Ace Combat 8 Hour Zero is getting a live-action prequel before the game launches on 2 October. Bandai Namco’s four-part miniseries stars Josh Holloway, Brandon Routh and Tamlyn Tomita, with the first episode arriving on 15 September.
IGN’s trailer report says the episodes will stream first on IGN.com and IGN’s YouTube channel. The official Bandai Namco announcement confirms the release run will lead into ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE’s launch.
Ace Combat 8 Hour Zero: what is the prequel about?
Hour Zero follows three strangers during the opening days of the Republic of Sotoa’s invasion of the Federation of Central Usea. Holloway plays a pilot with nowhere to land, Routh plays a doctor who saved his enemy, and Tomita plays a news anchor silenced for telling the truth.
The four short films will tell their stories in reverse, moving back towards the moment the war begins. Bandai Namco says the series will set up the campaign story in Ace Combat 8. Each episode is expected to run between six and 11 minutes.
When does Hour Zero release?
Hour Zero begins on 15 September 2026 and concludes before the game’s launch on 2 October. The episodes will be available free on IGN.com and the IGN YouTube channel, with releases scheduled every few days. The official trailer is available now.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. Deluxe Edition owners get three days of early access from 29 September, according to Bandai Namco’s launch information.
What is Ace Combat 8 Hour Zero?
It is a four-part live-action prequel miniseries for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve.
When does Hour Zero start?
The first episode arrives on 15 September 2026, with the series concluding before the game’s 2 October launch.
Where can I watch Hour Zero?
The episodes will stream free on IGN.com and IGN’s YouTube channel.
