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ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE shows online play not working on SteamOS / Linux

| Last updated: 29 Sep 2026 at 11:41 am UTC
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ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is now in Advanced Access, and while the single-player works the online play appears blocked on SteamOS / Linux.

As noted on the Steam page it uses Easy Anti-Cheat, which can be enabled to work on Linux platforms but it appears the developers have not done so. You can join a lobby, but when you go to enter a game it will just kick you out. We're now listing it on our dedicated anti-cheat page.

Hopefully the developer will enable it, but for now - don't go buying it on any SteamOS / Linux system if you plan to play online until we hear from the developer. GamingOnLinux has reached out to see if they do plan to sort it out, will update if they reply.

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More about it:

"ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features a deep engaging campaign, promising to deliver the most cinematic experience yet in the series. The story puts players in the role of an ace pilot in an emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland. Returning to the series’ legendary fictitious setting, Strangereal is now a world at war, with the nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its military shattered. With the prospect of war for survival as the only option, players enter the cockpit under the name Wings of Theve, taking on the role of a legendary ace with their name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and becoming the symbol of hope for every citizen in their imperiled nation. Joined by a squadron of three allied pilots, theirs is a flight against all odds to repel the Republic of Sotoa’s vicious attack and reclaim their lost homeland."

While it's in Advanced Access, everyone else will get the game unlocked on October 1st at 10PM UTC.

Something to note as well is that it has Denuvo Anti-Tamper.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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6 comments
tfk 29 Sep 2026
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Another one for my ignore list.
voytrekk 29 Sep 2026
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I think they will likely fix it in the future. They haven't blocked it in previous entries, but likely just overlooked it. BANDAI NAMCO isn't known for blocking Linux from online play in general.
scaine 29 Sep 2026
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By now, millions of Steamdecks sold, and Linux O/S market share higher than MacOS ever was... and we still get studios incapable of the most basic testing imaginable to have their games work on release.

I mean, it's Bandai, so of course it's encumbered with Denuvo, so I ain't touching it anyway. But it still pisses me off how inept they are at accessing a sizeable market.
Purple Library Guy 29 Sep 2026
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I feel like this should be either Wings of Thefe, singular, or Wings of Theves, plural. 😁
damarrin 29 Sep 2026
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AC7 basically forced players to try online at least once or twice. Getting points to buy new planes, practically required to get through some missions, was super slow in SP and very quick in MP. Not cool.

Last edited by damarrin on 29 Sep 2026 at 8:57 pm UTC
DirtyDan 29 Sep 2026
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  • Supporter Plus
Shame, I was looking forward to this one, but I'm simply not interested in games that don't support Linux anymore.
There are tons of great games released recently and upcoming titles that work with Linux anyway. Thanks for saving me $70 Bandai.
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