Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Need for Speed Unbound (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Need for Speed Unbound 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 both open world and atmospheric.
- Need for Speed Unbound is tagged Racing, Multiplayer, Open World, Action, Driving, Singleplayer, Character Customization, Combat Racing 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.
- 1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 3 are from the same studio: Need for Speed Most Wanted, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box, Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
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: both open world and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Driving and Combat Racing; published by the same company; 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 RacingDrivingCombat RacingOnline Co-OpArcadeControllerSportsCharacter Customization
- 2
Need for Speed Payback
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Combat Racing and Controller; published by the same company.
Set in the underworld of Fortune Valley, you and your crew were divided by betrayal and reunited by revenge to take down The House, a nefarious cartel that rules the city’s casinos, criminals and cops. In this corrupt gambler’s paradise, the stakes are high and The House always wins.
Need for Speed Payback at a glance Released 2017 Studio EA Gothenburg Player sentiment 85% positive of 32,277 Price $29.99 RacingCombat RacingControllerSportsArcadeSimulationOnline Co-Op
- 3
DiRT 4
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Driving; published by the same company.
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 RacingSimulationDrivingSportsArcadeControllerOnline Co-Op
- 4
Need for Speed
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Driving and Arcade; 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 RacingDrivingArcadeSimulationCombat RacingControllerOnline Co-OpSplit Screen
- 5
Need for Speed Rivals
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Driving and Combat Racing; published by the same company.
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 RacingDrivingCombat RacingArcadeSportsOnline Co-OpSplit Screen
- 6
High Octane Drift
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Driving and Simulation.
Enter the world of professional competitive drift and win online series amongst hundreds of other players to become the living legend. Buy, tune, trade, unite and conquer the drift scene.
High Octane Drift at a glance Released 2016 Studio Cruderocks Player sentiment 55% positive of 5,879 Price Not listed RacingDrivingSimulationSportsControllerOnline Co-OpCasualArcade
- 7
Forza Horizon 4
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Driving and Online Co-Op; 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 RacingDrivingOnline Co-OpControllerSimulationArcadeSports
- 8
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Arcade and Split Screen.
SONIC AND SEGA ALL-STARS RACE FOR VICTORY IN A HIGH SPEED HIGH SKILL RACETRACK SHOWDOWN! TAKE TO THE TRACK BY CAR, MONSTER TRUCK, BIKE AND EVEN AEROPLANE IN SONIC & SEGA ALL-STARS RACING. Explore stunning new circuits including Sonic Seaside Hill, Curien Mansion and Blizzard Castle as you zip around medieval castle ramparts, hurtle...
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing at a glance Released 2010 Studio Sumo Digital Player sentiment 87% positive of 3,527 Price $9.99 RacingArcadeSplit ScreenControllerDrivingCombat RacingAnimeOnline Co-Op
- 9
Need for Speed Most Wanted
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Criterion Games; both open world; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Driving and Arcade; 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 RacingDrivingArcadeCombat RacingControllerSplit Screen
- 10
Project CARS
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Driving; published by the same company.
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 RacingSimulationDrivingSportsControllerArcade
- 11
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Driving; 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 RacingSimulationDrivingSportsControllerOnline Co-Op
- 12
Forza Horizon 5
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Driving and Simulation; 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 RacingDrivingSimulationArcadeOnline Co-OpSports
- 13
The Crew 2
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Driving and Arcade; 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 RacingDrivingArcadeOnline Co-OpSimulationSports
- 14
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Criterion Games; both open world; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Driving and Arcade.
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 RacingDrivingArcadeControllerSportsOnline Co-Op
- 15
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Criterion Games; both open world; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Driving and Arcade.
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 RacingDrivingArcadeCombat RacingControllerSplit Screen
- 16
CarX Drift Racing Online
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Online Co-Op.
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 RacingSimulationOnline Co-OpControllerArcadeSports
- 17
KartRider: Drift
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Casual and Arcade; released around the same time (2023).
KartRider: Drift is the only online free-to-play, cross-platform kart racer with deep kart and character customization in stunning high-definition. Eight players can race online in up to teams of four and face off in item or drift focused races with karts and characters you personalize.
KartRider: Drift at a glance Released 2023 Studio NEXON Korea Corporation Player sentiment 74% positive of 5,144 Price Not listed RacingCasualArcadeAnimeSplit ScreenDrivingController
- 18
Project CARS 2
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Driving and Simulation.
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 RacingDrivingSimulationSportsControllerArcade
- 19
F1 2020
Why it matched: shares 7 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 RacingSimulationSportsSplit ScreenDrivingControllerArcade
- 20
Ultimate Fishing Simulator
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Sports and Casual; released around the same time (2018).
Bored of waiting for a bite? Would you like to catch some fish? You're lucky - in Ultimate Fishing Simulator, fish bite like crazy! Spinning, float fishing, ground fishing, and more! Comprehensive fishing simulator that allows using various techniques, in different places around the world!
Ultimate Fishing Simulator at a glance Released 2018 Studio Ultimate Games S.A. Player sentiment 89% positive of 9,129 Price $19.99 SimulationSportsCasualOnline Co-Op
- 21
Wreckfest
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Driving; 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 RacingSimulationDrivingSportsArcade
- 22
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Driving and Racing.
New cars, new tools, new options, more parts and much more fun in the next version of Car Mechanic Simulator! Take your wrench! Create and expand your auto repairs service empire. Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 will take you behind the scenes of daily routine in car workshop.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 14,625 Price $19.99 SimulationDrivingRacingCasual
- 23
Professional Fishing
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Casual and Sports; released around the same time (2018).
Are you falling asleep with a rod? Never again! Professional Fishing will never let you fall asleep! Play an amazing fishing simulator and feel like a real angler! Create your own fishing club and compete with others!
Professional Fishing at a glance Released 2018 Studio MasterCode Player sentiment 76% positive of 4,260 Price Free SimulationCasualSportsOnline Co-Op
- 24
GRID Autosport
Why it matched: both atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Sports and Simulation.
It’s all about the teams, the rivals and the race as you become driver for hire, specialising in your favourite disciplines or conquering them all in an intense world of professional motorsport.
GRID Autosport at a glance Released 2014 Studio Codemasters Racing Player sentiment 78% positive of 8,728 Price Not listed RacingSportsSimulationDrivingArcadeSplit ScreenController
Common questions
What game is most like Need for Speed Unbound?
Need for Speed Heat, on the evidence we have. It both open world and atmospheric. 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 Unbound" 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 Unbound. 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 Unbound do?
Need for Speed Most Wanted, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box, Need for Speed: Most Wanted are also from Criterion Games, 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.