Off-Road Race is an event type in Need for Speed: Heat, made up of either multiple lap circuits or single point-to-point sprints, and take place along off-road trails or cross-country. The first racer to cross the finish line after completing all laps or reaching the end point of a sprint first is the winner.
Every route has multiple checkpoints that racers must pass through in order and they all have a recommended off-road-grip handling profile.
Events take place during the day: players earn bank () from participating in events hosted by the Speedhunters Showdown and police will not get involved.