The nearly two-year-old Need for Speed Unbound continues to receive impressive support from Criterion and EA. The latest Vol. 9 update injects a hefty dose of Most Wanted nostalgia into the game, introducing a thrilling new game mode and a wealth of fresh content for players on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This update is arguably one of the largest Unbound has seen, significantly expanding the gameplay experience.
Lockdown Mode: A High-Stakes Extraction Experience
The highlight of the Vol. 9 update is the introduction of Lockdown, a new PvPvE extraction-based game mode. This mode pits up to 15 players, divided into five crews, against each other and the clock in a shrinking zone within Lakeshore. Players must scavenge cash, jack rides, and secure valuable loot from Lockups, including Hot Rides that can be permanently unlocked for use in Lakeshore Online. The addition of Pursuit Tech like Spike Strips, EMPs, and Electrostatic Fields further intensifies the high-stakes gameplay.
Expanded Racing Options and Increased Max Rank
Beyond Lockdown, Vol. 9 adds a variety of new PvP races, including dedicated playlists for the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike, NFS Legends routes reminiscent of Most Wanted, Drift Pro Touge events, American Muscle Drag races, and playlists featuring the Honda Integra Type R and Subaru Impreza WRX STI. With over 60 new routes and event configurations, there’s something for every racing enthusiast. The update also raises the max rank from 280 to 300, adding 20 new ranks themed around Blacklist badges, with accompanying titles and banner art.
New Cars, Customs, and Speed Pass Rewards
Vol. 9 introduces the Honda Integra Type R and Subaru Impreza WRX STI, bringing a classic JDM flavor to Lakeshore. These highly anticipated vehicles are accompanied by a range of new customs, including Blacklist-inspired designs. A new Speed Pass offers further customization options with graffiti tags, cop car customizations, rims, license plates, decals, character skins, and XP boosts. Players can also unlock over 45 vehicles through Lockdown, adding them permanently to their multiplayer garages.
Bug Fixes and Improvements
In addition to the new content, Vol. 9 addresses various bugs and issues, including fixes for speech-to-text functionality, reward stickers, decal positioning, and crashes. Criterion has also acknowledged the need for further refinement of the Lockdown mode, particularly regarding contracts and tracking, and is already working on a patch update to improve clarity and gameplay experience.
Conclusion: A Thrilling New Chapter for Unbound
The Vol. 9 update injects a significant amount of fresh content and exciting gameplay mechanics into Need for Speed Unbound. The new Lockdown mode, expanded racing options, additional vehicles, and bug fixes demonstrate Criterion’s continued commitment to supporting and enhancing the game. With the promise of further improvements on the horizon, Unbound continues to evolve and offer players a dynamic and engaging racing experience.
