Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Need for Speed Payback (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Need for Speed Payback on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The games like Need for Speed Payback on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
24 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Multi-platform
- PC
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
The short version
- Closest match: Need for Speed Heat, which made by the same studio, EA Gothenburg.
- Need for Speed Payback is tagged Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Combat Racing, Controller, Sports, PvP, Sandbox by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are from the same studio: Need for Speed Heat, Need for Speed Rivals.
Why players value Need for Speed Payback
The five things Steam players tag Need for Speed Payback with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.
- Racing
- Open World
- Multiplayer
- Combat Racing
- Controller
| Reception | on Steam (85% of 32,277) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | players report monetisation inside the game, crashes and freezes |
| Price | $29.99 |
Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Need for Speed Heat
Why it matched: made by the same studio, EA Gothenburg; both open world and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Combat Racing and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2019).
Hustle by day and risk it all at night in Need for Speed™ Heat Deluxe Edition, a white-knuckle street racer, where the lines of the law fade as the sun starts to set.
Need for Speed Heat at a glance Released 2019 Studio EA Gothenburg Player sentiment 84% positive of 153,208 Price $69.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (84% of 153,208)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Combat Racing, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Driving, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $69.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, crashes and freezes, will not launch or install (details)
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingCombat RacingOnline Co-OpThird PersonArcadeControllerSportsPvP
- 2
Need for Speed Rivals
Why it matched: made by the same studio, EA Gothenburg; both open world and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Combat Racing and PvP; released around the same time (2013).
Erase the line between single player and multiplayer in this street-racing rivalry between Cops and Racers. Seamlessly join a world where your friends are already racing and chasing
Need for Speed Rivals at a glance Released 2013 Studio EA Gothenburg Player sentiment 76% positive of 10,553 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: (76% of 10,553)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Combat Racing
Why players like it: Racing, Driving, Open World, Multiplayer, Combat Racing — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, servers and connection, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingCombat RacingPvPArcadeThird PersonFirst-PersonSportsOnline Co-Op
- 3
The Crew 2
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Arcade and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2018).
Take on the American motorsports scene as you explore and dominate the land, air, and sea across the entire USA. New: play The Crew 2 offline or online with the new Hybrid mode, available now!
The Crew 2 at a glance Released 2018 Studio Ivory Tower Player sentiment 78% positive of 99,588 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (78% of 99,588)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 3 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Automobile Sim, Multiplayer, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $29.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingArcadeOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonThird PersonSimulationSportsSandbox
- 4
Forza Horizon 4
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Online Co-Op and Controller; released around the same time (2021).
Dynamic seasons change everything at the world’s greatest automotive festival. Go it alone or team up with others to explore beautiful and historic Britain in a shared open world.
Forza Horizon 4 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Playground Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 303,167 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (91% of 303,167)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Driving, Multiplayer, Automobile Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingOnline Co-OpControllerSimulationPvPArcadeSportsFirst-Person
- 5
DiRT 4
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Offroad; published by the same company; released around the same time (2017).
DiRT 4 is all about embracing fear. It’s about the thrill, exhilaration and adrenaline that is absolutely vital to off-road racing. It’s about loving the feeling of pushing flat out next to a sheer cliff drop, going for the gap that’s too small and seeing how much air you can get. Be Fearless.
DiRT 4 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 80% positive of 16,257 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (80% of 16,257)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Automobile Sim, Simulation, Multiplayer, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingSimulationOffroadSportsArcadeControllerOnline Co-Op
- 6
Project CARS
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Sports; published by the same company; released around the same time (2015).
THE ULTIMATE DRIVER JOURNEY delivers the soul of motor racing in the world’s most beautiful, authentic, and technically-advanced racing game.
Project CARS at a glance Released 2015 Studio Slightly Mad Studios Player sentiment 79% positive of 14,438 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (79% of 14,438)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Simulation, Automobile Sim, Driving, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingSimulationSportsFirst-PersonControllerThird PersonArcade
- 7
Need for Speed Unbound
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Combat Racing and Controller; published by the same company.
Race to the top, definitely don’t flop. Outsmart the cops, and enter weekly qualifiers for The Grand: the ultimate street race. Pack your garage with precision-tuned, custom rides, and light up the streets with your style.
Need for Speed Unbound at a glance Released 2022 Studio Criterion Games Player sentiment 60% positive of 60,177 Price $69.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.9/10 · Steam: (60% of 60,177)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Combat Racing, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Multiplayer, Open World, Action, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $69.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingCombat RacingControllerArcadeOnline Co-OpSimulationSports
- 8
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Racing; released around the same time (2021).
Work your way to a service empire. Get your hands dirty in a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to details. Pay a visit to a new Auction house and buy cars in various conditions. Expand your range of services by investing in a new work space and equipment.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 38,510 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (96% of 38,510)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 2 of 5 — Racing, Open World
Why players like it: Simulation, Automobile Sim, Realistic, Sandbox, Moddable — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $24.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:SimulationSandboxRacingFirst-PersonStrategy
- 9
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Sports; released around the same time (2019).
Assetto Corsa Competizione, the official GT World Challenge videogame. Thanks to the extraordinary quality of simulation, you will experience the atmosphere of the GT3 championship. Compete against official drivers, teams, cars and official circuits reproduced to the highest quality ever seen.
Assetto Corsa Competizione at a glance Released 2019 Studio Kunos Simulazioni Player sentiment 93% positive of 48,018 Price $39.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (93% of 48,018)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Automobile Sim, Simulation, VR, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $39.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingSimulationSportsControllerOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonPvP
- 10
MudRunner
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Offroad, Simulation and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2017).
MudRunner is the ultimate off-road experience putting the players in the driver seat and dares them to take charge of incredible all-terrain vehicles, venturing across extreme Siberian landscapes with only a map and compass as guides!
MudRunner at a glance Released 2017 Studio Saber Interactive Player sentiment 92% positive of 44,003 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (92% of 44,003)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 3 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Offroad, Simulation, Automobile Sim, Multiplayer, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:OffroadSimulationOnline Co-OpSandboxRacingFirst-PersonThird Person
- 11
Forza Horizon 5
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Arcade; released around the same time (2021).
Explore the vibrant open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in the world’s greatest cars.
Forza Horizon 5 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Playground Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 279,979 Price $23.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (89% of 279,979)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 3 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Driving, Multiplayer, Automobile Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $23.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingSimulationArcadeFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpSportsPvP
- 12
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Online Co-Op, Third Person and Strategy; released around the same time (2017).
Lead your elite team of Ghosts in this tactical third-person shooter. Explore a massive open world, infiltrate and destroy the deadly Santa Blanca cartel, and save Bolivia and its people.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands at a glance Released 2017 Studio Ubisoft Paris Player sentiment 78% positive of 113,815 Price $49.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (78% of 113,815)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 2 of 5 — Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Open World, Shooter, Co-op, Stealth, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $49.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:Online Co-OpThird PersonStrategySandboxFirst-PersonPvP
- 13
Need for Speed
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Arcade and Simulation; published by the same company; released around the same time (2020).
Ready to own the streets? Get behind the wheel of iconic cars and floor it through Ventura Bay, a sprawling urban playground. Explore overlapping stories as you build your reputation – and your dream car – and become the ultimate racing icon.
Need for Speed at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ghost Games Player sentiment 69% positive of 29,486 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.4/10 · Steam: (69% of 29,486)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Combat Racing, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $29.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingArcadeSimulationThird PersonCombat RacingFirst-PersonControllerOnline Co-Op
- 14
Farming Simulator 17
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, First-Person and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2016).
Take on the role of a modern farmer in Farming Simulator 17! Explore farming possibilities in a new North American environment. Drive over 250 farming vehicles and equipment from over 75 manufacturers, including new brands such as Challenger, Fendt, Valtra or Massey Ferguson.
Farming Simulator 17 at a glance Released 2016 Studio GIANTS Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 25,933 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (93% of 25,933)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 2 of 5 — Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Farming Sim, Simulation, Automobile Sim, Multiplayer, Agriculture — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $14.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:SimulationFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpThird PersonSandboxStrategy
- 15
SimplePlanes
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Sandbox, Racing and Combat Racing; released around the same time (2015).
Build airplanes by snapping parts together, designing wing sections, and attaching engines. At any time, you can strap yourself into the cockpit and see how it flies with realistic physics. If you're not in the mood for building, over 100,000 airplanes are available to download for free.
SimplePlanes at a glance Released 2015 Studio Jundroo, LLC Player sentiment 93% positive of 10,901 Price $12.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (93% of 10,901)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Combat Racing, Controller
Why players like it: Flight, Sandbox, Automation, Physics, Building — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $12.99 — $17.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:SandboxRacingCombat RacingControllerStrategyVehicular Combat
- 16
Wreckfest
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Sports; released around the same time (2018).
Wreckfest is a demolition derby themed racing game with soft-body damage modeling, sophisticated driving dynamics and in-depth vehicle upgrading, featuring both demolition derbies and more traditional track races. It’s all about fun, breakneck racing and over-the-top crashes.
Wreckfest at a glance Released 2018 Studio Bugbear Player sentiment 88% positive of 41,452 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (88% of 41,452)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 3 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Racing, Destruction, Automobile Sim, Simulation, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $29.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingSimulationSportsArcadeSandboxThird Person
- 17
Steep
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Sports, Simulation and Racing; released around the same time (2016).
Ride a massive open world across the Alps, where the powder is always fresh and the run never ends. Defy and master the mountain alone or with friends on skis, wingsuits, snowboards and paragliders. Record and share your best stunts.
Steep at a glance Released 2016 Studio Ubisoft Annecy Player sentiment 83% positive of 33,085 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (83% of 33,085)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 3 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Sports, Open World, Multiplayer, Action, Simulation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $29.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:SportsSimulationRacingFirst-PersonThird PersonSandbox
- 18
CarX Drift Racing Online
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Sandbox; released around the same time (2017).
Master realistic drift physics, tune 120+ cars and drift online with up to 16 players across platforms. Compete in TOP-32, build unique setups and explore hundreds of community-made Workshop maps.
CarX Drift Racing Online at a glance Released 2017 Studio CarX Technologies, LLC Player sentiment 95% positive of 89,251 Price $16.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (95% of 89,251)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Physics, Simulation, Massively Multiplayer, Relaxing — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $16.99 — $13.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingSimulationSandboxOnline Co-OpControllerArcadeSports
- 19
Project CARS 2
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Sports; released around the same time (2017).
THE ULTIMATE DRIVER JOURNEY! Project CARS 2 delivers the soul of motor racing in the world’s most beautiful, authentic, and technically-advanced racing game.
Project CARS 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Slightly Mad Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 18,429 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (81% of 18,429)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Driving, Automobile Sim, Simulation, VR — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingSimulationSportsControllerArcadeFirst-Person
- 20
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Arcade and Sandbox; published by the same company.
Download Burnout™ Paradise: The Ultimate Box today. Paradise City is the largest and most dangerous setting yet for the best-selling Burnout series. The massive setting gives players an open-ended world to explore, as they race their vehicles through hundreds of miles of roads and underground passages with more than 70 different cars.
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box at a glance Released 2009 Studio Criterion Games Player sentiment 87% positive of 13,473 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (87% of 13,473)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Automobile Sim, Multiplayer, Destruction — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingArcadeSandboxControllerSportsThird PersonOnline Co-Op
- 21
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 5 player tags including First-Person, Strategy and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2013).
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 takes the bulls-eye precision of its predecessor to new and exciting heights!
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 at a glance Released 2013 Studio City Interactive Player sentiment 76% positive of 18,757 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.4/10 · Steam: (76% of 18,757)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 3 of 5 — Open World, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Sniper, Action, FPS, Multiplayer, Shooter — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $9.99 — $20.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:First-PersonStrategyOnline Co-OpSimulationController
- 22
Iron Front: Digital War Edition
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 5 player tags including First-Person, Simulation and Third Person.
Command your own troops, man authentic weaponry and take to the sky in deadly warplanes.
Iron Front: Digital War Edition at a glance Released 2012 Studio X1 Software Player sentiment 59% positive of 869 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.4/10 · Steam: (59% of 869)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 2 of 5 — Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: World War II, War, Military, Tanks, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $14.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:First-PersonSimulationThird PersonStrategySandbox
- 23
Farming Simulator 19
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, First-Person and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2018).
The best-selling franchise takes a giant leap forward with a complete overhaul of the graphics engine, offering the most striking and immersive visuals and effects, along with the deepest and most complete farming experience ever.
Farming Simulator 19 at a glance Released 2018 Studio GIANTS Software Player sentiment 94% positive of 76,267 Price $17.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (94% of 76,267)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 2 of 5 — Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Simulation, Farming Sim, Multiplayer, Agriculture, Realistic — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed Payback: $17.99 — $12.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:SimulationFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpStrategy
- 24
F1 2020
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Sports; published by the same company; released around the same time (2020).
F1® 2020 allows you to create your F1® team for the very first time and race alongside the official teams and drivers. Alternatively, challenge your friends in new split-screen with casual race options for more relaxed racing. Compete on 22 circuits, with current and classic content.
F1 2020 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 94% positive of 39,931 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (94% of 39,931)
Matches Need for Speed Payback on: 3 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Controller
Why players like it: Racing, Simulation, Sports, Multiplayer, Automobile Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed Payback:RacingSimulationSportsStrategyControllerArcade
Common questions
What game is most like Need for Speed Payback?
Need for Speed Heat, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, EA Gothenburg. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Need for Speed Payback" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Need for Speed Payback. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Need for Speed Payback do?
Need for Speed Heat, Need for Speed Rivals are also from EA Gothenburg, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.