In the game's campaign mode, the player plays the role of the flight lead in Gryphus Squadron, of the Aurelian Air Force.[4] The game is broken down into missions which involve various combat objectives, such as attacking ground targets, air targets, or a mix of the two.[5] The "Free Mission" mode allows levels unlocked in the campaign mode to be replayed to achieve a higher rank or gain points for the purchase of planes or equipment.[6]
Ace Combat X also includes a multiplayer mode, using ad-hocwireless to connect up to four players.[6] There are six multiplayer modes: Dogfight, Base Attack, Air Superiority, Beacon Battle and Escort Mission.[7]