ACE COMBAT™ 7: SKIES UNKNOWN Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with Exciting Free Update
Since its release, ACE COMBAT™ 7: SKIES UNKNOWN has soared to great heights among flight combat enthusiasts, delivering an immersive aerial warfare experience with stunning visuals, a gripping narrative, and a meticulously crafted soundtrack. As the game marks its third anniversary, Bandai Namco has released a substantial free update that not only celebrates the milestone but also enriches the gameplay experience for both campaign and multiplayer fans alike.
Current Player Base and Community Engagement
With a steady average player count of 2,524, ACE COMBAT™ 7 continues to maintain a vibrant and dedicated community. The ongoing support through updates and new content has played a pivotal role in keeping players engaged and invested in the skies of Strangereal. The latest 3rd Anniversary Free Update is a testament to Bandai Namco’s commitment to delivering fresh content and enhancing player experience years after the initial launch.
What’s New in the 3rd Anniversary Free Update?
The 3rd Anniversary Free Update brings a wealth of new content, focusing primarily on cosmetic enhancements, new audio tracks, and quality-of-life improvements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what players can expect:
New Skins and Aircraft Customization
One of the most exciting additions in this update is the introduction of 14 new skins, including some highly anticipated designs that pay homage to fan-favorite squadrons and previous ACE COMBAT titles. Notably, the update features:
- Razgriz Squadron and Wardog Squadron skins for the F-14A Tomcat, a playable aircraft recently added through the TOP GUN: Maverick Aircraft Set. These skins are a nostalgic nod to ACE COMBAT 5 and ACE COMBAT 04, respectively, bringing iconic squadron aesthetics back to life.
- A Wardog Squadron skin for the F-14D Super Tomcat, expanding the customization options for this versatile aircraft.
- Six classic skins reprinted from ACE COMBAT 3, allowing players to revisit the visual style of the beloved title from the series’ earlier days.
- Four new European aircraft skins, adding diversity and flair to the available aircraft liveries.
- A striking luminous skin for the XFA-27, which stands out with a futuristic glow that complements the aircraft’s advanced design.
Additionally, three new skins have been added that celebrate specific milestones and special editions:
- F-2A 6SQ 60th Anniversary Skin
- F-15J Komatsu Special Mark 2017 Skin
- 301SQ F-4 Final Year 2020 Skin
Players can access these skins in campaign mode after completing the campaign once, while multiplayer mode allows skin changes from the very beginning, giving competitive players the freedom to customize their aircraft right away.
New Emblems and Collaboration Content
To further celebrate the anniversary, the update includes 17 new emblems that players can proudly display. Highlights include:
- The ACE COMBAT 7 3rd Anniversary emblem, a symbol of the game’s enduring legacy.
- Three unique Nuggets emblems, which add a bit of fun and personality to player profiles.
- Thirteen emblems from the THE IDOLM@STER SEASON collaboration, merging the worlds of aerial combat and idol culture in a unique crossover.
Enhanced Multiplayer Experience with New BGM Tracks
Music has always played a crucial role in ACE COMBAT 7’s immersive atmosphere. This update enriches the multiplayer experience by adding six new background music tracks that perfectly complement the intensity of aerial dogfights. These tracks include:
- Mayhem (Roca Roja)
- Rendezvous (Fort Grays Island)
- Blockade (Yinshi Valley, Night)
- Glacial Skies (Waiapolo Mountains)
- Transparent Blue (Yinshi Valley, Morning)
- Naval Warfare (Anchorhead Bay)
These tracks enhance the mood and adrenaline rush of multiplayer battles, keeping players engaged and energized during their dogfights.
Additional Improvements and Fixes
Beyond new content, the update also includes several quality-of-life improvements and fixes, such as:
- Miscellaneous text updates to improve clarity and localization.
- Updated skin designs for some aircraft to refine their appearance and polish.
- Various minor bug fixes to enhance overall stability and gameplay smoothness.
How to Access the Update
The 3rd Anniversary Free Update is available now on all supported platforms. Players can download it directly through the game’s launcher or via their respective digital storefronts. For those who have not yet experienced the thrill of ACE COMBAT™ 7: SKIES UNKNOWN, the game and the TOP GUN: Maverick Aircraft Set are available on Steam:
Final Thoughts
ACE COMBAT™ 7: SKIES UNKNOWN’s 3rd Anniversary Free Update is a fantastic way for Bandai Namco to thank its loyal community while injecting fresh life into the game’s skies. With a rich selection of new skins, emblems, and music tracks, players have plenty of reasons to jump back into the cockpit and experience the thrill of aerial combat all over again.
Whether you’re a veteran Ace revisiting your favorite aircraft or a newcomer eager to take your first flight, this update offers something for everyone. As the skies of Strangereal continue to evolve, the future looks bright for ACE COMBAT™ 7 and its passionate community of pilots.