Discover the best planes in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve with our aircraft tier list. Compare top fighter jets, multirole aircraft, and specialist planes to find the strongest choices for dogfighting, campaign missions, and multiplayer.
Choosing the best aircraft in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is about more than picking the fastest jet or the most expensive aircraft in your hangar.
Some planes dominate close-range dogfights. Others perform better when destroying ground installations, attacking warships, or engaging several enemy aircraft. A powerful fighter can still be the wrong choice if its available weapons do not match your objectives.
The best plane is the one that combines strong performance, useful weapons, and the right capabilities for your mission.
Ace Combat 8 features four main aircraft roles:
Fighter: Designed primarily for aerial combat. Fighters are strong choices for intercepting enemies, engaging hostile squadrons, and dealing with dangerous enemy pilots. They are particularly attractive to players who enjoy high-speed dogfighting.
Multirole: Built for flexibility. These aircraft can handle different combat situations, making them especially useful when a mission includes both airborne enemies and surface targets. They are often the safest investment for players who want one dependable aircraft.
Attacker: Focused on destroying ground and naval targets. Attackers become valuable when a mission demands repeated strikes against surface defenses or heavily protected objectives. Their specialization can make them less comfortable in demanding fighter engagements.
Electronic Warfare: Focused on tactical support, interference, and enemy defense systems. Electronic-warfare aircraft offer advantages that cannot be measured purely through speed or damage.
Aircraft performance also depends on special weapons, upgrade parts, handling, and player skill.
A plane that feels exceptional in experienced hands might be difficult for a beginner to control. Likewise, a supposedly weaker aircraft can perform extremely well when its weapons match the mission.
Our Ace Combat 8 aircraft tier list considers overall versatility, combat effectiveness, weapon options, aircraft roles, and practical usefulness rather than treating raw speed as the only deciding factor.
The following rankings cover the game's 34-aircraft launch roster, including bonus and specialist aircraft.
These rankings evaluate general usefulness across available combat situations. Specialized aircraft can outperform higher-ranked planes in missions designed around their strengths.
These planes offer outstanding combat potential, strong weapon combinations, or exceptional capabilities within their intended roles.
F-22A Raptor – Best overall air-superiority fighter.
F-35C Lightning II – Best all-around multirole aircraft.
Su-57 Felon – Exceptional high-end fighter with versatile weapons.
FA-36 Game – Elite post-campaign fighter.
Su-47 Berkut – Outstanding maneuverability and close-combat potential.
Su-35S Flanker-E – Excellent mix of agility and multirole firepower.
X-40 Nightmare – Powerful experimental endgame aircraft.
ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- – Premium Ace Pass aircraft with unusual special-weapon capabilities.
EA-36 Barricader – Top-tier specialist for electronic-warfare support.
The EA-36 earns its position for specialized support rather than conventional dogfighting. Likewise, the X-40, FA-36, and Morgan have availability restrictions that prevent them from being normal starting choices.
These planes remain competitive and often offer better value or accessibility than expensive endgame alternatives.
Typhoon – Versatile fighter with excellent weapon coverage.
Rafale M – Strong carrier-based multirole aircraft.
F/A-18E Super Hornet – Dependable aircraft for mixed combat.
F/A-18F Super Hornet – Flexible platform with useful strike capabilities.
F-15C Eagle – Excellent conventional air-superiority fighter.
F-15J Eagle – Powerful fighter with strong interception capabilities.
Gripen E – Agile and versatile aircraft that rewards precise flying.
F-14D Super Tomcat – Strong long-range fighter with carrier utility.
These aircraft are not dramatically inferior to S-Tier choices in every situation.
For example, the Rafale M or Super Hornet may be more practical than a specialized fighter when naval targets and aircraft appear in the same mission.
These aircraft can perform very well with the right weapons, mission selection, and pilot.
F/A-18C Hornet
Mirage 2000-5
F-16C Fighting Falcon
MiG-29A Fulcrum
Su-33 Flanker-D
F-15E Strike Eagle
F-2A
EA-18G Growler
A-10C Thunderbolt II
Several B-Tier aircraft deserve special attention.
The F-15E and A-10C, for example, become much more attractive during ground-heavy operations. The EA-18G provides electronic-warfare support that a conventional fighter cannot simply replace.
B-Tier does not mean bad. It means the aircraft generally needs a suitable mission or loadout to reach its full potential.
These planes have limited overall versatility compared with more advanced alternatives, although some remain effective in their intended roles.
F-14A Tomcat
MiG-31B Foxhound
Su-34 Fullback
Su-25SM Frogfoot
EA-6B Prowler
A-6E Intruder
MiG-21bis Fishbed
F-4E Phantom II
An important distinction: these are general-purpose rankings, not judgments about historical aircraft quality.
The MiG-31B is useful as a high-speed interceptor, while the Su-34 is designed for attacking surface targets. They simply offer less flexibility than our leading picks across the broader range of combat situations.
The F-22A Raptor is our top recommendation for pilots who want to dominate air-to-air combat.
It combines excellent maneuverability, stealth-oriented design, and powerful weapons in an aircraft built around defeating enemy fighters.
The Raptor is particularly attractive when fighting dangerous pilots who can punish slow turns, poor positioning, or predictable missile attacks.
Its available special weapons include QAAM, 4AAM, and XSDB, giving it more flexibility than a fighter focused exclusively on single-target engagements.
Why the F-22A is S-Tier:
Excellent dogfighting potential: Its maneuverability helps experienced pilots maintain pressure during close engagements. Strong positioning remains essential, but the aircraft gives you the handling to exploit enemy mistakes.
Strong air-to-air weapons: QAAM offers a useful option against demanding aerial targets, while 4AAM supports engagements involving multiple aircraft. Weapon selection should reflect the enemies you expect to encounter.
Some ground-attack flexibility: XSDB gives the Raptor an option against surface targets. However, the F-22A remains most attractive when airborne threats are the main concern.
The biggest limitation is specialization.
Although the F-22A can handle more than fighter combat, players primarily interested in mixed surface and aerial objectives may prefer the F-35C.
Best for: Dogfighting, air superiority, fighter-heavy missions, and competitive pilots.
Verdict: The F-22A is our best pure fighter recommendation in Ace Combat 8.
The F-35C Lightning II is arguably the smartest all-around aircraft investment in Ace Combat 8.
Unlike dedicated fighters that prioritize aerial combat, the F-35C is designed to handle multiple mission types without giving up its ability to fight enemy aircraft.
Its carrier-based design also makes it particularly relevant to the game's naval aviation focus.
The F-35C offers LACM, HCAA, and 8AGM weapon options, supporting different approaches to both aerial and surface combat.
Why the F-35C is S-Tier:
Excellent mission flexibility: It can handle mixed objectives where enemies appear in the air and on the surface. This reduces the need to rely on a highly specialized aircraft.
Strong surface-attack options: LACM and 8AGM give players useful approaches to attacking distant targets or groups of ground enemies, depending on the encounter.
Carrier compatibility: This matters when mission aircraft restrictions favor carrier-capable planes. A strong carrier aircraft can be more useful than a supposedly superior fighter that cannot be selected.
The F-35C is also a comfortable long-term destination for players building their Aircraft Tree around a versatile aircraft.
It may not match the F-22A as our preferred dedicated dogfighter, but the range of jobs it performs makes it exceptionally valuable.
Best for: Mixed missions, carrier operations, surface attacks, and general-purpose flying.
Verdict: If you want one high-end plane that handles almost everything, choose the F-35C.
The Su-57 Felon is an excellent alternative to the Raptor.
It combines high maneuverability with a weapon selection that allows players to approach more than one type of objective.
Bandai Namco identifies the Su-57 as a fighter and highlights its stealth-oriented design and thrust-vectoring control.
Its available special weapons include QAAM, HCAA, and LACM.
That combination makes it particularly interesting for pilots who want strong aerial performance without being completely dependent on short-range fighter engagements.
Why the Su-57 is S-Tier:
Outstanding maneuverability: The aircraft is designed around high-end air combat. Pilots who understand positioning and speed management can make good use of its handling characteristics.
Flexible combat weapons: QAAM and HCAA support aerial engagements, while LACM gives it a useful option when surface targets become important.
High-end combat potential: Its overall package makes it a serious alternative to the F-22A rather than simply another aircraft on the way to a better purchase.
The Su-57 rewards players who can switch between aggressive fighter combat and more measured attacks.
However, having flexible weapons does not mean one loadout will be perfect for every situation. Always inspect the mission and available weapon configuration before deploying.
Best for: Advanced dogfighting, air superiority, and fighter-focused pilots who want additional attack flexibility.
Verdict: One of the strongest aircraft choices for players who enjoy aggressive aerial combat.
The FA-36 Game is one of Ace Combat 8's original high-end aircraft.
Unlike the real-world fighters that make up much of the roster, it represents a fictional advanced aircraft with exceptional combat potential.
The FA-36 has SASM, HPAA, and SOD weapon options, giving players several ways to approach challenging encounters.
Its combination of advanced performance and varied weapon choices makes it particularly interesting once the normal campaign Aircraft Tree is no longer the main limitation.
Why the FA-36 is S-Tier:
High-end fighter capabilities: It offers a strong platform for demanding aerial engagements where maneuverability and accurate attacks matter.
Versatile special weapons: Its weapon selection supports different engagement approaches instead of forcing a single combat style.
Strong endgame appeal: It is a worthwhile choice for experienced players looking to expand beyond conventional fighters.
There is an important restriction: the FA-36 becomes an Aircraft Tree purchase after completing the main campaign.
That makes it unsuitable as a first-playthrough purchasing target that you expect to fly immediately.
Best for: Post-campaign missions, experienced pilots, and advanced fighter builds.
Verdict: An excellent endgame fighter, but not a replacement for practical aircraft progression.
The Su-47 Berkut stands out because of its distinctive forward-swept wings and maneuverability.
Players who enjoy close-range fighting and controlling the direction of a dogfight will find it particularly interesting.
The Berkut is officially categorized as a multirole aircraft, meaning it brings more to the table than unusual handling.
Its listed special weapons include SAAM, UGB, and HPAA.
Why the Su-47 is S-Tier:
Exceptional maneuvering potential: Its handling makes it appealing to players who prefer close engagements and frequent changes in direction.
Useful weapon variety: The combination of aerial weapons and unguided bombs offers different approaches to mission objectives.
Strong overall value: It provides high combat potential without requiring the same aircraft purchase cost as the most expensive conventional fighters.
However, aggressive flying does not automatically translate into better results.
Pilots who repeatedly overcorrect, lose speed unnecessarily, or force close engagements may struggle to use its capabilities effectively.
The Berkut is most rewarding when the pilot already understands how to manage speed, positioning, and missile opportunities.
Best for: Experienced dogfighters, maneuver-focused pilots, and aggressive multirole play.
Verdict: One of the most enjoyable high-performance aircraft for players comfortable with demanding aerial combat.
The Su-35S Flanker-E offers an excellent balance between maneuverability, firepower, and mission flexibility.
Although categorized as multirole, it retains strong fighter characteristics.
Its thrust-vectoring design and advanced avionics are highlighted in Bandai Namco's aircraft description, while its combination of aerial and ground-attack options makes it a practical combat platform.
Available weapon options include 6AAM, LAGM, and HVAA.
Why the Su-35S is S-Tier:
Strong dogfighting capability: The aircraft offers the maneuverability needed to remain dangerous in close air combat.
Multiple engagement options: Its weapons support different target types and engagement distances, giving the pilot more tactical flexibility.
Excellent compromise between roles: It appeals to players who want a maneuverable fighter but do not want to sacrifice all surface-attack potential.
Compared with the F-35C, the Su-35S is especially attractive to pilots who place greater value on fighter-style handling.
Compared with the F-22A, it offers a different balance of weapons and multirole utility.
Best for: Mixed combat, aggressive flying, and players who enjoy maneuverable multirole aircraft.
Verdict: A top-tier choice for pilots who want fighter performance and broader mission flexibility.
The X-40 Nightmare is one of the most unusual aircraft available in Ace Combat 8.
Rather than relying on a conventional fighter weapon package, it features advanced weapon options including UAVT, EMLB, and QAAM.
These systems make it particularly appealing to players who want to experiment with different approaches to combat.
The X-40 is categorized as multirole, but its overall appeal comes from its distinctive advanced capabilities.
Why the X-40 is S-Tier:
Unusual weapon systems: Its equipment enables combat approaches that differ from the conventional missiles and bombs of many other aircraft.
Advanced build potential: Experienced pilots can explore how its weapon options fit different targets and situations.
Strong post-campaign appeal: It offers a meaningful aircraft goal for players who already have access to powerful conventional jets.
The X-40 becomes available through post-campaign progression and has a high acquisition cost.
Its unusual weapons also introduce a learning curve.
Do not assume that unlocking the most expensive aircraft automatically makes every mission easier. Understanding its weapon behavior is more important than simply owning it.
Best for: Post-campaign play, experimental combat builds, and experienced pilots.
Verdict: One of the most interesting late-game aircraft, especially for players seeking something different from a traditional fighter.
The ADFX-02 Morgan -PIXY- is a special aircraft associated with the Premium Ace Pass.
Its unusual equipment gives it a very different identity from conventional fighter jets.
The Morgan is notable for special weapons such as MPBM, TLS, and ECM, offering offensive and tactical possibilities beyond standard fighter loadouts.
Why the Morgan is S-Tier:
Distinctive weapons: Its specialist equipment supports different combat approaches, including area attacks and precision-oriented engagements.
Flexible combat identity: The aircraft combines offensive potential with unusual tactical options.
High appeal for experienced pilots: Players who enjoy mastering special weapons can find significant value in its unconventional equipment.
However, the Morgan should not be treated as a normal Aircraft Tree purchase.
It is tied to the Premium Ace Pass, and its campaign usability is restricted until the campaign has been completed.
Those restrictions matter when comparing it with aircraft that can be acquired during ordinary progression.
Best for: Premium content owners, experimental combat, and experienced players.
Verdict: A powerful specialist aircraft, but availability and gameplay restrictions should influence how highly individual players value it.
The EA-36 Barricader is different from almost everything else in S-Tier.
It is not ranked for conventional dogfighting dominance.
Instead, its value comes from advanced electronic-warfare capabilities and the tactical advantages they can provide.
Its reported weapon options include IEWS, 4AAM, and XSDB.
This gives it a combination of electronic support and direct combat capability.
Why the EA-36 is S-Tier:
Specialized electronic warfare: Its support systems make it useful in situations where interference and tactical assistance are more valuable than raw fighter performance.
Offensive flexibility: Its additional weapon options allow it to participate in combat rather than operating exclusively as a support platform.
Strong squadron potential: Electronic-warfare capabilities can complement combat-focused aircraft when team composition matters.
Like the FA-36 and X-40, the EA-36 is a post-campaign aircraft.
It should therefore be viewed as an advanced specialist option rather than an essential early purchase.
Best for: Electronic warfare, specialized support, and advanced squadron setups.
Verdict: S-Tier within its intended support role, although conventional fighters remain better choices for players focused entirely on shooting down enemy aircraft.
Not every excellent aircraft needs to be an expensive endgame fighter.
Several A-Tier planes offer exceptional practicality, particularly during normal campaign progression.
The Typhoon combines strong maneuverability with useful weapon coverage.
With options such as 4AAM, LAAM, and 8AGM, it can handle aerial targets at different engagement distances while retaining a way to deal with surface objectives.
That makes it a particularly appealing choice for players who enjoy fighter combat but do not want to become helpless when the mission introduces ground targets.
The Typhoon is a strong investment for pilots who prefer a conventional fighter without sacrificing too much flexibility.
The Rafale M is one of the most dependable choices for carrier-focused gameplay.
Its multirole classification reflects its ability to perform both aerial and surface operations.
Available weapons include HCAA, LASM, and LAAM, providing several ways to handle different threats.
The Rafale is especially appealing when a mission requires a carrier-capable aircraft but also demands significant combat versatility.
For some pilots, its mission compatibility makes it a better practical choice than aircraft placed above it in our overall ranking.
The Super Hornets are among the most practical aircraft for players building their hangar.
Both variants are multirole aircraft with carrier capability, making them valuable during campaign progression.
Their flexibility is a major advantage when objectives shift between attacking aircraft and destroying surface targets.
Community feedback has also been positive about the Super Hornets' usefulness during normal progression.
The F/A-18E is particularly attractive for pilots who want a stronger aerial emphasis, while the F/A-18F is worth considering for its strike-oriented options.
Do not automatically skip the Super Hornets while saving for an endgame fighter. They can remain useful across a large portion of the game.
The F-15C and F-15J offer excellent conventional fighter performance.
Their strengths lie in speed, aerial combat capability, and the ability to intercept enemy aircraft.
They are particularly appealing for players who prefer traditional fighters without relying on the unusual weapon systems found on experimental aircraft.
Although more advanced jets eventually provide additional capabilities, both Eagles remain strong choices in fighter-focused missions.
The Gripen E offers a useful combination of maneuverability and versatility.
Its relatively lightweight design and multirole capabilities make it appealing to players who enjoy responsive aircraft.
However, handling alone is not enough.
Pilots who manage speed poorly or repeatedly make aggressive turns without securing an attack opportunity may find that a more forgiving aircraft produces better results.
The Gripen rewards controlled, precise flying.
The F-14D Super Tomcat remains a valuable option for pilots who enjoy intercepting enemies and engaging targets from a distance.
Its long-range aerial weapon options make it particularly interesting in missions involving approaching enemy aircraft.
Carrier compatibility also adds to its practical usefulness.
Although it lacks some of the versatility of higher-ranked multirole aircraft, the Super Tomcat remains a strong option when used for its intended purpose.
Overall rankings are useful, but mission requirements should always influence your final aircraft choice.
Winner: F-22A Raptor
The Raptor is our preferred choice for pure air-to-air combat.
Its combination of maneuverability and fighter-oriented weapon options makes it especially attractive during demanding aerial engagements.
The Su-57 and Su-47 are excellent alternatives.
The Su-57 provides a different weapon mix, while the Su-47 is particularly interesting for players who enjoy aggressive maneuvering.
Winner: F-35C Lightning II
The F-35C is our strongest general-purpose recommendation.
It can handle mixed objectives and remains valuable when carrier compatibility matters.
For players who have not yet reached higher-end aircraft, the Rafale M and Super Hornets are excellent alternatives.
Keep in mind that some campaign missions restrict or predetermine aircraft choices. The best aircraft is only useful when it is actually available for the sortie.
Winner: F-15E Strike Eagle
The F-15E is an excellent choice when surface targets are the main priority.
Its strike-oriented design and heavy weapon capability make it particularly attractive for attacking installations and other ground objectives.
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is another strong specialist.
It can be highly effective during ground-heavy missions, but its advantages become less important when the battle shifts toward fast enemy fighters.
The F-35C is also worth considering when surface attacks must be combined with aerial combat.
Winner: Rafale M
The Rafale M combines carrier capability with strong multirole performance.
It offers a practical balance of aerial and anti-surface weapons, making it an excellent choice for naval operations.
The F-35C and F/A-18 Super Hornets are also highly recommended.
These aircraft are worth prioritizing when carrier compatibility limits the available choices.
Winner: F-22A Raptor
The F-22A is our preferred fighter-focused multiplayer pick because of its strong aerial combat capabilities.
However, multiplayer aircraft value depends on the mode, available equipment, team composition, and restrictions.
A highly specialized support aircraft may provide greater team value than another fighter in the right situation.
The Su-57, Su-47, and suitable electronic-warfare aircraft are all worth considering depending on how you prefer to play.
Do not assume campaign builds and online progression work identically. Evaluate the aircraft and equipment available in the mode you are actually playing.
Winner: F/A-18C Hornet
The starting Hornet is one of the most useful aircraft for learning the fundamentals of Ace Combat 8.
Its multirole capabilities provide opportunities to practice different types of combat without immediately committing to a specialist aircraft.
It also gives beginners time to understand how aircraft roles, special weapons, and handling differences affect performance.
There is no reason to replace it immediately if it is still handling your missions effectively.
A tier list helps identify strong planes, but purchasing decisions should also account for the Aircraft Tree.
Ace Combat 8 uses Military Result Points, commonly called MRP, for campaign aircraft, weapons, and upgrade progression.
The most important detail is that aircraft are connected through an upgrade tree.
The listed aircraft price is not necessarily the full cost of reaching that aircraft.
For example, the F-22A, F-35C, and Su-57 each have a listed aircraft cost of 550,000 MRP, but players may need to purchase connected prerequisite nodes before gaining access to them.
Before spending a large amount of MRP, identify the type of combat you enjoy most.
If you primarily enjoy dogfighting, working toward the F-22A or Su-57 makes sense.
If you prefer mixed missions and flexible weapons, the F-35C is an attractive destination.
If you enjoy carrier aviation, the Rafale M and Super Hornets may offer greater immediate value.
Buying a famous aircraft purely because it sits near the top of a tier list can leave you with a plane that does not suit your preferred missions.
Special weapons are often just as important as the aircraft carrying them.
An excellent fighter equipped for the wrong engagement can underperform compared with a cheaper aircraft carrying more suitable weapons.
Consider the targets you expect to encounter:
Enemy fighters: Prioritize air-to-air weapons suited to the engagement distance and number of targets.
Surface installations: Select weapons designed for attacking ground objectives instead of relying entirely on fighter-oriented equipment.
Naval targets: Look for appropriate anti-ship capability, particularly when the mission contains heavily defended vessels.
Mixed objectives: Favor aircraft with useful choices for both aerial and surface engagements.
A strong aircraft becomes significantly more valuable when its loadout supports the mission.
Sometimes the smartest investment is improving an aircraft you already own.
Handling-related upgrades can help make your plane more comfortable to control.
Weapon-related upgrades can improve your ability to deal with enemies, depending on the available parts and their effects.
However, upgrades should solve an actual problem.
If you frequently struggle to maintain a target in front of you, focus on understanding handling and relevant aircraft improvements.
If your main problem is destroying several enemies efficiently, review your weapon options.
Avoid purchasing upgrades without understanding what they change.
Even experienced players can make poor purchasing decisions by focusing too heavily on aircraft reputation.
Avoid these common mistakes when building your Ace Combat 8 hangar.
Buying aircraft purely because they are S-Tier.
A high ranking does not guarantee that a plane matches your preferred combat style. The F-22A may be outstanding in aerial combat, but a multirole aircraft can be more useful when surface objectives dominate.
Ignoring carrier restrictions.
Carrier compatibility matters when a mission limits aircraft selection. A powerful non-carrier fighter is not necessarily a useful investment for every part of the campaign.
Spending MRP across too many branches.
Purchasing unrelated aircraft and upgrades can delay access to the planes you actually want. Check the Aircraft Tree connections before committing to expensive purchases.
Using the same weapons for every mission.
Weapon selection should reflect the targets. A loadout designed for fighting individual aircraft may struggle when the mission requires repeated strikes against groups of ground installations.
Relying entirely on maneuverability.
Highly responsive aircraft still require good control. Aggressive turns without proper speed management can leave you poorly positioned and vulnerable to enemy attacks.
Assuming expensive aircraft are automatically better.
The X-40 and other advanced aircraft offer unique capabilities, but their equipment may require more practice. A familiar conventional fighter can deliver better practical results for a pilot who has not mastered the advanced systems.
Ignoring aircraft that are already effective.
You do not need to rush away from the F/A-18C or Super Hornets simply because stronger aircraft exist. A dependable aircraft with a suitable loadout can continue to perform well.
Selecting the right aircraft is only part of becoming a better pilot.
Your decisions during combat can have an equally important effect on performance.
Fast aircraft provide obvious advantages during interception and repositioning.
However, constantly flying at maximum speed is not always ideal for engaging maneuvering targets.
Likewise, excessively aggressive turns can leave you without the speed needed to reposition.
Learn how your chosen aircraft responds at different speeds.
The goal is to maintain enough control to create effective attack opportunities without unnecessarily exposing yourself.
Launching missiles whenever a target enters range is rarely the best approach.
A better attack begins with positioning.
Try to establish a favorable angle and avoid launching into situations where the enemy can easily evade.
This is particularly important against maneuvering aircraft.
A powerful missile is still wasted if the attack is poorly timed.
Before deploying, consider which type of enemy will dominate the mission.
If the objective focuses on aerial combat, a fighter-oriented loadout is usually a sensible starting point.
If the mission centers on surface targets, an attacker or multirole aircraft with appropriate weapons may be more effective.
When both threats are important, flexibility becomes especially valuable.
This simple decision can matter more than small differences between aircraft rankings.
Constantly switching between different planes can make it harder to develop consistent control.
Spend enough time with your preferred aircraft to understand its strengths and limitations.
Pay attention to how it turns, accelerates, approaches targets, and responds to aggressive maneuvers.
Once you understand those characteristics, you can judge whether another aircraft genuinely offers something better for your playstyle.
Where squadron equipment and aircraft assignments allow, consider how different roles complement each other.
A fighter-focused setup emphasizes aerial combat.
A more balanced composition can add surface-attack or electronic-warfare capabilities.
Specialist aircraft become more useful when their strengths support the rest of the squadron.
Rather than simply choosing the highest-ranked aircraft for every available position, think about the threats your squadron needs to handle.
The F-35C Lightning II is our best overall recommendation because of its multirole versatility, useful weapon options, and carrier compatibility.
For pure air-to-air combat, the F-22A Raptor is our preferred fighter.
The F-22A Raptor is an excellent choice for dogfighting thanks to its maneuverability and fighter-oriented equipment.
The Su-57 Felon and Su-47 Berkut are also strong alternatives, particularly for players who prefer their handling and weapons.
The F-22A is our preferred choice for dedicated aerial combat.
The F-35C is better suited to players who want a flexible aircraft capable of handling aerial and surface objectives.
Neither aircraft is automatically the better option in every mission.
Yes. The Su-57 offers excellent high-end fighter performance, strong maneuverability, and useful special-weapon options.
It is especially attractive to players who enjoy air superiority but want additional flexibility against different target types.
The F/A-18C Hornet is the starting aircraft and a dependable option for beginners.
Its multirole capabilities make it suitable for learning aerial combat and attacking surface targets before investing heavily in another branch of the Aircraft Tree.
The F-15E Strike Eagle is our preferred dedicated strike aircraft.
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is another effective specialist, while the F-35C is an excellent choice when players want to combine surface attacks with aerial combat.
The F-22A Raptor is our preferred fighter-focused option.
However, the best multiplayer aircraft depends on the game mode, equipment restrictions, available loadouts, and team requirements.
There is no universally proven aircraft that dominates every multiplayer situation.
No.
An A-Tier aircraft may be a better choice when it has more suitable weapons, satisfies mission restrictions, or matches the pilot's preferred handling.
The Rafale M and Super Hornets are particularly good examples of aircraft whose practical usefulness can exceed their overall tier placement.
Ace Combat 8 has a reported launch roster of 34 playable aircraft, including 32 base-game aircraft and two additional aircraft associated with preorder or Premium Ace Pass content.
The aircraft belong to Fighter, Multirole, Attacker, and Electronic Warfare roles.
The X-40 Nightmare is one of the strongest specialist endgame options, but its unusual weapons and high acquisition cost do not make it universally superior.
Players primarily interested in conventional aerial combat may still prefer the F-22A or Su-57.
The best planes in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve offer different advantages, and understanding those differences is the key to choosing the right aircraft.
The F-22A Raptor is our top recommendation for air superiority, while the F-35C Lightning II is the strongest overall choice for players who value versatility.
The Su-57 Felon provides another outstanding fighter option, the Su-47 Berkut rewards aggressive maneuvering, and the Su-35S Flanker-E offers an impressive balance of combat capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Rafale M and F/A-18 Super Hornets prove that a practical carrier aircraft can be just as valuable as a more expensive fighter.
Do not judge aircraft entirely by their tier placement or purchase cost. Pay attention to special weapons, mission requirements, and the way each plane handles.
A familiar aircraft with the right equipment can often outperform a higher-ranked jet being used for the wrong job.
For players looking to sharpen their flying skills or explore gaming services, BoostRoom offers a marketplace built around helping gamers get more from their favorite games.
Choose your aircraft carefully, master its capabilities, and focus on becoming the kind of pilot who can make any good plane dangerous.
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