Everything We Know About Need for Speed Heat – Setting, Cars, Versions, Release Date

EA recently revealed the upcoming Need for Speed title called Need for Speed Heat and it is slated for release later this year. Apart from the initial reveal trailer, very few information about the game is known so far with EA promising gameplay reveal and more for Gamescom 2019 which is due to happen next week. Since we are very excited about Need for Speed Heat, we have decided to collect all the information that we know so far about the game in this handy feature.

Game Setting

Need for Speed Heat is set in Palm City which is a brand new city introduced in the game. The city has never before featured in the game however it looks pretty much like a modern-day Miami. Although the game’s theme is giving a very strong 80’s vibe, Palm City is based in Miami and it acts as a dual setting for the game.

During the day, racers take part in officially sanctioned Speedhunters Showdown which is a serious throwback to NFS ProStreet. During the night time, players will go back to their illegal racing shenanigans where a rogue police force will do everything to stop them. Lt. Mercer is leading this task force.

Police behavior is unique depending on the time of the day and they are exceptionally more aggressive during the night time making the game hell for any racers on the streets of Palm City. This means that the game will come with a Day and Night cycle. The game pretty much combines the earlier NFS franchises together to form a new one in some sort of a wacky experiment.

There are two types of currencies in the game now. Bank is used to customize and modify player vehicles which is earned by the Speedhunters Showdown events. The other currency is Rep which is earned by underground races during the night and it will help players to make a name for themselves giving them access to better races and parts to tune their cars with. Further details will be shared by EA during Gamescom 2019.

Cops

Cops will roam the streets of Palm CIty both during the day time and the night time. However, their attitudes will be completely different in both scenarios. During the day time, they will follow rules and will stay within the limits of their rules to bring you to a stop if you do anything wrong. They will be much more civilized during the day time.

However, when the night falls, the police force will be replaced by a rogue police force which does not follow any rules. They are like predators and they will hunt on your ride and your freedom. You will need every last bit of your skill to avoid them and get back to your garage with all your winnings. If they catch you, they will confiscate all your winnings and rewards.

Confirmed Cars

The following car list is confirmed by EA so we will get to play with the following cars when the game rolls out. Apart from special launch and pre-order cars, the following car list will not get any more additions until the release of the game. DLC cars will be detailed later if the developers plan to release any at a later stage.

Car & Character Customization

Car customization is back in Need for Speed Heat however it will ditch the Speed Cards system from Need for Speed Payback. This system was garbage and the new game will go back to its roots where players used their hard-earned money to purchase mods and upgrades for their cars. This will make the process very simple and straightforward in Need for Speed Heat.

These upgrades will be unlocked by story progression in the game and could be rewarded from winning certain events as well which could be equipped on the vehicles for free. For the first time in the franchise history, players will also be able to customize their characters which would allow them greater freedom when it comes to having a personalized character. Check out our detailed look on car and character customization.

Race Crews

You will not be racing alone in Need for Speed Heat. As you build your rep in the game, you will start attracting more people to yourself and eventually, they will want to join your crew. Your squad will race with you and form a crew that will help you out in various situations. More you win, more people will want to join your crew.

Trailers

You can check out the reveal trailer for Need for Speed Heat below.

The following gameplay trailer was released by EA and Ghost Games during Gamescom 2019. It showcased gameplay and other details such as in-depth analysis of the customization system of the game.

Release Date and Platforms

Need for Speed Heat will be released on November 8, 2019. It is slated for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. EA Access and Origin Access Basic will allow players to get an early start on November 5, 2019, along with a 10-hour bonus playtime as Play First Trial.

Versions

Need for Speed Heat will come in different versions just like the previous NFS titles in the franchise. The normal and the deluxe version come in both digital and physical variants however for the ultimate NFS fans, Game UK is getting a limited edition Collector’s Box which will come with a model of the cover car.

The Collector’s Edition comes with a Die-cast Hero Car, a Steelbook Case, A5 Notebook, 4x NFS Heat Magnets, 7x NFS Heat Stickers along with a Premium Need for Speed Heat Cardbox Box. You can check out the image below for all items that are available in the Collector’s Edition.

Pre-Order Bonuses

Pre-Orders of the game are now live and players can head to their favorite retailer and pre-order Need for Speed Heat. Both the Normal and Deluxe Edition pre-orders will come with unique bonuses. Players who pre-order the standard edition will get K.S. Edition Mitsubishi Evolution X and players who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will get three additional cars including the BMW i8 Coupe, Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe, and Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. Pre-ordering the game from within NFS Payback will allow players to nab a 10% Loyalty Discount.

Loot Boxes

EA has confirmed that Need for Speed Heat will not come with any Loot Boxes of any sort. Loot Boxes have been a major problem in most of the EA games recently however it appears like EA has learned its lesson and in the future, specifically, in Need for Speed Heat, Loot Boxes will not be present.

More Information Incoming

Gamecom 2019 gameplay reveal is over however the journey to the game does not end here. We are sure that EA will keep releasing more information about the game and we will keep updating this article with even more information in the coming days so keep checking back for more.

What are you looking forward in the upcoming Need for Speed Heat? Let us know in the comments section below.