Return Line

The Return Line is a gameplay element featured in various Ace Combat games, most notably in Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies. It allows the player to rearm their plane if the player is running low on ammo.

Function
First introduced in Ace Combat 04, when a player crosses over this white, dotted line on the map (usually on the southern edge of the combat zone), they will engage in a landing minigame, either on a base runway or on an aircraft carrier, depending on whether or not the player's aircraft is carrier-based.

After successfully landing, the player will have the option of changing the aircraft's special weapons, and then will be required to take off and return to the battle after reaching a certain altitude. The player will then spawn at the exact spot where they crossed over the Return Line.

Trivia

 * The Return Line has
 * The missions in which the Return Line is critical to the mission (as in, it must be crossed to complete the mission) are The Northern Eye, Lifeline, Solitaire, and Invasion of Gracemeria.
 * It is also used as one of the optional requirements to complete the mission in 8492 (mission). However, the player can choose to shoot down all of the enemy aircraft instead, which will also complete the mission.