From Press Release:
Redwood City, Calif. – November 19, 2024 – Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Criterion Games™ reveal Need for Speed™ Unbound Vol. 9: Prepare for Lockdown*, the latest in a series of live service updates that expands the ultimate Need for Speed experience. Launching on November 26 on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, Vol. 9 introduces its highest stakes mode with a PvPvE multiplayer extraction-based gameplay inspired by Need for Speed Most Wanted. For the first time in Need for Speed, racers can ride a motorbike, the BMW S 1000 RR 2019, in the new Lockdown experience.
Lockdown offers a fresh twist to Unbound’s street racing action, where crews of up to three players are formed to compete against rival teams. Racers must complete Contracts, break into Lockup areas, navigate the treacherous Lockdown Zone, and secure the Extraction truck. Success rewards players with some of the hardest-to-acquire rides in the game, including the Custom BMW M3 GTR ’05 owned by the infamous Most Wanted character, Razor, and 14 other iconic cars inspired by Most Wanted’s Blacklist.
“We hope Vol. 9 sparks excitement among our players by blending nostalgia and iconic Most Wanted vibes with new experiences and innovative gameplay,” said John Stanley, Senior Creative Director at Criterion Games. “As we celebrate the incredible milestone of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, this volume represents the climactic peak of our live service journey anchored on continuous improvement to deliver the ultimate, all-in-one Need for Speed experience.”
Vol. 9 features a wealth of new PVP content and 14 new playlists with over 60 routes and event configurations. The playlists cover a variety of themes, including the first-ever Need for Speed motorcycle-exclusive events, special challenges to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, Most Wanted-inspired races, new Drift Pro challenges, and more. This new volume also features a new Speed Pass, and an optional Premium track offering 75 tiers of unlockable content, including the new fully customisable SUBARU Impreza WRX STI ’99 and Honda Integra Type R ’98**. More information can be found here.
This holiday season, players can purchase Need for Speed Unbound and the Need for Speed Unbound Ultimate Collection at discounted rates of up to 80% off the standard retail price on Epic, Steam, Origin Playstation and Xbox***. Available now, the Need for Speed Unbound Ultimate Collection includes Need For Speed Unbound Standard Edition, instant access to all post-launch premium content and the Vol. 9 Premium Speed Pass, featuring nine fully customisable cars, over 45 Customs, and hundreds of additional cosmetics. Players who own the Standard Edition can check out the Ultimate Collection Upgrade, which grants instant access to all post-launch premium content, and the Vol. 9 Premium Speed Pass.
For more information about the game and Vol. 9’s new and returning features, please visit Need for Speed’s website and follow @NeedforSpeed on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates.
