A new ‘PvPvE’ Lakeshore Online game mode is the headline feature of Unbound’s latest update, which introduces a two-wheeled machine.
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As previewed recently, Need for Speed Unbound’s Vol. 9 update is set to be a significant one. It’s also live, releasing on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S today, 26th November 2024.
Lockdown is the main feature – a new online multiplayer mode for up to three players. Either team up with two random players, or a known squad. 15 players is the max across five teams.
Billed as a ‘PvPvE’ feature, you must navigate to loot, lockups and ‘hot rides’ as per a list of contracts.
Once items are secured, and you are racing to these items against other teams on the map, claim an extraction truck to secure your new belongings. But, if you leave it too long, you could have your items stolen from you.
This extraction game mode also includes ‘lockdown’ areas appearing on the map, that gradually grow, causing you to take damage when driving within them.
Cars are also dotted around the map, and securing them will add them to your online garage permanently.
New vehicles
One way of avoiding damage within a lockdown is by using the bike. Yes, the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 has been added – and according to the developers, it’s faster even than the warp-speed Lotus Evija. It can be found in the aforementioned Lockdown mode.
There are also two new four-wheeled vehicles too:
- Honda Integra TYPE R 1998
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI 1999
Only the Subaru is free, unlocked by progressing through Speed Pass (experience points acquisition) levels. The Integra is part of the paid-for Premium Speed Pass, as are Lockdown customised versions of each.
Undercover cop variants of the existing cars can also be obtained through the free Speed Pass:
- Nissan Skyline (1999) – Undercover Cop Edition
- Porsche 911 GTS (2018) – Undercover Cop Edition
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (2015) – Undercover Cop Edition
- Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 (2017) – Undercover Cop Edition
Fresh events
Alongside the new mode and Speed Pass comes 14 new playlists and fresh tasks. Some of these playlists include events only for the new vehicles, too, including the BMW motorcycle.
A myriad of bug fixes and crash preventions have been implemented and the full changelog is listed below. Let us know in the comments, too, how you find Vol. 9.
Need for Speed Unbound Vol. 9 changelog
Gameplay
Added Lockdown as a stand-alone mode in Lakeshore Online
Taking a pinch of nostalgia, adding some contemporary multiplayer flavors, Lockdown introduces an exciting new mode to Lakeshore Online.
- Extraction/PvPvE inspired mode
- Up to 15 players, split across 5 crews
- Race against the clock, as the Lockdown zone gradually consumes Lakeshore and the heat rises
- Pick up cash and jack rides found on the streets (and from downed rival crew members!)
- Enter Lockups to find the most valuable loot, including Hot Rides that get permanently unlocked for use across Lakeshore Online if extracted
- Pursuit Tech (Spike Strips, EMP, Electrostatic Field) available for racers to use throughout Lakeshore in Lockdown
- The highest stakes street races yet, featuring Pursuit Tech, mixed vehicle Tiers and routes through the Lockdown Zone
- Complete Contracts for Racer X, with the help of crew members to earn cash, XP and reward vehicles
- The Downed State allows for another chance to get back into the action when wrecked or busted (so long as you have crew members to recover you!)
- Extract using Racer X’s Extraction Truck when ready to leave the Lockdown, but only a single crew can claim each truck. Play it safe and leave on the first truck? Or hold back, grab some loot and risk it all?
- Fail to extract and your ride becomes impounded for 24 hours in Lockdown! If you manage to jack a ride and extract, it becomes available to use for 24 hours in Lockdown
- Jack the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 Superbike, the only vehicle impervious to the damaging Lockdown Zone, and with the ability to squeeze into partially opened Lockups
- Earn Rap by performing illicit actions inside Lockdown, tracked on your personal Rap sheet. Rewards are offered each week by Racer X for beating weekly Rap milestones
Added New PVP Races
- BMW S 1000 RR only Playlists– Get your adrenaline pumping weaving through tight spaces at breakneck speeds on Need For Speed’s first Superbike
- NFS Legends– Routes that will really make you feel the Most Wanted
- Drift Pro Touge– Push your sideways skills to the limit in Drift Pro events featuring JDM cars only
- American Muscle Drag– Drag events exclusively for American Muscle cars
- Honda Integra Type R only Playlists– All racers in the Integra Type R
- SUBARU Impreza WRX STI only Playlists– All racers in the Impreza WRX STI
- 30th Anniversary Legends– Celebrate 30 years of NFS with playlists combining events celebrating installments from across the franchise
- Special Routes Unlocked– A collection of routes added across Kaizen (Volumes 6 – 9)
- Regera Only Playlists– All racers in the Regera
- A total of 14 new playlists– but over 60 routes and event configurations added for Vol.9
Increased Max Rank
- Max rank will now be increased from 280 to 300. 20 new ranks, themed with Blacklist badges, unlocking along with titles and banner art every 3 ranks (starting from rank 285).
Content
Added new Cars
- ^ SUBARU Impreza WRX STI (1999) w/ 3 bodykits
- *** Honda Integra Type-R (1998) w/ 3 bodykits
Added New Customs
- *** NFS Legends – BRZ Premium ’14
- *** Honda Integra Type R (1998) – LOCKDOWN SPEC
- *** SUBARU Impreza WRX STI (1999) – LOCKDOWN SPEC
- *** NFS 30th Anniversary M3 GTR ’05
Added Undercover Cop Variants
- ^ Nissan Skyline (1999) – Undercover Cop Edition
- ^ Porsche 911 GTS (2018) – Undercover Cop Edition
- ^ Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (2015) – Undercover Cop Edition
- ^ Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 (2017) – Undercover Cop Edition
Blacklist inspired customs
- > 14 Blacklist member-inspired custom cars are up for grabs from playing Lockdown, finding them in the Lockups and successfully extracting with them. Tick them all off to unlock Racer X’s……pride and joy.
Plus
- > Over 45 vehicles found in Lockups in Lockdown – Successfully extract them from Lockdown to unlock them permanently in your multiplayer garage (Cars in the lockups rotate on a weekly basis )
*** Available in Premium Speed Pass
^ Available in Free Speed Pass
> Available in Lockdown
Speed Pass
As well as some sweet new rides, the Volume 9 Speed Pass brings a whole load more goodies!
- “Grafitti” Tags – Throwing out Dubs while you Donut!
- Cop Customization – LED Message bar
- New Rims – Licensed and LED animated rims 30th anniversary and Most Wanted style
- License Plates – With designs to that the Most Wanted will truly appreciate
- Decals
- Character skins
- Projections – Manufacturer icons
- XP boosts
Fixes
- Fixed a bug where the “Speech to Text” option does not function as intended.
- Fixed a bug with the Hot Pursuit playlists where no reward sticker is displayed in the Standings screen for the sole survivor.
- Fixed a bug with the Lotus Evija 2023 where the default position for the top side decals is set too low on the Y-axis, resulting in the decal being hidden under the front bumper when selected for application on the vehicle.
- Fixed a bug with the Speed Pass where Rank 29 Bull Bar Light Projectors do not turn on.
- Fixed a bug with the Speed Pass where Infinity Rims from the Volume 6 Catch-up Pack are not being awarded to the user in the Cop Garage, even though the other rim rewards are received in both the Racer and Cop Garages.
- Fixed a bug with the in-game Store where items are not removed from inventory after uninstalling all DLCs from the Need for Speed™ Unbound – Ultimate Collection Upgrade from PS5.
- Fixed a bug with the in-game Store where Palace Upgrade and Keys to the Map tiles are missing from on PS5 for users who don’t own it, but it is still visible for users who already own it or have it installed.
Crash fixes
Fixed various crashes.
