Need for Speed: Unbound gets off to a dramatic start. In the prologue, players begin with their choice of a fixed-up classic and use it to blast through the streets to gain some rep. The story then takes some twists and turns as the player learns how to find races, complete challenges, and earn money.
After the prologue in Need for Speed Unbound, players are presented with a selection of custom cars to choose from. They’re all around the $33,000 range, which the player should have saved up by this point. Any of them would make a good whip, but one pulls ahead of the pack.
The Pontiac Firebird
The best car to buy after finishing the prologue is the Pontiac Firebird. Its Rear Wheel Drive gives it the best 0-60 time of the lot and its top speed is still respectable. Add to that the Drift handling and incredible horsepower, and it’s a clear choice. With just a few upgrades, this can be a top-notch B-tier car in no time. It performs best in Takeover events, but it can handle any of the races the game has available.
The Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Eclipse are also great choices, especially for players that would like more grip. The Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Drive is particularly useful for making it more versatile in all-out cop chases.
Which Upgrades to Get First
Buying the car is just the first step. The next step is identifying a set of upgrades to bring the car up to its maximum potential. Don’t forget to add some stylish body customizations too. Players will be better off keeping it in the B tier at first, and then move it well into the A tier when they have enough money to do so all at once. With that in mind, here are the best upgrades to get first:
- Sport Tires [Road]: Road Tires give the best versatility in the bunch and fit most circumstances well. They give enough grip to get a good launch, and they keep a strong Drift handling profile.
- Sport Fuel System: Upgrading to the Sport-tuned Fuel System gives a big boost to the top speed. Make sure to tune the Downforce down to take full advantage of it.
- Sport Exhaust: The Sport-tuned Exhaust gives a significant boost to horsepower and shaves a bit off the acceleration times.
- Sport Clutch: An upgraded clutch decreases the time required to switch gears, which has a direct impact on acceleration. All the acceleration in the world won’t help if it takes too long to move through the gears along the way.
Need for Speed Unbound is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.