The next major update for Need for Speed Unbound, “Volume 3”, will become available on June 20. It brings with it some interesting changes to what’s on offer in the mixed-reality racer, and we’ve been giving it a bit of a test run on the PC version of the game.
While the new cars available — and we’ll get onto those later — are probably the headline feature, it’s actually the expansion to the multiplayer mode that we think is the biggest and most welcome change here.
Need for Speed Unbound Volume 3: Linkups
Linkups is that big new feature, which comprises co-op challenges for up to 16 players at a time.
In essence they’re play zones that pop up on the multiplayer map every few minutes, at one of a handful of locations. Heading towards the zone reveals a large, green circle covering an area within which the activities take place.
Once inside, you’ll join in with whatever is going on inside, regardless of how far advanced the session is, and there’s a whole range of challenges that require all the players in the zone to work together to meet the goals.
These can be as simple as driving as fast as you can, or using nitrous, getting air time or jumping through “air gates”, or smashing special green objects or gold inflatable bears. Some tasks are slightly more involved and require much closer co-operations, such as drafting each other or performing near misses.
Whatever the target scores are, they scale with the number of players taking part — but you only have five minutes to complete each round, with up to four rounds available each time.
If that all sounds a bit like Forza Horizon’s “Horizon Arcade” mode (Chaos type) to you… well, we wouldn’t disagree. However in NFSU the challenges are made harder by the fact that the cops just can’t leave you alone.
Stick around in a Linkup for too long and you’ll end up being pursued; being wrecked or busted while in the Linkup is inconsequential, but when the event ends you’ll be in a full-on pursuit and needing to shake off a probably very high Heat level.
It’s actually a pretty entertaining mode, enhanced by the new chat wheel which allows you to select eight phrases or emojis from a choice of around 75 for quick access to communicate without voice chat with the probable strangers in your Linkup.
Need for Speed Unbound Volume 3: Speed Pass
There’s also a new multiplayer ranking system called Speed Pass, replacing the old system. Don’t worry if you devoted a lot of time to it before, as you’ll be compensated with around 5,000 Bank per level lost.
Speed Pass will see you picking up XP for completing challenges, including the new Linkups, and each level gifts you exclusive cosmetic and vanity items. There’s no paid tier, with just one standard for all players.
At the lower levels we’ve achieved so far, each level requires 10,000XP; we’re not sure if higher levels require more at this point. Hit level 50 and you’ll earn a new car too, with a special custom Dodge Viper.
There’s 75 levels in total, but beware: you can only pick up the prizes until Volume Four comes out.
Need for Speed Unbound Volume 3: New Cars & Store
As well as the new custom Viper, there’s a brand-new car available with this update: the DeLorean DMC-12. You’ll need to complete a specific challenge to earn this, which requires you to complete 12 levels of Linkups.
Players who have an EA Play account also have access to a third car, by way of an “epic custom” Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec.
There are two further additional cars, but you’ll need to part with real money to own them through a new paid DLC store in-game.
In total there’s three packs, with all but one containing nothing but exclusive cosmetics and vanity items.
Topping the store is the $14.99 Robojets Swag Pack, which adds a selection of 25 vanity items and an exclusive custom version of the Mazda RX-7 FD. You can also pick up three unique designs for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Volvo 242, and VW Golf Clubsport in the $5.99 Customs Pack.
The odd one out is the Ford Mustang GT Legendary Custom, which adds that second new car, but also includes a little leg-up in the Speed Pass by way of a ten-level boost (up to the maximum of 75). You’ll advance ten levels no matter what level you are when you buy the $9.99 pack, whether that’s from 0 to 10 or 65 to 75.
All players will have access to the free Volume 3 update of Need for Speed Unbound across all platforms, starting on Tuesday June 20.
