Isn’t it too exciting to get to know your all-time favorite racing game Need for Speed games in order?! Since the release of the very first version of Need for Speed (NFS) in 1994, it has been every gamer’s favourite. With multiple jaw-dropping supercars, it gives a thrilling experience of driving through picturesque locations.
While discussing Need for Speed games in order, we will see the evolution of graphics in every new version. The racing video game Need for Speed first emerged in the middle of the 1990s and soon rose to fame. At first, EA owned all the rights to NFS’s development, but today the corporation just owns the franchise’s rights to the video game, and the developers are always changing.
Now, every streamer and gamer is eagerly waiting for the upcoming new version of Need for Speed games. Here, in this article, you will find Need for Speed games in order of their release dates and storyline. So, have a great read ahead!
In This Article
All Need For Speed Games In Order Chronologically
Need for Speed is one of the best racing games to date. Here is the complete list of Need for Speed games in order of their release dates.
1. The Need For Speed
Released On: August 31, 1994
This is the very first game to discuss Need for Speed games in order. It has a significant number of vehicles from the most well-known brands, which was unusual at the time. Not only that, but every car had a fantastic inside and resembled its real-world counterpart remarkably well. The game was playable on the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, 3DO, and DOS.
2. Need For Speed II
Released On: March 31, 1997
One of the most anticipated Need for Speed games in order since it introduced a brand-new idea. The innovative courses it created gave the game the much-needed flavour. The game had some of the most well-known cards of the time, such as the McLaren F1 and Ferrari F50, as well as some unusual choices in the form of vehicles like the Ford GT90 and Isdera Commendatory 112i.
3. Need For Speed III: Hot Pursuit
Released on: March 25, 1998
Next on the list of Need for Speed games in order is Hot Pursuit. The Pursuit feature, which introduced cop cars to the game, was the idea that turned this game into a success. In order to put an end to any unlawful races taking place in the City, authorities set up barriers, busted tires with spike straps, and issued citations for the game.
4. Need For Speed: High Stakes
Released On: March 1, 1999
The next game on the Need for Speed games in order list is High stakes. Although they did provide new modes, the majority of the tracks in this game are comparable to those in the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit edition. There is a single-player mode in the game, and buying cars outright was an option.
5. Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed
Released On: February 29, 2000
To discuss Need for Speed games in order, Porsche Unleashed is the next. Notable automobiles produced by the German carmaker were featured in the game. The single-player campaign was an option for players, and for the game developer EA, it was one of the best ever. The poor handling and incredibly slow speed of the game’s vintage Porsche automobiles were criticized by some players.
6. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
Released On: October 2, 2002
To discuss Need for Speed games in order, Hot Pursuit 2 is the next. The original edition of the game had undergone a thorough overhaul. Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, and Xbox versions were released in 2002. Additionally, it expanded its roster to include a large number of supercars, which increased its appeal to players. Better improvements were made to every track from the initial release.
7. Need For Speed: Underground
Release On: 17th November 2003
To discuss Need for Speed games in order, Underground is the next. In addition to the new option of car modification, this new instalment in the NFS series was produced using the NFS formula. Players had the option of customizing their common automobiles with the in-game crash that they might win by taking part in racing competitions, which was more cost-effective than spending large sums of money on luxury cars. Modifying spoilers, tires, rims, paint jobs, decals, and other features was an option for players.
8. Need For Speed: Underground 2
Released On: November 15, 2004
To discuss Need for Speed games in order, Underground 2 is the next. The cop chases in NFS Underground 2 were missing, but no one noticed because everyone was too busy riding their Mitsubishi Eclipse and Nissan 240SXs to give it any thought. NFS Underground 2 was available on the PC, PS2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, GameCube GB, and mobile devices.
9. Need For Speed: Most Wanted
Released On: November 15, 2005
In the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date, the NFS: Most Wanted series comes next. NFS Most Wanted, a game about open-world racing that takes place in Rockport, is regarded as one of the best to date. This game was able to hold the audience’s attention for hours thanks to its distinctive environment, vivid city blocks, mountain routes, and twists and turns during tense police pursuits.
10. Need For Speed: Carbon
Release On: 31st October 2006
In the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date, NFS: Carbon comes next. It was unable to capture the character and charisma of the NFS games it was modelled after. Platforms including the PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, GameCube, Wii, mobile, and GBA could all play this game.
11. Need For Speed: ProStreet
Released On: November 14, 2007
In the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date, NFS ProStreet comes next. The worst game in the NFS series in terms of physics, according to reviewers, was NFS ProStreet. The game’s challenging handling made it nearly impossible to operate some cars. In addition, the game was launched on November 14, 2007, and it worked with the PS2, PC, PSP, Xbox 360, Xbox, Nintendo DS, mobile, GameCube, Wii, and GBA.
12. Need For Speed: Undercover
Released On: November 18, 2008
In the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date, Undercover comes next. One of the main reasons NFS Undercover failed was due to its poor graphics, which utterly missed the technological polish for which NFS was renowned.
13. Need For Speed: Shift
Released On: September 15, 2009
In the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date, Shift comes next. NFS: Shift rose to fame for offering touring car simulation racing, a category in which NFS ProStreet fell short. The game was flawless in terms of vehicle control, visuals, and career mode, to put it briefly.
14. Need For Speed: Nitro
Released On: November 3, 2009
In the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date, Nitro comes next. It was a particular brand of EA casual game. The name makes it pretty clear that this game’s primary focus is on speed and thrill rather than accurate driving mechanics. Only Wii and Nintendo DS saw the release of NFS Nitro. To make the game more family-friendly, a more cartoonish aesthetic was added.
15. Need For Speed: World
Released On: July 27, 2010
In the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date, World comes next. The majority of fans of racing video games compare NFS World to Carbon and Most Wanted. Numerous real-time interactions with other races are possible in this game.
16. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010)
Released On: November 16, 2010
Hot Pursuit (2010) comes next in the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. Even while it didn’t have the same feel as the original, the new NFS model served to strengthen Hot pursuit’s branding. If we ignore the few minor technological hitches, the graphic square is more visible and detailed than ever before.
17. Shift 2: Unleashed
Released On: March 29, 2011
Shift 2: Unleashed comes next in the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. EA attempted to create a sequel to NFS Shift with Shift 2: Unleashed, but in reality, they ended up with a product that was a far cry from the original. Realistic racing is the primary focus of Shift 2, which also features realistic crash dynamics and incredibly accurate vehicles, drivers, and tracks. Considering how well the original performed, the game was a fantastic success.
18. Need For Speed: The Run
Released On: November 15, 2011
The Run comes next in the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. It has lengthy cutscenes, which players were compelled to watch because there was no skip button. And this was the reason the game was a failure. The PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, and Wii were all compatible with this game.
19. Need For Speed: Most Wanted (2012)
Released On: October 30, 2012
Most Wanted (2012) comes next on the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. This game was lacking a lot of crucial components, such as campaign duration reductions, aggressive AI, and customizable cars. Numerous NFS enthusiasts contend that given the success of the first game, the developer didn’t devote enough time to creating this one.
20. Need For Speed Rivals
Released On: November 15, 2013
Need for Speed Rivals comes next in the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. With Xbox One and PS4 compatibility in mind, various improvements were made to NFS Rivals in order to improve the graphics quality, speed up loading, and add a brand-new dynamic weather system.
21. Need For Speed: No Limits
Released On: September 30, 2015
Need for Speed No Limits comes next in the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. A large portion of the in-game elements, such as illegal street racing, police chases, and vehicle customization, were taken from the earlier NFS games. Races also have a short length in addition to this.
22. Need For Speed (2015)
Released On: November 3, 2015
Need for Speed 2015 comes next in the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. With this game, nothing went as planned. The 2015 Need for Speed featured the worst vehicle handling ever produced for a high-end AAA title. It worked with systems including the PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
23. Need For Speed Payback
Released On: November 10, 2017
Need for Speed Payback comes next in the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. The Fast and Furious movie franchise’s success served as the sole foundation for the game, which was a terrible waste of time. Ghost Games, a game production studio, continued the blunders they had made with NFS 2015 edition. Platforms including PC, PS4, and Xbox One were all compatible with it.
24. Need For Speed Heat
Released On: November 8, 2019
Need for Speed Heat comes next in the list of Need for Speed games in order of release date. It’s not the worst NFS game Ghost Games has ever created, but it’s also not the best NFS game that has ever been released. Due to the unfavourable impression that Need for Speed 2015 and NFS Payback left behind, Need for Speed Heat has garnered a variety of reviews from critics since its release.
Need For Speed Games You May Have Missed
Some other games which did not manage to catch the players’ attention that much are also important to complete the list of Need for Speed games in order of their release dates. Go through the underwritten table to know them –
| Need for Speed Games | Release Dates |
| Need for Speed: V-Rally | September 30, 1997 |
| Need for Speed: V-Rally 2 | October 31, 1999 |
| Need for Speed: Motor City Online | October 29, 2001 |
| Need for Speed: Edge (Beta) | December 10, 2017 |
Wrapping Up
NFS is a racing video game that has achieved widespread success. Its captivating police chases, gorgeous automobiles, and excellent playability are what fans love most about it. All of the NFS games that had been released up until this point were included in this Need for Speed games in order collection. Please share in the comments which NFS game you enjoy playing most. Also, stay tuned to the Path Of EX website to know more such updates about interesting games. Happy Gaming!!!
