In December 2022, the Japanese company Argus released what was expected to be one of the killer apps on the NerveGear - ACES Online. A follow up to the VR mode for Ace Combat 7, developed into its own game, with a true multiplayer online experience, and a campaign set in the Strangereal world... No one expected to be forced to fight for survival in the game.

33 years ago Star King Kirito and Star Queen Asuna ruled the Human Empire. In the 33 years they were gone, the taboo index was abolished, and Higa never copied Kirito. One of the empires, the Wesdarath Empire is now being led by a militarist leader who has ambitions to unite the human empire under the Wesdarath's rule. Follow Rulid 1, a fighter pilot in the Norlangarth Air Force

In a world not so unlike our own, where from the earliest days of the modern era Air Power has dominated the battlefield, a version of Kayaba Akihiko unveils his masterpiece, and a version of Kirigaya Kazuto sets his feet upon the path to becoming an Ace.