomcat – Preorder Bonus

Unlock Method: Eligible preorder entitlement

The F-14A Tomcat was included as a preorder bonus for Ace Combat 8.

It is not a standard MRP purchase.

Players who received the appropriate preorder entitlement can access the aircraft through that bonus content.

Do not confuse it with the F-14D Super Tomcat.

The F-14D remains available through normal progression for 90,000 MRP.

If you purchased the game after the preorder period, the F-14A is not confirmed as obtainable through regular campaign grinding.

All Ace Combat 8 Attacker Aircraft and Unlock Requirements

Attackers specialize in destroying ground and naval targets.

They are useful when missions contain large numbers of surface objectives, but they may be less comfortable in demanding air-to-air engagements.

There are six attacker aircraft in the reported base-game roster.

A-6E Intruder – Free

Unlock Method: Complete Mission 14

The A-6E Intruder is one of the most important free aircraft rewards.

You obtain it after completing Mission 14: Two on the Run.

During that mission, the story places you in an unarmed A-6E.

After completing the mission, your first A-6E becomes available without a normal MRP purchase.

This is especially useful for players who want access to an attacker without spending resources on another aircraft branch.

Su-25SM Frogfoot – 90,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Su-25SM Frogfoot costs 90,000 MRP.

It specializes in close air support and ground attacks.

Its rugged design makes it an interesting choice for players who enjoy missions focused on surface targets.

However, purchasing it early is optional because the campaign provides the A-6E Intruder later as a free reward.

F-2A – 130,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The F-2A costs 130,000 MRP.

It is categorized as an attacker in Ace Combat 8, despite having characteristics associated with multirole fighters.

The aircraft is particularly associated with maritime strike capabilities.

Players interested in attacking naval targets may find it worth considering.

A-10C Thunderbolt II – 180,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The A-10C Thunderbolt II costs 180,000 MRP.

It is a dedicated ground-attack aircraft known for durability and heavy weaponry.

The A-10C is particularly attractive for missions involving numerous surface targets.

However, its specialized role means it may be less suitable for missions dominated by fast enemy fighters.

Su-34 Fullback – 240,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The Su-34 Fullback costs 240,000 MRP.

This aircraft combines strike capabilities with enough defensive equipment to engage airborne threats when necessary.

It is a worthwhile option for players who want a heavily armed attacker without completely sacrificing fighter-related capabilities.

The Su-34 remains an Aircraft Tree purchase rather than a mission-specific reward.

F-15E Strike Eagle – 350,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The F-15E Strike Eagle costs 350,000 MRP.

It is an advanced strike aircraft designed to carry heavier attack payloads while retaining aerial combat capabilities.

The F-15E is one of the most expensive conventional attacker aircraft.

Players interested in surface-heavy missions should inspect its Aircraft Tree requirements before deciding whether it is worth the investment.

All Ace Combat 8 Electronic Warfare Aircraft

Electronic Warfare aircraft focus on tactical support and disrupting enemy defensive capabilities.

They provide options beyond simply carrying more missiles or increasing aircraft speed.

There are three electronic-warfare aircraft in the reported base-game roster.

EA-6B Prowler – 90,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The EA-6B Prowler costs 90,000 MRP.

It is an electronic-warfare aircraft derived from the A-6 family.

Its role includes interference, reconnaissance support, and operations against enemy defense networks.

The Prowler provides an accessible way to expand your hangar into electronic warfare.

EA-18G Growler – 350,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Aircraft Tree

The EA-18G Growler costs 350,000 MRP.

It is based on the Super Hornet and combines electronic-warfare capabilities with offensive equipment.

The Growler is especially relevant because current Aircraft Tree guides place it on the route leading toward the F-35C Lightning II.

That gives it value beyond its specialized combat role.

EA-36 Barricader – 750,000 MRP

Unlock Method: Post-campaign Aircraft Tree

The EA-36 Barricader costs 750,000 MRP.

It is an advanced electronic-warfare aircraft associated with the FA-36 design.

The Barricader only becomes available through post-campaign progression.

To obtain it:

  • Complete the main campaign through Mission 30.

  • Find its available branch in the Aircraft Tree.

  • Purchase the required connecting nodes.

  • Spend 750,000 MRP on the aircraft.

The EA-36 is a specialist endgame purchase rather than an essential starting aircraft.

How to Unlock the F-22A, F-35C, and Su-57

The F-22A Raptor, F-35C Lightning II, and Su-57 Felon are three important aircraft progression goals.

Each costs 550,000 MRP, excluding prerequisite purchases.

They are also relevant to the reported unlock conditions for the X-40 Nightmare.

How to Unlock the F-22A Raptor

Open the Aircraft Tree and locate the F-22A Raptor.

Inspect the connected nodes leading to it.

Purchase the required aircraft, weapons, and upgrade parts along the available route.

Once those requirements are satisfied, purchase the F-22A for 550,000 MRP.

Tip: The F-22A is a sensible progression target if you primarily enjoy fighting enemy aircraft.

How to Unlock the F-35C Lightning II

Current post-launch guides report the following aircraft sequence as a route to the F-35C:

  • F/A-18C Hornet: Free starting aircraft.

  • Mirage 2000-5: 130,000 MRP.

  • F/A-18E or F/A-18F Super Hornet: 240,000 MRP.

  • EA-18G Growler: 350,000 MRP.

  • F-35C Lightning II: 550,000 MRP.

The four paid aircraft in this reported route total 1,270,000 MRP.

However, that does not include the connecting upgrade parts or special weapons required by the Aircraft Tree.

Check the branch directly in your game to confirm the exact nodes and total purchase cost.

This route is attractive because several of its aircraft offer useful capabilities before you reach the F-35C.

How to Unlock the Su-57 Felon

Find the Su-57 branch in the Aircraft Tree.

Trace the required connections backward to aircraft you already own.

Purchase the necessary nodes until the Su-57 becomes available.

The aircraft itself costs 550,000 MRP.

Unlike the FA-36, EA-36, and X-40, the Su-57 is not listed as requiring campaign completion before purchase.

Important: A fully verified node-by-node route for every Aircraft Tree branch has not been established in the available references. Your in-game Aircraft Tree remains the final authority for individual prerequisites.

How to Unlock the Secret and Post-Campaign Aircraft

Three advanced base-game aircraft are associated with completing the main campaign.

These are the FA-36 Game, EA-36 Barricader, and X-40 Nightmare.

Complete Mission 30

The main story concludes with Mission 30: Song of Wings.

Current post-launch unlock guides identify completing this mission as the requirement for making the three advanced aircraft available through post-campaign progression.

Finishing the campaign does not automatically give you all three aircraft.

You still need to satisfy their purchase requirements.

Purchase the FA-36 Game

After completing the campaign, find the FA-36 Game in the Aircraft Tree.

The aircraft costs 750,000 MRP.

Purchase the necessary connecting nodes and the aircraft itself.

Purchase the EA-36 Barricader

The EA-36 Barricader also becomes available through post-campaign Aircraft Tree progression.

It costs 750,000 MRP.

Like the FA-36, it must be purchased rather than being automatically awarded for completing the final mission.

Purchase the X-40 Nightmare

The X-40 Nightmare has an additional reported requirement.

You must own at least one of these three aircraft:

  • F-22A Raptor

  • F-35C Lightning II

  • Su-57 Felon

After completing the campaign and satisfying this ownership condition, you can work through the necessary tree nodes and purchase the X-40 for 1,000,000 MRP.

If your ultimate goal is the X-40, building toward one of the three 550,000-MRP aircraft is a practical way to prepare for that unlock.

How to Get the F-14A Tomcat and ADFX-02 Morgan

The two additional aircraft have different acquisition rules from standard Aircraft Tree planes.

Neither is unlocked simply by saving enough campaign MRP.

How to Get the F-14A Tomcat

The F-14A Tomcat was offered as an eligible preorder bonus.

Players who received this entitlement can access the aircraft through their bonus content.

If the aircraft is missing, check whether your game purchase included the preorder bonus and whether the relevant content has been installed or redeemed.

There is currently no confirmed standard MRP route for players who missed the bonus.

The F-14D Super Tomcat remains a separate Aircraft Tree alternative.

How to Get the ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-

The ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- is tied to Season 1 of the Premium Ace Pass.

Bandai Namco confirms that players who redeem the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass or Premium Ace Pass Plus can unlock the Morgan.

The Deluxe Edition includes a Premium Ace Pass Plus voucher, but the voucher is not automatically restricted to Season 1.

You must redeem it for the relevant season to receive that season's aircraft entitlement.

Important differences:

  • The Morgan is not a normal campaign MRP purchase.

  • It is available as a Season 1 Premium Ace Pass reward.

  • Campaign use requires completing all campaign missions.

  • Bandai Namco plans to offer Premium Ace Pass aircraft separately after their respective seasons, but that is a planned availability route rather than a normal free unlock.

Do not assume that completing the campaign alone grants the Morgan.

How Much MRP Do You Need to Unlock Every Aircraft?

According to current post-launch aircraft price lists, purchasing all 30 paid base-game aircraft costs 8,900,000 MRP in direct aircraft purchases.

That total does not include every expense required for a completely unlocked Aircraft Tree.

Your actual spending can be higher because the tree also contains upgrade parts and special weapons.

Aircraft Purchase Prices by Tier

Here are the reported direct aircraft purchase costs:

  • 25,000 MRP: F-4E Phantom II and MiG-21bis Fishbed.

  • 90,000 MRP: F-14D Super Tomcat, Su-25SM Frogfoot, and EA-6B Prowler.

  • 130,000 MRP: Mirage 2000-5, MiG-29A Fulcrum, MiG-31B Foxhound, and F-2A.

  • 180,000 MRP: Su-33 Flanker-D, Su-47 Berkut, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and A-10C Thunderbolt II.

  • 240,000 MRP: F/A-18E Super Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, Gripen E, F-15C Eagle, F-15J Eagle, and Su-34 Fullback.

  • 350,000 MRP: Rafale M, Su-35S Flanker-E, Typhoon, F-15E Strike Eagle, and EA-18G Growler.

  • 550,000 MRP: F-22A Raptor, F-35C Lightning II, and Su-57 Felon.

  • 750,000 MRP: FA-36 Game and EA-36 Barricader.

  • 1,000,000 MRP: X-40 Nightmare.

The starting F/A-18C Hornet and the Mission 14 A-6E Intruder are free.

The F-14A and Morgan are additional aircraft with separate entitlement requirements.

Why Your Full Aircraft Tree Costs More

The 8.9 million MRP total represents aircraft purchases only.

It does not cover every connecting upgrade part or special weapon.

Some of these additional purchases are required to progress through the tree.

Others may be optional depending on the path you choose.

For that reason, do not treat 8.9 million MRP as a guaranteed all-inclusive collection budget.

How to Earn MRP for Aircraft Unlocks

Unlocking every aircraft requires a substantial amount of MRP, especially if you want to purchase upgrades along the way.

The most reliable approach is to combine efficient mission completion with sensible spending.

Complete Campaign Missions

Campaign progression is the foundation of your Aircraft Tree development.

Completing missions awards MRP while also advancing the story.

You can increase your earnings by destroying additional worthwhile targets, provided doing so does not put the mission objective at risk.

A successful mission completion is more valuable than chasing unnecessary targets and failing the sortie.

Use Free Mission Mode

After completing the campaign, Free Mission becomes particularly useful for aircraft collection.

It allows you to replay missions with your existing hangar progression.

This makes it easier to choose aircraft and weapon configurations that suit the targets in a specific mission.

Free Mission is also useful for collecting MRP while working toward other completion goals.

Consider Mission 28 for MRP Farming

Current post-launch farming guides identify Mission 28: A Thousand Points of Light as a strong option for earning MRP.

The mission contains numerous enemy aircraft, providing opportunities to accumulate rewards through air combat.

Guides also identify the Cima Island airstrip as a rearming opportunity during this mission.

If you choose this method, use an aircraft with effective air-to-air weapons and concentrate on completing the mission successfully.

The most efficient method still depends on your aircraft, equipment, skill level, and chosen difficulty.

Choose a Difficulty You Can Complete Reliably

Higher difficulty settings can increase MRP rewards.

However, a harder mission is not necessarily a better farming option if you repeatedly fail it.

Choose a difficulty that allows you to complete missions consistently.

A reliable clear is more valuable than a potentially larger reward that you cannot regularly obtain.

Campaign Aircraft vs. Ace Combat Online Unlocks

One important distinction can cause confusion when players try to unlock every aircraft.

Campaign Mode and Ace Combat Online use separate aircraft progression systems.

Although the two modes share the same wider aircraft roster, unlocking a plane in Campaign Mode does not automatically unlock it for your online mercenary progression.

Campaign Mode Aircraft Unlocks

Campaign progression primarily uses MRP and the Aircraft Tree.

Players obtain most aircraft by purchasing connected nodes.

Certain aircraft have additional requirements, including campaign mission completion or special content ownership.

Ace Combat Online Aircraft Unlocks

Ace Combat Online has its own aircraft acquisition system.

Bandai Namco confirms that players earn aircraft through progression and rewards associated with their online mercenary activities.

The mode also has the Ace Pass system, which provides additional rewards.

However, the exact online unlock condition for every standard aircraft is not fully established in the available official information.

Do not assume that a campaign aircraft's MRP price represents its online unlock requirement.

If you primarily play Online Mode, inspect its own aircraft progression and reward information rather than relying on Campaign Aircraft Tree prices.

Common Mistakes When Unlocking Aircraft

Trying to unlock every plane without planning can result in unnecessary spending.

Avoid these mistakes when expanding your hangar.

Buying Aircraft Without Checking Their Tree Branch

An aircraft may be affordable but positioned on a route that does not lead toward your main goal.

Before purchasing, inspect the connected nodes.

A useful purchase should either improve your current gameplay or contribute toward a desired unlock.

Ignoring Upgrade Part Costs

A 550,000-MRP aircraft may require much more than 550,000 MRP in total progression spending.

Do not calculate your budget using the final aircraft price alone.

Always consider the connecting purchases.

Assuming All Aircraft Are Available Immediately

Some aircraft require specific campaign milestones.

The FA-36 Game, EA-36 Barricader, and X-40 Nightmare are post-campaign purchases.

The Morgan also has restrictions on when it becomes usable in the campaign.

Understanding these conditions prevents wasted effort.

Confusing the F-14A With the F-14D

The F-14A Tomcat and F-14D Super Tomcat are separate aircraft.

The F-14A is associated with the preorder bonus.

The F-14D is available through the normal Aircraft Tree for 90,000 MRP.

Buying the F-14D does not automatically grant the F-14A.

Trying to Unlock Online Aircraft With Campaign MRP

Campaign and Online Mode progression are separate.

Even if you own a particular aircraft in the campaign, it may still require online progression before becoming available in Ace Combat Online.

Always check which mode you are upgrading.

Ace Combat 8 All Aircraft FAQ

How Many Planes Can You Unlock in Ace Combat 8?

The reported launch roster contains 34 playable aircraft.

This includes 32 base-game planes and two additional aircraft: the preorder F-14A Tomcat and the Season 1 Premium Ace Pass ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY-.

Can You Unlock Every Aircraft for Free?

You can obtain the 32 base-game aircraft through gameplay progression using earned MRP and campaign rewards.

However, the additional F-14A and Morgan have separate entitlement requirements.

Neither has a confirmed normal campaign MRP unlock route.

What Is the First Aircraft You Unlock?

The F/A-18C Hornet is your starting aircraft.

It is available without spending MRP.

How Do You Unlock the A-6E Intruder?

Complete Mission 14: Two on the Run.

Your first A-6E Intruder becomes available for free after completing that campaign mission.

How Do You Unlock the F-22A Raptor?

Reach the F-22A through the connected Aircraft Tree nodes and purchase it for 550,000 MRP.

The full route costs more when prerequisite purchases are included.

How Do You Unlock the X-40 Nightmare?

Complete the main campaign, own an F-22A, F-35C, or Su-57, and satisfy the X-40's Aircraft Tree requirements.

The aircraft itself costs 1,000,000 MRP.

How Much MRP Is Needed for All Aircraft?

Current post-launch price lists total 8,900,000 MRP for the 30 paid base-game aircraft.

That excludes connecting upgrade parts, special weapons, and additional aircraft with separate entitlement requirements.

Can You Unlock Aircraft After Finishing the Campaign?

Yes.

Aircraft Tree progression carries over, and Free Mission allows players to continue earning MRP.

Several advanced aircraft also become available after completing the main campaign.

Does Unlocking an Aircraft in Campaign Unlock It Online?

No.

Campaign Mode and Ace Combat Online have separate progression systems.

The aircraft roster is shared, but the unlock methods are different.

Can You Unlock the Morgan Without the Premium Ace Pass?

The ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- is a Season 1 Premium Ace Pass aircraft.

Bandai Namco has stated that Premium Ace Pass aircraft are planned to become available through separate purchases after their seasons end.

There is no confirmed standard campaign MRP unlock for the Morgan.

Conclusion – How to Unlock Every Plane in Ace Combat 8

Collecting every aircraft in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a major progression goal, but understanding the unlock requirements makes it much easier to manage.

The game offers 32 base-game aircraft, with two additional aircraft associated with preorder and Premium Ace Pass content.

Most planes are purchased through the Aircraft Tree using MRP.

However, the F/A-18C Hornet is available immediately, the A-6E Intruder becomes a free reward after Mission 14, and three advanced aircraft become available through post-campaign progression.

The key to unlocking your favorite aircraft efficiently is planning your Aircraft Tree purchases before spending large amounts of MRP.

Choose the aircraft you want, inspect its connected nodes, and calculate the costs of reaching it rather than focusing only on the final purchase price.

For players aiming to unlock everything, Free Mission progression and careful resource management will become especially valuable.

And remember that bonus aircraft have their own acquisition requirements, while Ace Combat Online uses a separate progression system.

Whether you're working toward your first advanced fighter or completing your entire hangar, understanding these differences will help you avoid unnecessary purchases and make better progression decisions.

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Build your hangar with a clear plan, invest your MRP wisely, and keep working toward the aircraft collection you want.