Nemeses’ Return is where Acecraft’s bosses come back for a rematch, and this time the game keeps score. It’s a ranked boss challenge: you fight a returning nemesis, your damage decides your placement, and your placement decides your rewards. (You’ll often see it written “Nemesis Return” in the community; the in-game name is Nemeses’ Return.)
There’s no wrong way to approach this, but there are a few habits that turn the same roster into a noticeably higher rank. Here’s everything worth knowing, current as of the October 2026 update that added SP pilot Drakuku.
How Nemeses’ Return Works
You’ll find the Nemeses’ Return button among the mode buttons around Start in the lobby. Each attempt is a boss fight with one goal: deal as much damage as you can. Your result is then ranked against other pilots.
- Daily event: the game lists Nemeses’ Return as one of its daily events, alongside Quick Patrol, so it’s worth a run every day.
- Rotating bosses: the boss roster changes over time. Thamus, Lord of Repose, for example, joined Nemeses’ Return in the December 2025 Jollyhats Jubilee update.
- Hall of Aces: the ranking board. Since the October 2025 update it includes a My Group view, so you can see your exact placement inside your own group instead of only the global top.
- Seasons: rankings settle at the end of each period, and rank rewards are paid out on settlement.
Rewards: What You’re Playing For
Higher placement means better rewards, which is why every extra chunk of damage matters. Completionists, you’ll want to know where the value actually comes from:
| Reward | How you get it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rank rewards | Your Hall of Aces placement when the period settles | The main payout; better rank, better rewards |
| Emblems | Playing the daily event (Emblems unlock after stage 4-6) | Equipped onto Gear for extra combat attributes |
| Event extras | Some seasons add themed items, like past Cloudia Collectible card packs | Feed side systems like Card Collection |
Missable! Rank rewards are claimed after settlement, so check back when a period ends. (An October 2025 fix addressed a bug that sometimes blocked claiming after settlement, which tells you how much players care about this payout.)
For more on how Emblems work, our Emblem system guide covers where to slot them.
Building for Big Damage
Nemeses’ Return is a damage race against a boss, so build for burst rather than for clearing waves of small enemies.
Pick Your Boss Killer
Bring your most developed pilot with strong single target damage. Rarity helps, but levels, amplification and gear help more, so the pilot you’ve invested in usually beats a fresh SS pull. The Acecraft tier list and our boss strategies guide point out which kits shine against bosses.
Stack Your Permanent Bonuses
- Element matching: an Epic Wingman of the same element as your pilot gives +25% Base Attributes. See the element matching guide.
- Support Pilots: pilots at 3 Stars who share a Bond lend each other Support Skills in battle.
- Modify and Gear: Base Tune-Up, Super Tech and fused Gear all raise your floor. Our Modify system guide explains the Super Tech side.
Read the Stage Before You Fly
Check the challenge screen for any buffs or bonuses on offer before you start. Building toward an active buff is one of the easiest ways to add a big chunk of damage without upgrading anything.
In-Fight Habits That Add Up
- Absorb pink projectiles: lift your finger to stop and soak pink shots. Each absorb triggers your Stunt, which is free extra damage on the boss.
- Ultimates and Support Skills are for the boss: don’t spend them on small enemies. Save them for the moments the boss is exposed.
- Deepen one attachment: stacking picks into your main damage attachment, and chasing its EVO, beats spreading picks thin.
- Stay alive: dying early ends your damage window. A few defensive picks can be worth more than one more damage boost.
Our pink projectile absorption guide goes deeper on absorb timing during boss phases.
Your Nemeses’ Return Checklist
- Run it daily for the Emblems and to keep your placement moving.
- Check My Group in the Hall of Aces to see how close the next rank is.
- Look for active buffs before you start.
- Bring your most developed boss killer with an element-matched Epic Wingman.
- Absorb pinks, save Ultimates for the boss, and stay alive.
- Claim your settlement rewards when the period ends.
Nemeses’ Return FAQ
What is Nemeses’ Return in Acecraft?
It’s a ranked boss challenge. You fight a returning boss, your damage sets your ranking in the Hall of Aces, and higher ranks earn better rewards.
Is Nemeses’ Return the same as Nemesis Return?
Yes. The official in-game name is Nemeses’ Return; “Nemesis Return” is a common shorthand.
Does Nemeses’ Return give Emblems?
Yes. Nemeses’ Return and Quick Patrol are the two daily events that drop Emblems, once Emblems unlock after Adventure stage 4-6.
Which pilot should I use in Nemeses’ Return?
Your most developed pilot with strong single target damage, paired with an element-matched Epic Wingman. Investment usually matters more than rarity here.
What is My Group in the Hall of Aces?
It’s a view that shows your ranking within your own group, so you can track your placement without scrolling through the global leaderboard.
Take Your Time: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. One run a day, one small upgrade between runs, and your rank creeps up week after week. If you want the rest of your daily routine sorted too, the daily challenges guide fits Nemeses’ Return into a quick daily loop.
