Need for Speed: Unbound is the thirtieth game in the Need for Speed series and the first since Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) to be mainly developed by Criterion.
It was announced on October 6, 2022 by publisher Electronic Arts to be released for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on December 2, 2022. A three day early access period for those that pre-order the Palace Edition was also announced, starting on November 29, 2022.
Starting on November 29, 2022, those with an EA Play subscription can play up to 10 hours of the standard release, and those with an EA Play Pro subscription can play the Palace Edition. With either subscription. players will gain access to in-game member-only rewards and receive a 10% discount on purchases of EA digital content.
First announced on June 18, 2020 as part of Electronic Arts' "EA Play Live June 2020" presentation, it was shown during a section about the publisher's next generation series of games, targeting the then unreleased PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S hardware.
An official reveal in June 2020 outlined the yet untitled game was described to "include a new Need for Speed game that is bringing some astounding visual leaps, developed by the Criterion team, who have launched some of the most highly-rated games in franchise history". Alongside Criterion, Codemasters Cheshire began assisting in development of the game and the Need for Speed series as a whole.
The game's development was pushed back by a year in March 2021, with Criterion pausing development of their Need for Speed game to assist DICE and their in-development "Battlefield 6", which would later be revealed as Battlefield 2042.
Presented with a unique real-world meets street art aesthetic, the visual style teams the realistic look of the featured cars with customisable graffiti flair featuring energetic visuals, sound effects, nitrous boost, and a new boost element.
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X releases run in 4K (3840 × 2160) resolution at sixty frames per second whilst the Xbox Series S release runs in 1280p (2276 x 1280) resolution at sixty frames per second.
Modes[]
Story (Single-player)[]
The Story mode is a single-player campaign taking place in Lakeshore, a fictional interpretation of Chicago, Illinois, in which the player competes in in-game weekly qualifiers for a place in the Grand: Lakeshore's ultimate street racing challenge.
Unable to stop a robbery at a family auto-shop, two friends are pushed to breaking point, giving the player an opportunity to make their mark on the streets earning rep to go from rookie to top racer by winning the Grand and reclaiming a stolen custom car.
The player has to take risks to get attention, but they can make their choices; pulling huge drifts, taking on the Lakeshore Police Department, or placing side-bets on rivals. Although the player can choose how they make their mark, the more attention they earn means turning up the heat.
As part of the player's path, they'll meet A$AP Rocky, the prominent rapper and fashion icon, for a chance to take him on head-to-head as a test of skill and style. Better yet, it's a chance to take his custom 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 for a drive.
Lakeshore Online (Multiplayer)[]
Lakeshore Online is the multiplayer mode and features its own progression separate from the single-player Story mode.
Up to 16 total players can play together in a free roam session with cross-play[1], and can form parties of up to 4 total players[2]
Speed Pass[]
Speed Pass is the multiplayer progression system for multiplayer and offers rewards as players increase their rank for each volume by completing playlists, daily or weekly challenges, and Linkups.
Challenges[]
Challenges are objective targets associated with the player's progression through single-player and multiplayer, with each challenge having a specific objective, target, and reward.
Objectives are either Story, Skill, Activity, or Collectible based, and Progress towards objectives can be tied to single-player, multiplayer, or both.
Rewards include cash, driver poses, Tags, Samples, or cars.
Event Types[]
Events include races, eliminators, drift trials, deliveries, and Takeovers. They can be accessed through the various meetup locations.
Multiplayer[]
League[]
League is a ladder tournament against multiple rivals in free roam.
Each rival has a set of objectives leading to a one-one-one playlist for the chance to move up the ladder and unique rewards.
Linkups[]
Linkups are multiplayer co-operative stunt-based free roam events open to all players within a multiplayer session as they appear regularly across Lakeshore.
Each event requires players to complete 4 successive rounds of challenge phases escalating in difficulty within an establish location boundary and a limited amount of time. Events can appear at any of 7 possible locations across Lakeshore between every four to eight minutes.
Playlists[]
Playlists are multiplayer championships in the multiplayer Lakeshore Online mode.
Each playlist has a unique name to differentiate the included selection of three events as well as the sequence they are ran and the performance tier.
Cars[]
Cars are given a performance rating from 100 to 400, which is further split into five performance tiers: B, A, A+, S, and S+.
Unlocked cars are made available for purchase through a dealership using cash, although unlock requirements for vehicles differs between the campaign and Lakeshore Online, as progression is partitioned between single-player and multiplayer.
Style (Visual Customisation)[]
Style, the visual customisation section for cars, allows players to customise with visual components, wraps, and visual flair with over 10,000 options.
Performance[]
Performance allows players to improve the performance and handling of their cars through upgrades.
Burst Nitrous[]
Burst Nitrous allows the player to tap the nitrous button to deliver short and quick injections of increased performance without activating a full nitrous shot.
Bursts can be earned by getting airtime, grip turning, near missing, drifting, drafting, and taking down racers or cops, but can only be held for a short period of time.
Character[]
The character is an avatar players can select to represent themselves in-game as their driver.
Separate characters can be created for Story mode and Lakeshore Online mode.
Lakeshore[]
Lakeshore is a fictional interpretation of Chicago, Illinois, and the setting for Need for Speed: Unbound.
It has various districts across the area varying from the urban jungle of Lakeshore City to the mud kicking routes through the Lakeshore Quarry, and the technical Kennedy Test Track to weaving mountain roads nearby.
Lakeshore Police Department[]
The Lakeshore Police Department will engage with anyone participating in illicit street racing using a fleet of units and air support.
In pursuits, the fleet of units available to the LPD allows for effective response to any increasing requirement of force.
Soundtrack[]
The soundtrack features songs from various hip-hop and rap artists, including A$AP Rocky and AWGE, as well as an original score by French producer Brodinsky.
Achievements / Trophies[]
Achievements and trophies can be unlocked through gameplay:
- Achievements for the Xbox Series X/S release.
- Trophies for the PlayStation 5 release.
- Steam Achievements for the PC release through Steam.
- Origin Achievements for the PC release through Origin.
- Achievements for the PC release through Epic Games Store.
Post-launch[]
On December 15, 2022, the official Need for Speed Twitter account announced post-launch updates would start being released by the end of January 2023[3], and the first major update focuses on expanding social play features.[4]
Further replies expanded on later updates including new game modes, features, and cars, alongside experience packs, further social features, progression for Lakeshore Online, expanded customisation content, and hinted at more yet to be disclosed.[5]
On February 20, 2024, the official Need for Speed Twitter account announced a second year of post-launch content and updates with four additional volumes launching throughout 2024, dubbed "Kaizen"[6][7], and also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Need for Speed series as well as the inclusion of a premium tack for the Speed Pass.
Downloadable Content[]
Downloadable content for Need for Speed: Unbound comprises of a series of free and paid post-launch content updates including new features, experiences, content drops, and updates to Lakeshore Online.
Updates[]
Updates include volumes with large content drops and fixes.
They can be either client-sided or server-sided through the release of patches or server downtime for maintenance.
Launch[]
(Nov 29, 2022 - Mar 21, 2023)
Year 1: "Excalibur"[]
(Mar 21, 2023 - Jun 20, 2023)
(Jun 20, 2023 - Aug 16, 2023)
(Aug 16, 2023 - Oct 12, 2023)
(Oct 12, 2023 - Feb 27, 2024)
Year 2: "Kaizen"[]
(Feb 27, 2024 - May 22, 2024)
(May 22, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024)
(Aug 22, 2024 - Oct 2024)
(Oct 2024 - Dec 2024)
Special Releases[]
Systems[]
PC[]
System Requirements[]
| Component | Minimum Requirements (1080p at 30fps) |
Recommended Requirements (1080p at 60fps) |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10+ (64-bit) | |
| CPU | AMD: Ryzen 5 2600 or Equivalent Intel: Core i5-8600 or Equivalent |
AMD: Ryzen 5 3600 or Equivalent Intel: Core i7-8700 or Equivalent |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| GPU | AMD: RX 570 or Equivalent Nvidia: GTX 1050 Ti or Equivalent |
AMD: Radeon RX5700 or Equivalent Nvidia: GeForce RTX 2070 or Equivalent |
| DirectX | DirectX 12 compatible video card or equivalent | |
| Internet | 1 mbps or faster Internet connection | |
| Storage Drive | 50GB hard disk drive (HDD) | 50GB solid-state drive (SSD) |
Additional Features[]
- Compatible with HDR10
- Supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) capability for a smoother and more consistent picture and reduced screen tear
- Supports DLSS rendering technology for higher frame rates and resolutions
- Double the simulation rate of Need for Speed: Heat
PlayStation 5[]
Quality Modes[]
| Quality | Resolution | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 4K (3840 × 2160) | 60 fps |
Xbox Series X/S[]
Quality Modes[]
| Console | Resolution | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Series S | 1280p (2276 x 1280) | 60 fps |
| Series X | 4K (3840 × 2160) | 60 fps |
Controllers[]
Controller Pads[]
- PC - Basic feedback/rumble for controllers is supported at launch.
- PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X/S - Haptic/trigger-specific feedback is supported on console.
Steering Wheels[]
Fanatec[]
- Fanatec CSL Elite Racing Wheel (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Logitech[]
- Logitech G29 (PC, PlayStation 5)
- Logitech G920 (PC, Xbox Series X/S)
Thrustmaster[]
- Thrustmaster T150 (PC, PlayStation 5)
- Thrustmaster T300RS (PC, PlayStation 5)
- Thrustmaster TMX (PC, Xbox Series X/S)
- Thrustmaster TX (PC, Xbox Series X/S)
Accessibility[]
Settings[]
In the "Settings" menu under "Main Menu":
- Adjustable controller Deadzone
- Vibration: Enable or Disable
- View controller button layout
- Rebind controller or keyboard button layout
Driving[]
In the "Driving" menu under "Main Menu":
- Gearbox: Manual or Automatic
- Units: MPH (Miles per hour) or KPH (Kilometres per hour)
- Camera Shake: Adjustable
- Camera Pitch Sensitivity: Adjustable
Graphics[]
In the "Graphics" menu under "Main Menu":
- Motion Blur: On or Off
- Colourblind mode
- Gamma Correction: Adjustable
Sound[]
In the "Audio" menu under "Main Menu":
- Dynamic Range: Adjustable
- Car Volume: Adjustable
- Speech Volume: Adjustable
- Effects Volume: Adjustable
- Music Volume: Adjustable
- VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Adjustable settings
Preload & Release[]
Preload[]
PC[]
- EA Desktop/Origin: Nov 24, 2022 at 08:00 (PT), 16:00 (UTC), 17:00 (CET)
- Steam: Nov 28, 2022 at 08:00 (PT), 16:00 (UTC), 17:00 (CET)
Xbox Series X/S[]
- Both editions: Nov 24, 2022 at 08:00 (PT), 16:00 (UTC), 17:00 (CET)
PlayStation 5[]
- Palace Edition: Nov 26, 2022 at 23:00 (PT) / Nov 27, 2022 at 07:00 (UTC), 08:00 (CET)
- Standard release: Nov 29, 2022 at 23:00 (PT) / Nov30th at 07:00 (UTC), 08:00 (CET)
Release[]
Palace Edition[]
For the PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S releases of the Need for Speed: Unbound - Palace Edition release:
- Nov 28, 2022 at 23:00 (PST)
- Nov 29, 2022 at 01:00 (CST), 02:00 (EST), 07:00 (UTC), 08:00 (CET), 15:00 (CST & HKT), 16:00 (JST), 18:00 (AEDT)
Standard Release[]
For the PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S releases of Need for Speed: Unbound:
- Dec 1, 2022 at 23:00 (PST)
- Dec 2, 2022 at 01:00 (CST), 02:00 (EST), 07:00 (UTC), 08:00 (CET), 15:00 (CST & HKT), 16:00 (JST), 18:00 (AEDT)
EA Play Subscription[]
EA Play[]
An EA Play subscription grants a 10 hour trial of the standard release of Need for Speed: Unbound:
- Nov 28, 2022 at 23:00 (PST)
- Nov 29, 2022 at 01:00 (CST), 02:00 (EST), 07:00 (UTC), 08:00 (CET), 15:00 (CST & HKT), 16:00 (JST), 18:00 (AEDT)
Any progress earned during the 10 hour trial is retained for purchases of the standard or Palace Edition releases.
EA Play Pro[]
An EA Play Pro subscription grants full access to the Need for Speed: Unbound - Palace Edition release:
- Nov 28, 2022 at 23:00 (PST)
- Nov 29, 2022 at 01:00 (CST), 02:00 (EST), 07:00 (UTC), 08:00 (CET), 15:00 (CST & HKT), 16:00 (JST), 18:00 (AEDT)
Pre-release[]
Leading up to the release of Need for Speed: Unbound, a series of announcements, rumours, leaks, and hints of the game came to surface preceding its official reveal on October 6, 2022.
Trivia[]
- Need for Speed: Unbound was developed under the codename "Excalibur"; a mythological sword in Arthurian tale of which could only be pulled out of a stone by the true king of Britain.
- Its release was the longest period between new releases in the series, following on three years after the release of Need for Speed: Heat, and two years after the remastered release of Criterion's Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010).
Gallery[]
Trailers[]
(featuring A$AP Rocky)
(Gameplay Trailer)
(Gameplay Trailer)
(Gameplay Trailer)
(Gameplay Trailer)
(Trailer)
(Gameplay Trailer)
Updates[]
(Gameplay Trailer)
(Gameplay Trailer)
("Porsche 75th Anniversary" Trailer)
Promotional Clips[]
(Teaser Trailer)
("Pull Up, Ride Out")
("Pull Up, Ride Out")
("Pull Up, Ride Out")
("Pull Up, Ride Out")
("Pull Up, Ride Out")
("Pull Up, Ride Out")
(Teaser Trailer)
(PlayStation.Blog)
(Teaser Trailer)
(Lotus Emira Trailer)
(Lotus Emira Trailer)
(Promotional Trailer)
(Teaser Trailer)
(Teaser Trailer)
Behind the Scenes[]
(GDC 2023 Presentation)
(February 23, 2024)
(The Racing Line Ep. 5)
Promotional Images[]
Reviews[]
(GameSpot)
(The Escapist)
(IGN)
(VG247)
(Digital Foundary)
References[]
- ↑ Website: store.playstation.com (2022) Need for Speed™ Unbound Standard Edition. Available at: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP0006-PPSA01716_00-STANDARDPREORDER
- ↑ Website: needforspeed.com (2022) Under the Hood: Welcome to Need for Speed™ Unbound. Available at: https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-unbound/news/under-the-hood-welcome-to-need-for-speed-unbound
- ↑ Tweet: @needforspeed (2022) It’s been white-knuckle since our reveal, and Need for Speed Unbound is live around the world. Shout out to YOU, our NFS family. We have love for each & every one of you! We're just getting started in Lakeshore and you can expect more updates from us near the end of January.. Available at: https://twitter.com/NeedforSpeed/status/1603448177029308417
- ↑ Tweet: @needforspeed (2022) The first update will focus on expanding social play features, and future updates will bring new modes and features, cars, customization content and more.. Available at: https://twitter.com/NeedforSpeed/status/1603448180028235777
- ↑ Tweet: @needforspeed (2022) ICYMI, deets previously shared include: An upcoming series of post-launch updates and experience packs, as well as free access to new modes, social features, and progression for Lakeshore Online.. Available at: https://twitter.com/NeedforSpeed/status/1603448178623193088
- ↑ Tweet: @needforspeed (2024) 2024 marks 30 years of #NeedForSpeed. Ready to celebrate? Introducing "Kaizen" - our second year of support for #NeedForSpeed Unbound. Learn more: http://x.ea.com/79479 Available at: https://twitter.com/NeedforSpeed/status/1759850375027322883
- ↑ Website: Website: needforspeed.com (2024) Y2 Roadmap Available at: https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-unbound/news/y2-roadmap