Minecraft Dungeons II is now available across consoles and PC, while Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve enters early access before its October 2 launch.
Gamers have two major releases to explore this week as Minecraft Dungeons II arrives across consoles and PC, while Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve enters early access ahead of its worldwide launch.
The games target very different audiences. Mojang’s sequel offers cooperative action-RPG combat in a colourful block-based world, while Bandai Namco’s flight-shooting title promises cinematic aerial battles, advanced graphics and large-scale multiplayer.
Minecraft Dungeons II Available Now
Minecraft Dungeons II was released on September 29, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. It is also available through Xbox Game Pass and supports Xbox Play Anywhere.
The sequel replaces the first game’s separate mission structure with a larger interconnected world. Players can explore unfamiliar locations, discover new gear and battle an Illager High Council threatening both the Overworld and a mysterious new dimension.
That dimension, called the Sift, contains new environments, mobs, hazards and rules that affect exploration and combat. Mojang says the Sift will also be introduced to the main Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions in 2027.
Gameplay improvements include jumping, expanded equipment slots, deeper character builds and new options for customising weapons, armour and playstyles.
The game can be played alone or with up to four players. It supports local couch co-op, online cross-platform multiplayer and mixed co-op, which allows local players to join additional participants online.
Ace Combat 8 Launches October 2
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will launch worldwide on October 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam. Unlike Minecraft Dungeons II, it has not been announced for Nintendo Switch or Switch 2.
Players who purchased eligible Deluxe or Joker Flight editions received three-day early access beginning September 29.
The campaign returns to the fictional Strangereal universe after the Lighthouse War. Players control REX, an unknown pilot who joins Joker Flight after the legendary ace known as the Wings of Theve dies during a scouting mission.
The story follows the Federation of Central Usea as it attempts to reclaim its territory from Sotoan forces.
New Graphics, Combat and Multiplayer
Bandai Namco says the game features multi-layered cloudscapes, dynamic weather and a new chain-destruction system that allows a precisely targeted attack to trigger larger explosions during selected missions.
Players can issue commands to Joker Flight using the returning quick-wingman system. The story is presented through a first-person perspective intended to strengthen the player’s connection with the squadron.
The new Ace Combat Online mode supports cross-platform multiplayer and persistent player avatars. Up to 100 players can gather in online lobbies before entering cooperative PvE, competitive PvP or combined PvPvE missions.
Pre-order bonuses include the playable F-14A aircraft and a port of the 2006 game Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. Bandai Namco has clarified that the included classic game is a port rather than a remaster.
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