Need for Speed Unbound Arrives on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC This December

Written by Brandon Hofer on October 06, 2022

News: A new entry in the popular Need for Speed franchise is less than two months away and is changing some things up.

A new entry in the Need for Speed franchise has just been revealed. Need for Speed Unbound will be the latest iteration and is coming from Criterion Games. In Need for Speed Unbound you will be in your own street racing fantasy as you try to outsmart the cops and prove you have what it takes to win The Grand, Lakeshore’s ultimate street racing challenge. Need for Speed Unbound features an all-new unique visual style for the franchise blending elements of street art with the most realistic looking cars in the history of the franchise. The single-player campaign will take you through a narrative that will have you racing through the city of Lakeshore as you try to race, collect, upgrade, and customize the world’s hottest performance cars. It also appears that Need for Speed Unbound will only be released on the current generation of consoles, arriving on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on December 2, 2022.

"Need for Speed Unbound is all about self-expression, taking risks and disrupting the status quo by just being you - through your racing style, unique car builds, fashion, music and much more,” said Kieran Crimmins, Creative Director at Criterion Games. “We are inspired to create a truly authentic universe where players see themselves represented in the game. The visual experience of Unbound redefines expectation, with a new signature art-style that brings graffiti to life, intensifies the competition, and creates adrenaline-inducing, high-speed action.”

Need for Speed Unbound is introducing some true consequences this time around with impactful risk and reward for every race, decision, and side bet made. You will uncover the world of Lakeshore when a robbery at a family auto shop tears two friends apart. This puts you on your journey to win the ultimate street race and reclaim the priceless car that was stolen. Some of the key features of Need for Speed Unbound include:

The World is Each Player's Canvas: Graffiti comes to life in a new art style as players ride through the city equipped with a brand-new toolkit of high-energy visual and sound effects, like Burst Nitrous, which rewards players with style-based boost, reflecting how they drive.

Run the Streets: The more players race, the more heat they build up. Choose to outdrive or outsmart cops using new escape mechanics to take control of the chase to earn big rewards or even bigger consequences for getting busted.

Self-Expression and Style: Hundreds of cosmetic items including exclusive licensed gear from some of the world’s pioneering fashion innovators and custom automotive gear companies give players endless options to not only kit out their car but show off their personal style in game.

Find Freedom in the Flow: Ride to a soundtrack of trailblazing artists from the world of hip-hop led by multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor, and fashion icon A$AP Rocky and his creative agency AWGE, including the world premiere of A$AP Rocky’s brand new track “Sh*ttin’ Me,” also featured in the reveal trailer.

Takeover Scene featuring A$AP Rocky: A$AP Rocky will appear in-game as the leader of the Takeover Scene, a new replayable precision driving mode that brings together the community to take over parts of the city and celebrate driving with style over pure speed. AWGE also functioned as creative consultants on the game.

Need for Speed Unbound is available for pre-order through November 29, 2022. Players who pre-order now will receive an exclusive pack of Unbound content, including a driving effects pack, decals, license plate, banner artwork, stickers and $150,000 Bank in their wallet when they first join multiplayer and more.

Need for Speed Unbound launches in retail and digital storefronts on December 2, 2022 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC via the EA app, Origin, Steam and Epic Game Store for $69.99. Need for Speed Unbound Palace Edition, a deluxe offering created in partnership with Palace Skateboards, will offer players exclusive content, including four stunning custom cars, a clothing pack, driving effect, decals and license plate, character pose and banner artwork for $79.99. More details about that will be revealed at a later date.

EA Play members can also play Need for Speed Unbound early with a 10-hour trial starting November 29, and enjoy exclusive recurring in-game benefits. Additionally, EA Play Pro members on PC will enjoy unlimited access to the Need for Speed Unbound Palace Edition starting November 29, three days before the game officially launches.

The world of Lakeshore never stands still through a series of free content updates that will be made available after launch and include new features, experiences, content drops and more. Additional details on post-launch content will be revealed soon. Check out the reveal trailer and then tell us what you think. Will you be picking up Need for Speed Unbound?