Need for Speed Unbound has fallen off the radar a bit after launching late last year, but EA and Criterion are looking to pick up some heat again with the game’s first free content update, entitled “Volume 2.” This update adds new race types, over 40 additional challenges, a handful of custom rides, and more.
Sounds pretty good! That said, some eyebrows will likely be raised by the new $5 “Keys to the Map” DLC. What does this DLC do you ask? Literally, all it does is mark the locations of all the collectibles and activities on the game’s map, which you can find on your own, but I guess this saves you some time. So yes, EA is literally charging for open-world map markers. That’s a new one by me, but I guess if you have a fiver burning a hole in your pocket and hate exploration, have at it. You can check out a trailer for Need for Speed Unbound Volume 2, below.
Need to know more? Here are some more details on what’s included in the Volume 2 update…
- New Ways to Hit the Streets: Enjoy a plethora of additional content, including Endurance Events and brand-new Rumble Races. Players can also provoke cops into thrilling high-speed multiplayer chases with the help of friends, or turn the tables to play against them to earn the biggest rewards.
- More Ways to Play: Compete in 40 new challenges, including 3 new daily challenges to earn rewards including XP and Bank. Players can also take on new Hot Laps circuits for an intense 30-second rush as they race against the clock to earn new reward content. New Playlist Events inject even more variety into the mix — complete Playlists to earn big rewards, including a Rare Custom Lotus Emira Balmain Edition.
- Rewards: Players can show off their style on the streets of Lakeshore with new driving effects, poses, stickers and more.
- Keys to the Map DLC: Available for $4.99, this DLC reveals the map location of all 260 collectibles (100 Bears, 80 Street Art, and 80 Billboards) and 160 activities. It also comes with an exclusive “Fury and Zen” clothing pack.
Missed out on Need for Speed Unbound? I found the game to be a solid open-world racer (ironically, exploring the open world is probably the best part of the game) with an annoying progression system and a few other issues, in my full review…
“Need for Speed Unbound is the franchise’s best entry in a decade, although the competition for that title wasn’t particularly stiff. The game offers polished tech, good (if slightly dated) open-world design, and a varied array of events and challenges, but still lags behind the current open-world racer pack leaders. The fantasy of becoming an underground racing champ is also hampered by a restrictive, ill-considered progression system. Nostalgic fans will find plenty to like here, and more general players might want to consider a test drive once the game is marked down, but “need” may be a strong word to attach to Criterion’s latest.”
Need for Speed Unbound can be played on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. The Volume 2 update drops on March 21.
