10 Best Need for Speed Games Ranked in 2025
Ever wondered which is the best Need for Speed game? Well, being one of the most recognizable and well-established series, NFS released a lot of iconic titles.
Many players have racked up hundreds of hours in an attempt to get the dream sports car or become the most wanted racer in Most Wanted. Even though the first speed game in the series was released in 1994, it amazed players even back then with advanced graphics and realistic car physics.
Are you just getting into the series and don’t want to miss out on the top racing games? Then, our collection of the best Need for Speed Games is made for you!
Our Top Picks for Need for Speed Games
Before we move on to the full-speed games ranked list, we’ve chosen several top picks that definitely deserve your attention. Here are the Best 10 Need for Speed Games that stand out from the others in the series:
- Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) – Arcade street racing with police, an open world, and a “Blacklist” system. The career mode features 15 opponents you must defeat on your path to success.
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010) – Intense police chases, exciting thrills, and high speeds. The unique feature of the game is the ability to choose whether to play as a cop or a racer.
- Need for Speed: Rivals (2013) – One of the first NFS games with an open world. Multiplayer is available, as well as dynamic role changes between cops and racers.
- Need for Speed: Payback (2017) – The storyline follows three street racers. Key features include dynamic missions in the style of Fast & Furious, car customization options, and great environmental destruction.
- Need for Speed: The Run (2011) – Beautiful racing with cinematic graphics. Get ready to conquer America now. The game features rare scenes where the racer finally exits their car.
These are only some of the exceptional titles on this list, so be sure to keep scrolling to read more!
10 Best Need for Speed Games in 2025
Most of the series is focused on illegal street racer competitions and their attempts to avoid being caught by the police. Sometimes, however, the developers strayed from the main storyline, such as in the game Shift, where a mechanic for racing on professional tracks was introduced.
A detailed review of the best games in the series will help you pick something interesting for you. Despite the fact that the last game in the series was released back in 2022, the developers insist that the NFS project is not closed, and we may soon be in for new racing adventures.
1. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (Best Street Racing Game with Police Chases)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS2, Xbox series, Xbox 360, GameCube, PSP | 2005 | Electronic Arts Black Box |
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is not just a racing game, but a cult classic that is still considered a benchmark among the some of the greatest racing games. It successfully combines several key elements – a balanced open world, intense police chases, and a well-thought-out progression system.
The main goal of the game is to reach the top of the “Blacklist” of the best street racers in the city. It can also be called one of the most intense games in the entire series – the developer achieved the perfect balance between arcade and realism.
What you may like:
- Every race can suddenly turn into an exciting action scene with helicopters, barricades, and SWAT vehicles.
- Legendary cars are available, including the BMW M3 GTR, which became the symbol of the series.
- The city is filled with ramps, hidden spots to escape from the police, and scenic tracks.
Get your copy of Need for Speed: Most Wanted >
2. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit – Remastered (Best Arcade Racing Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii | 2010 | Criterion Games |
This is a true adrenaline simulator that returned the series to its roots. The game features a dynamic pursuit system where police units have expanded capabilities – from spikes to roadblocks. Here, you’ll find a real open-world racer, where every track in Seacrest County is carefully designed.
One of the new features is the introduction of the Autolog system, which allows players to compare records and challenge others. Thanks to this mechanic, competition goes beyond the usual races in the story mode.
What you’ll enjoy during the game:
- Gameplay in the style of Burnout Paradise – every crash looks truly spectacular, and the chases are thrilling.
- Cars behave realistically, but the controls remain simple and responsive.
- Exotic vehicles – the game world features a lot of elite supercars, including the Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Murciélago, and McLaren F1.
Grab your copy of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit – Remastered >
3. Need for Speed: Rivals (Best Multiplayer Experience in the Series)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One | 2013 | Ghost Games, Criterion |
Need for Speed: Rivals became a true breakthrough for the series, combining an open-world racer with a dynamic multiplayer where other players could seamlessly join your race. This game stands out in the list of exciting open-world games thanks to the easy switching between being a racer and a cop. Each side has its own unique features and mechanisms to impact opponents.
The game introduced the AllDrive system, removing the boundaries between single-player and online gameplay. Players can compete against each other in real time without any loading screens.
What I liked:
- The ability to instantly join races with friends or mess with other players trying to reach the finish line in their race.
- Various police features like helicopters, spikes, and EMPs, which make it much harder for racers to compete.
- A large car garage, from tuned classics to powerful supercars.
Get the best deal with a copy of Need for Speed: Rivals >
4. Need for Speed: Payback (Best Story-Driven Fast & Furious-Style Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2017 | Ghost Games |
Need for Speed: Payback moves away from classic street racing and focuses on a storyline reminiscent of the “Fast & Furious” movies. There’s no regular competition here – every race feels like a scene from a blockbuster with jumps, chases, and epic crashes.
The game introduced a deep tuning system, allowing players to build their dream car, starting from a rusty body and ending with a full-fledged hypercar. The gameplay blends drag races, off-road races, and drift races, offering a distinct driving experience. However, the final product received mixed reviews due to the paid loot box system at launch, but after updates, the game became significantly better.
Features:
- A dynamic storyline, which is often rare in racing games.
- Tuning changes not only the car’s appearance but also its technical characteristics.
- A beautiful open world – vast deserts, endless canyons, and of course, a mesmerizing night city.
Grab your copy of Need for Speed: Payback >
5. Need for Speed: The Run (Best Cinematic Racing Experience)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS | 2011 | EA Black Box |
Need for Speed: The Run isn’t just about racing – it’s a true journey across America, from San Francisco to New York. Unlike other games in the series, there’s no free roaming of the world, but each section of the track is unique. You’ll encounter snowy mountains and the barren American highways. One of the game’s features is that for the first time, moments were added where the hero could get out of the car.
The racing mechanics also got an update – here, it’s important not only to overtake your opponent but also to avoid various obstacles on the track. These include oncoming traffic and natural landslides.
\What you’ll love:
- Cutscenes add tension and create a movie-like effect, which makes it something interesting to watch during your free time.
- Intense chase scenes that rival Hollywood blockbusters.
- Stunning natural landscapes of America.
6. Need for Speed Heat – Deluxe Edition (Best Car Customization in the Series)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2019 | Ghost Games |
The game marked a true return of the series to classic street racing, but with modern graphics and advanced mechanics, considering realistic physics. Among its features, I can highlight the dynamic change of day and night: legal competitions take place during the day, and illegal races occur at night, where you’ll also have to deal with the police.
I also liked the car customization; it’s one of the most detailed and deep in the entire series. The open-world mode allows you to explore Palm City without any limitations.
What’s interesting in the game:
- Thrilling nighttime police pursuits – the longer you race, the more aggressively the police respond.
- Every aspect of the car can be tuned.
- Bright neon effects and graphics create a unique atmosphere.
Get the best deal on Need for Speed Heat – Deluxe Edition now >
7. Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed (Best Game Dedicated to a Single Car Brand)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS1 | 2000 | Eden Studios (PS1), EA Canada (PC) |
Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed is one of the most unique entries in the series, entirely dedicated to the iconic Porsche cars. There’s no police chases or street races here – the main focus is on driving and the history of the brand. You’ll get to take control of various cars, from classic models of the 50s to modern supercars.
What you’ll like:
- A rare opportunity to explore the evolution of the Porsche brand.
- Some cars are quite challenging to handle, and mistakes on the track can be costly.
- Even after years, the game still holds its relevance.
8. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (Best Classic Arcade Racing Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS2, Xbox, GameCube | 2002 | EA Black Box (PS2), EA Seattle (PC, Xbox, GC) |
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 is one of the best arcade racing games of the early 2000s. The focus here is on pure action, spectacular chases, and high speeds. The game features a unique police pursuit system. There are no complex mechanics or open world like in other games, but pure speed and adrenaline make it incredibly fun.
What I liked:
- The police use all possible means to stop racers.
- The cars handle smoothly, which is perfect for arcade racing.
- Summer tracks, sunset skies, and perfect racing roads – what more do you need for an exciting gameplay experience?
9. Need for Speed: Shift (Best Realistic Racing Game in the Series)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Playstation Portable, Mobile Devices (iOS, Android) | 2009 | Slightly Mad Studios |
Need for Speed: Shift was a radical departure from street racing and police pursuits, offering a more realistic gameplay style that resembles racing simulators. Instead of free roam and city chases, players are offered professional races on tracks. Plus, this version is available to play on your mobile device.
Why you should get it:
- Realistic physics that convey the weight and inertia of the car.
- The most realistic car damage in the entire series.
- Races take place on renowned racing tracks.
Experience realistic racing in your copy of Need for Speed: Shift >
10. Need for Speed: Underground (Best Street Racing Game with Tuning)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS2, Xbox, GameCube, GBA | 2003 | EA Black Box |
An iconic, arguably the best Need for Speed game, which remains relevant even years after its release. For the first time, the deep car tuning mechanic was introduced. Customization allows you to change not only the appearance of the car but also its technical specifications. The game is fully focused on underground racing, including drag and drift races. What I liked:
- Details, body kits, neon lights, vinyls, tuning every part of the car – everything needed for customization.
- Bright lights of the city at night, stylish cars, and the soundtrack that still plays in my mind.
- Underground laid the foundation for future hits in the series.
What is the Release Order of All Need for Speed Games?
Since the release of the first game, there have been 24 installments of NFS on the market. Here are the main installments in their release order.
| Release Order | Game | Release date |
| 1 | The Need for Speed | 1994 |
| 2 | Need for Speed II | 1997 |
| 3 | Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit | 1998 |
| 4 | Need for Speed: High Stakes | 1999 |
| 5 | Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed | 2000 |
| 6 | Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 | 2002 |
| 7 | Need for Speed: Underground | 2003 |
| 8 | Need for Speed: Underground 2 | 2004 |
| 9 | Need for Speed: Most Wanted | 2005 |
| 10 | Need for Speed: Carbon | 2006 |
| 11 | Need for Speed: ProStreet | 2007 |
| 12 | Need for Speed: Undercover | 2008 |
| 13-14 | Need for Speed: ShiftNeed for Speed: Nitro | 2009 |
| 15-16 | Need for Speed: WorldNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit | 2010 |
| 17-18 | Need for Speed: Shift 2 UnleashedNeed for Speed: The Run | 2011 |
| 19 | Need for Speed: Most Wanted | 2012 |
| 20 | Need for Speed: Rivals | 2013 |
| 21 | Need for Speed | 2015 |
| 22 | Need for Speed: Payback | 2017 |
| 23 | Need for Speed: Heat | 2019 |
| 24 | Need for Speed Unbound | 2022 |
FAQs
Which version of Need for Speed is the best?
It depends on your preferences. If we are talking about the most iconic and popular, Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) is often considered the best in the entire series. It combined free roam, police pursuits, a rich storyline, and great car physics.
Which Need for Speed game sold the most?
The best-selling game in the series is Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005). According to various sources, it sold more than 16 million copies, making it the most successful release in the series.
Which Need for Speed game is the hardest?
Among the most difficult installments is Need for Speed: ProStreet, where precise control and the lack of arcade simplifications are important. Also, Need for Speed: The Run can be considered tough because it focuses on racing and quick-time events.
