The Ace Combat 7 best special weapons are the ones that suit the mission, not necessarily the missiles with the flashiest names. A fleet battle needs very different equipment from an aerial duel, and the wrong loadout can turn an easy objective into a frustrating race against the timer.
The important catch is that every plane has its own available special weapons. You choose one weapon for a sortie, and unlocking a powerful jet doesn’t automatically give you access to everything on this list. Below are the standout choices, what they do and aircraft you can actually use them with.
Ace Combat 7 best special weapons: quick comparison
| Weapon | Role | Example aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| 4AAM | Locks on to multiple aircraft | F-16C Fighting Falcon |
| QAAM | High-agility air-to-air attack | F-22A Raptor |
| LASM | Long-range anti-ship missile | F/A-18F Super Hornet |
| LACM | Long-range land-attack missile | Rafale M, Gripen E; F/A-18F Block III (DLC) |
| EML | Electromagnetic launcher for precise direct hits | F/A-18F Super Hornet |
| SFFS | Submunition dispenser for wide ground coverage | F-15E Strike Eagle |
This Ace Combat 7 best special weapons comparison covers the core game and flags extra aircraft where DLC ownership matters. The F/A-18F Block III is an additional aircraft, not the same unlock as the standard F/A-18F Super Hornet, so don’t buy the wrong plane expecting LACM.
Ace Combat 7 best special weapons: 4AAM: useful when there are several aircraft to lock
4AAM lets you lock several aerial targets at once, making it useful against formations and enemy bombers. The starting F-16C Fighting Falcon can use it, which is one reason you can practise multi-target attacks without rushing toward an expensive fighter.
Don’t fire a four-target volley simply because four dots appear on the radar. You still need a sensible approach angle and enough range for the weapons to hit. A multi-lock option saves time when several targets are lined up, but a bad approach can waste several missiles at once.
QAAM: an Ace Combat 7 best special weapons choice for dogfights
QAAM is a high-manoeuvrability air-to-air missile. It is particularly useful when you keep losing the firing solution against a turning enemy fighter. The F-22A carries QAAM, as does the standard F/A-18F.
QAAM is not a universal answer. It cannot replace a ground-attack weapon against naval fleets or airfields. Use it when the mission really is about getting behind manoeuvring planes and finishing the aerial engagement efficiently.
LASM: a strong pick for ships and naval missions
LASM is a long-range air-to-ship missile. A plane carrying it, such as the F/A-18F, is especially attractive in Fleet Destruction, where ships and offshore structures dominate the score objectives. A weapon designed for naval targets avoids a lot of awkward close-range missile runs.
For that mission, try approaching a group of ships with enough separation to establish locks, launch your anti-ship weapons and then turn toward the next valuable cluster. Check which objects are actually marked and where you can damage platform supports.
LACM: strong long-range ground attacks, but check DLC
LACM is a long-range air-to-ground cruise missile. It is handy against land targets because you can strike from farther away than you would with a conventional bomb. You do not need DLC to use LACM. Both the Rafale M and Gripen E carry it in the base game. The F/A-18F Super Hornet Block III also has LACM, but that particular version is a DLC aircraft. The standard F/A-18F does not carry LACM, so check the full aircraft name before buying.
That distinction matters when someone recommends the Ace Combat 7 best special weapons without mentioning their edition. Always confirm the exact aircraft name and installed additional content before copying a loadout.
EML: precision damage for confident pilots
EML is an electromagnetic launcher that fires a powerful projectile. Rather than asking you to wait for an ordinary missile lock, it rewards aiming and timing. The standard F/A-18F can carry EML, although the weapon needs a separate purchase in the Aircraft Tree.
EML can be spectacular against a target you can line up properly, but it is not the friendliest choice if you are still struggling to keep the nose of your jet steady. Try it in a familiar mission before relying on it for a demanding S-rank attempt.
Ace Combat 7 best special weapons for ground targets
For densely packed land objectives, the SFFS on the F-15E Strike Eagle is worth trying. It spreads submunitions across an area rather than focusing on a single airborne enemy. Weapons such as 4AGM can also help when several ground targets are within lock-on range, provided your aircraft supports them.
Choosing between the Ace Combat 7 best special weapons starts with the briefing. Count the likely aircraft, ships and ground targets, then equip something that deals with the biggest threat. You do not need to chase the most expensive equipment if the next sortie is entirely about ground targets.
Ace Combat 7 best special weapons: unlock and equip
- Open the Aircraft Tree in the hangar and inspect a plane’s available special weapons.
- Buy the aircraft and unlock any additional special weapon node you need with MRP.
- Return to the hangar loadout screen before the sortie.
- Choose your desired special weapon, then fit compatible parts that suit its strengths.
- Remember that some multiplayer-only parts cannot be used in the campaign.
There are many more choices than those in this Ace Combat 7 best special weapons guide, and some niche weapons are fantastic for a particular mission. Focus on getting a clear match between weapon, target and aircraft rather than trying to build one loadout for the whole game.
Our Ace Combat 7 Aircraft Tree guide covers unlocks, and Ace Combat 7 Best Aircraft helps you choose the right jet. For a practical naval grind, read the Ace Combat 7 MRP Farming guide.
Related Guides
Official source: Bandai Namco Ace Combat 7 official aircraft and DLC details.
