For decades now, Need for Speed games have offered an exhilarating high-octane racing experience to most gamers. From the very first edition to the current one, these car racing games have been played across different consoles and PCs. Anyone who has played NFS games can’t deny the fact that only a few racing games come close to it.
If we take time to go on the internet, we’ll find plenty of NFS games. For starters, you might find it hard to know which ones to play. Well, most people will list different titles based on their personal preference but in this article you’re reading. I can assure you there’s quite a little bit of difference between my compilation of NFS games and the ones you’ll see online.
I’ve curated the best Need for Speed games for PC in this comprehensive guide. These games are selected based on their popularity, user reviews and the kind of racing experience they offer. You’ll find a lot of PC games on the internet and I can tell you that NFS games are among the popular ones you can play.
Table of Content
List of The Best Need for Speed Games for PC
From below, you’ll find the perfect NFS PC game to play. However, the majority of these games are available to Windows users alone. Also, you can find them on safe repack websites like OceanOfGames, etc. With that said, let’s explore the top-rated Need for Speed titles below.
1. Need For Speed: Most Wanted (2012)
Released in 2012, Need for Speed: Most Wanted became one of the best open-world races where players get to experience intense races. This game came as an improved model to the 2005 edition and some of the notable features in it is the high-quality graphics. Also, the game offers non-stop action like never before.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) features a lot of races, some of which include evading the cops, beating other rival gangs to the finish lines and much more. When it comes to classes of cars, you’ll find a lot of exotic cars available. Lastly, the game features a lot of adrenaline-pumping races that’ll keep you engaged on your screen.
2. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit
One of the most played games in the NFS series is Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. For those who enjoy intense races, this is the perfect title you don’t need to joke which. Having played this game some years back, I’d say it makes a lot of sense. Hot Pursuit comes as an open-world title and it offers cops vs racers gameplay.
With a single career mode, you’ll be able to play a lot of races either as a cop or a normal street racer. The intensity in this one can’t be denied. Furthermore, the game offers online multiplayer, high graphics, intuitive controls and a nice soundtrack. If you love fast-paced action racing games, you should try this one.
3. Need for Speed: ProStreet
Need for Speed: ProStreet is one of a kind because it takes a different approach to the NFS edition released before it. Unlike other NFS titles where it’s more of illegal street racing, ProStreet focuses more on realistic racing and organized competitions. In addition, the game offers four different race modes which include Grip, Drag, Drift, and Speed.
One of the standout features of Need for Speed: ProStreet is the Autosculpt technology. This feature offers players the chance to customize and modify vehicles to their taste. There are a lot of professional fast cars available. In Need for Speed: ProStreet, you’ll have full control over the appearance and performance of your cars.
4. Need for Speed Rivals
Need for Speed Rivals is quite similar to Most Wanted and that’s due to the combination of high-speed racing with the intensity of police pursuit. Set in an open-world environment, Need for Speed Rivals will let you play either as a racer or as a cop. Whichever mode you choose, you’ll be faced with plenty of events and challenges.
One nice feature of this game is the online and offline racing mode. If you want to race against other players online, the multiplayer mode is just perfect for you. In terms of graphics, soundtrack, and availability of vehicles, Need for Speed Rivals isn’t far behind.
5. NFS: Most Wanted (2005)
Before the 2012 edition, NFS: Most Wanted (2005) was one of the standout racing games for low-end PC users. It’s an iconic title and I’d say I enjoyed every bit of it. This edition was so fun to play despite all the intense cop chases in SUVs and so on. Of course, it’s an open-world game but it offers a different racing experience.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) offers a racing gameplay where players need to rise through the ranks of the Blacklist. You’ll first start with a BMW M3 GTR before going head to head against other rivals and collecting their cars. Besides, Most Wanted (2005) offers a lot of car modifications, mini-games and plenty of career races.
6. Need for Speed Payback
Another popular title from the NFS franchise is Payback and it’s an action-packed racing game that looks more like a movie. This edition is quite different and it features 3 different crew members. Each one has its unique abilities and racing skills. Need for Speed Payback offers high-stake races, car battles, heist missions and so on.
Besides, it’s an open-world title, which makes it perfect to play. While most Need for Speed games have been about illegal with no cool story, Payback is quite different. The game offers an engaging storyline, there are a lot of cinematic cutscenes and missions. Players can customize vehicles thanks to the availability of different performance parts and visual modifications.
7. Need For Speed: Underground 2
Coming as the eighth instalment in the Need for Speed series, Underground 2 is a sequel to the first Underground edition. This game brings back the street racing culture and it allows players to experience intense races. As a player, you’ll find plenty of high-performance cars in Underground 2. Also, these cars have parts for customizations and modifications.
Need for Speed: Underground 2 is set in the fictional city of Bayview and players must rise through the ranks of the underground racers. If you’re playing this instalment on your PC, you’ll get nothing more than an engaging racing experience. In addition, it features an open-world gameplay that’ll see you explore the city when not in a race.
8. Need For Speed: Shift
Need for Speed: Shit takes a different approach in terms of racing experience. This edition offers professional and realistic track racing and precision driving. There’s nothing like street racing or cop chased in this one. Playing Need for Speed: Shift does feel like experiencing real-time car racing on your TV.
There are a lot of reasons you’ll want to play Need for Speed: Shift. One of them is its realistic physics engine. This accurately simulated the handling and performance of each car in the game. Also, you’ll come across different race events like circuit races, time trials, drifts and much more. Similar to other NFS games, you can customize vehicles to your taste.
9. Need For Speed: Carbon
Unlike any other Need for Speed titles, Carbon is one of the few editions with more than 6 different game modes. Aside from its nice storyline that sees players return to their reputation and territory, Need for Speed: Carbon is packed with loads of events and challenges. From sprint, circuit, drift, race wars, canyon duels and much more, there’s a lot to play for.
When it comes to high-intensity game modes, one of the best ones you can play is the Canyon Duel. In this mode, players will navigate treacherous mountain roads while competing against rival drivers. Furthermore, the game also features a wide range of licensed cars, including tuners, exotics, and muscle cars.
Conclusion
Need for Speed games are no doubt a classic title to play when it comes to racking up racing games on PC. Regardless of which one you’re playing, you’ll always get to feel the unique intensity that circulates through all NFS games. In addition, each game has been picked to match individual needs for a racing game that works on high-end and low-end PCs.