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 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.
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 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 RacingCombat RacingPvPArcadeThird PersonFirst-PersonSportsOnline Co-Op
- 3
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 RacingOnline Co-OpControllerSimulationPvPArcadeSportsFirst-Person
- 4
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 RacingSimulationOffroadSportsArcadeControllerOnline Co-Op
- 5
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 RacingSimulationSportsFirst-PersonControllerThird PersonArcade
- 6
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 RacingArcadeOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonThird PersonSimulationSportsSandbox
- 7
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 RacingArcadeSimulationThird PersonCombat RacingFirst-PersonControllerOnline Co-Op
- 8
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 RacingCombat RacingControllerArcadeOnline Co-OpSimulationSports
- 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 RacingSimulationSportsControllerOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonPvP
- 10
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 RacingSimulationArcadeFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpSportsPvP
- 11
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 Online Co-OpThird PersonStrategySandboxFirst-PersonPvP
- 12
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 SimulationSandboxRacingFirst-PersonStrategy
- 13
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 OffroadSimulationOnline Co-OpSandboxRacingFirst-PersonThird Person
- 14
STAR WARS Battlefront
Why it matched: both atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Online Co-Op and Vehicular Combat; published by the same company; released around the same time (2020).
The STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Ultimate Edition includes the STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Deluxe Edition as well as the STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Season Pass.
STAR WARS Battlefront at a glance Released 2020 Studio DICE Player sentiment 79% positive of 5,869 Price $19.99 StrategyOnline Co-OpVehicular CombatFirst-PersonPvPThird Person
- 15
Need for Speed Most Wanted
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Arcade and Combat Racing; published by the same company; released around the same time (2020).
The open-world action in Need for Speed Most Wanted gives you the freedom to drive your way. Hit jumps and shortcuts, switch cars, lie low or head for terrain that plays to your vehicle’s unique strengths. Fight your way past cops and rivals using skill, high-end car tech and tons of nitrous.
Need for Speed Most Wanted at a glance Released 2020 Studio Criterion Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 27,849 Price $19.99 RacingArcadeCombat RacingFirst-PersonVehicular CombatControllerThird Person
- 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 RacingSimulationSportsArcadeSandboxThird Person
- 17
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 RacingSimulationSportsControllerArcadeFirst-Person
- 18
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 RacingArcadeSandboxControllerSportsThird PersonOnline Co-Op
- 19
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 First-PersonStrategyOnline Co-OpSimulationController
- 20
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Arcade and Combat Racing; published by the same company.
The open-world action in Need for Speed Most Wanted gives you the freedom to drive your way. Hit jumps and shortcuts, switch cars, lie low or head for terrain that plays to your vehicle’s unique strengths. Fight your way past cops and rivals using skill, high-end car tech and tons of nitrous.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted at a glance Released 2005 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 77% positive of 27,838 Price $19.99 RacingArcadeCombat RacingFirst-PersonVehicular CombatControllerThird Person
- 21
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Arcade and Combat Racing; published by the same company.
The open-world action in Need for Speed Most Wanted gives you the freedom to drive your way. Hit jumps and shortcuts, switch cars, lie low or head for terrain that plays to your vehicle’s unique strengths. Fight your way past cops and rivals using skill, high-end car tech and tons of nitrous.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted at a glance Released 2012 Studio Criterion Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 27,838 Price $19.99 RacingArcadeCombat RacingFirst-PersonVehicular CombatControllerThird Person
- 22
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 RacingSimulationSandboxOnline Co-OpControllerArcadeSports
- 23
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 RacingSimulationSportsStrategyControllerArcade
- 24
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 SimulationFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpThird PersonSandboxStrategy
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.