The next major update for Need for Speed Unbound will land on 20th June and includes a new car, a new way of unlocking cosmetic items and a new online cooperative game mode. Let’s dive in.
16-player linkups are online co-op challenges
A new feature that will be included in the next is ‘linkups’ for the online mode. This will see you and up to 15 other players take on set challenges in areas of the map. For example, achieve an amount of airtime, or drive through a number of speed traps.
The goals can be completed collaboratory, with the goals scaling based on the number of players. As you conduct these missions, however, the cops can also show up and attempt to spoil the fun.
Linkups appear randomly, within seven pre-defined areas of the map, every four-to-eight minutes. This sounds reminiscent of the Horizon Arcade events within Forza Horizon 5.
New DMC DeLorean 1981 car
Following the Mercedes-Maybach S680 in March’s Vol.2, a new car arrived with the second significant post-release content-including update – the DMC DeLorean.
It can be unlocked by completing 12 of the new linkup events.
The stainless-steel-bodied, Colin Chapman-engineered, sports car bankrupted the company and significantly impacted the job prospects of those in Northern Ireland. But, thanks to a central role in movies, it now lives on with a group of hardy loyalists. It also just looks cool, and dare I say it, futuristic even though it’s from the 1980s.
As someone who just finished watching Back to the Future Part II, we’re long past 2015 now and there’s still an absence of flying cars in Need for Speed. How disappointing…
Chat wheel and online drift events
Alongside new modes and content, there will also be some quality-of-life updates. There’s now a chat wheel to send emotes to other players online when not using voice chat or a party.
Online drift events will be added to three new playlists, a points-based game mode with collisions switched off – although you’ll be able to see a ghost outline of your rivals during competition.
Freeroam has some tweaks too, with the ability to quick travel added and being able to change the default time of day. Of course, this latest update will add fresh daily, weekly and one-shot challenges too.
Speed Pass is a new way to unlock cosmetic items
A battle pass, The Crew’s Motopass or even the Formula 1 game’s Podium Pass. The combination of experience points, levels and unlockable cosmetic items is now ubiquitous in contemporary gaming.
So, Speed Pass has now been added to Need for Speed Unbound. As you race in Lakeshore, you earn XP to progress through 75 tiers.
The prizes include clothing outfits, driving effects, neon lights, banner stickers and a new modified car. A heavily tricked-out Dodge Viper SRT (see above) can be yours by hitting tier 50. There is no paid tier, so simply play the game to progress through. However…
New in-game store
There is now an in-game store where you can purchase new cars. To be clear, none of the base cars in the store are new to the game, and their modified looks are purely cosmetic.
To kick off there’s a crazy design pack, entitled the ‘Robojets Swag Pack’ which includes a Mazda RX-7 Spirit R that has been customised so much, it’s bearly recognisable. Just look at that. The pack includes the design, including a matching clothing set and additional car add-ons, 25 items in total. It retails for $14.99.
There’s also going to be a custom-modified Ford Mustang GT, again an outrageous look, for $9.99 that also bundles in a 10-level jump for Speed Pass.
Finally, a three-car bundle, with some visual tweaks/ The Customs Pack includes stylised versions of the Volvo 242 DL, Volkswagen Gold GTI Clubsport and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
Last but not least, EA Play subscribers earn access to a custom Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R32).
Need for Speed Vol.3 release date
The Vol.3 update and new content for Need for Speed Unbound will release on 20th June 2023 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
