Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Need for Speed (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Need for Speed 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 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.
- Mobile
- Multi-platform
- PC
- PlayStation
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 both open world.
- Need for Speed is tagged Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action, Adventure, Automobile Sim, Singleplayer 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.
Why players value Need for Speed
The five things Steam players tag Need for Speed 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
- Multiplayer
- Driving
- Open World
- Action
| Reception | on Steam (69% of 29,486) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | no widespread problems reported by players |
| 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: both open world; shares 10 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (84% of 153,208)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Driving, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $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:RacingDrivingCombat RacingOnline Co-OpThird PersonArcadeControllerFirst-Person
- 2
Need for Speed Most Wanted
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: (77% of 27,849)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Multiplayer, Open World, Driving, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingDrivingAutomobile SimArcadeCombat RacingFirst-PersonControllerThird Person
- 3
Need for Speed Payback
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Combat Racing and Controller; published by the same company; released around the same time (2017).
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: (85% of 32,277)
Matches Need for Speed on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Combat Racing, Controller — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $29.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: players report monetisation inside the game, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingCombat RacingControllerArcadeThird PersonFirst-PersonSimulationOnline Co-Op
- 4
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: (77% of 27,838)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Multiplayer, Open World, Driving, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, will not launch or install, monetisation inside the game, controller and input (details)
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingDrivingAutomobile SimArcadeCombat RacingFirst-PersonControllerThird Person
- 5
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: (77% of 27,838)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Multiplayer, Open World, Driving, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, will not launch or install, monetisation inside the game, controller and input (details)
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingDrivingAutomobile SimArcadeCombat RacingFirst-PersonControllerThird Person
- 6
Need for Speed Rivals
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: (76% of 10,553)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Driving, Open World, Multiplayer, Combat Racing — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, servers and connection, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingDrivingCombat RacingArcadeThird PersonFirst-PersonDestructionOnline Co-Op
- 7
Need for Speed Unbound
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Driving and Combat Racing; published by the same company; released around the same time (2022).
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 on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Multiplayer, Open World, Action, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $69.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingDrivingCombat RacingControllerArcadeOnline Co-OpSimulationSplit Screen
- 8
Project CARS
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Automobile Sim; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (79% of 14,438)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
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:RacingSimulationAutomobile SimDrivingFirst-PersonControllerThird PersonArcade
- 9
Forza Horizon 4
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim; 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 on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
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:RacingDrivingAutomobile SimOnline Co-OpControllerSimulationArcadeFirst-Person
- 10
RIDE 4
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, First-Person and Simulation; released around the same time (2020).
Are you ready to live the best gaming experience that a motorcycle fan can get? RIDE 4 will spark your competitive soul with hundreds of bikes, dozens of tracks and a whole new level of realism.
RIDE 4 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Milestone S.r.l. Player sentiment 83% positive of 12,391 Price $39.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: (83% of 12,391)
Matches Need for Speed on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World
Why players like it: Racing, Motorbike, Sports, Multiplayer, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $39.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingFirst-PersonSimulationThird PersonAutomobile SimDrivingControllerSplit Screen
- 11
DiRT 4
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation; 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 on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
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:RacingAutomobile SimSimulationDrivingArcadeControllerOnline Co-Op
- 12
The Crew 2
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Driving; 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 on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Automobile Sim, Multiplayer, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $29.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingAutomobile SimDrivingArcadeOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonThird PersonSimulation
- 13
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Destruction; 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 on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
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:RacingAutomobile SimDestructionDrivingArcadeControllerThird PersonOnline Co-Op
- 14
High Octane Drift
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Driving; released around the same time (2016).
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.2/10 · Steam: (55% of 5,879)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Automobile Sim, Free to Play, Multiplayer, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingAutomobile SimDrivingSimulationControllerOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonArcade
- 15
Burnout Paradise
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Arcade and Driving; published by the same company.
Burnout Paradise Remastered provides the ultimate driving playground for you and your friends to play online. This remaster includes all add-ons from the Year of Paradise, including the Big Surf Island update, meticulously recreated and ready to wreck in 4K.
Burnout Paradise at a glance Released 2008 Studio Criterion Games Player sentiment 63% positive of 8,576 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.6/10 · Steam: (63% of 8,576)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Action, Multiplayer, Arcade, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, will not launch or install (details)
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingArcadeDrivingAutomobile SimDestructionThird PersonFirst-PersonCombat Racing
- 16
Need for Speed Undercover
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Driving; published by the same company.
You never thought it would turn out like this. An all-out chase where you're the hunted. And the hunter. Now you must get behind the wheel and risk everything to infiltrate a ruthless international crime syndicate and take them down.
Need for Speed Undercover at a glance Released 2008 Studio EA Black Box Player sentiment 75% positive of 8,006 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.5/10 · Steam: (75% of 8,006)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Multiplayer, Action, Automobile Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingAutomobile SimDrivingArcadeSimulationControllerOnline Co-Op
- 17
Copa Petrobras de Marcas
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation.
COPA PETROBRAS DE MARCAS is a 100% free official game simulating the thrill of competing wheel-to-wheel with models from various automakers in some of the main Brazilian race tracks.
Copa Petrobras de Marcas at a glance Released 2015 Studio Reiza Studios Player sentiment 68% positive of 2,903 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.9/10 · Steam: (68% of 2,903)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Automobile Sim, Free to Play, Multiplayer, Simulation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingAutomobile SimSimulationControllerFirst-PersonDrivingOnline Co-OpArcade
- 18
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation; 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 on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World
Why players like it: Racing, Automobile Sim, Simulation, VR, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $39.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingAutomobile SimSimulationDrivingControllerOnline Co-OpFirst-Person
- 19
MudRunner
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving; 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 on: 4 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World
Why players like it: Offroad, Simulation, Automobile Sim, Multiplayer, Driving — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingOnline Co-OpRacingFirst-PersonThird Person
- 20
Forza Horizon 5
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim; 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 on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Open World, Driving, Multiplayer, Automobile Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $23.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingDrivingAutomobile SimSimulationArcadeFirst-PersonOnline Co-Op
- 21
DiRT Rally 2.0
Why it matched: both open world; shares 6 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation; published by the same company; released around the same time (2019).
DiRT Rally 2.0 dares you to carve your way through a selection of iconic rally locations from across the globe, in the most powerful off-road vehicles ever made, knowing that the smallest mistake could end your stage.
DiRT Rally 2.0 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 89% positive of 48,388 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (89% of 48,388)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Automobile Sim, Simulation, Multiplayer, VR — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $19.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingAutomobile SimSimulationDrivingFirst-PersonController
- 22
Wreckfest
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Destruction and Automobile Sim; 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 on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Racing, Destruction, Automobile Sim, Simulation, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $29.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Need for Speed:RacingDestructionAutomobile SimSimulationDrivingArcadeThird Person
- 23
Project CARS 2
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim; 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 on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
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:RacingDrivingAutomobile SimSimulationControllerArcadeFirst-Person
- 24
BeamNG.drive
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Driving and Destruction.
A dynamic soft-body physics vehicle simulator capable of doing just about anything.
BeamNG.drive at a glance Released 2013 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 416,293 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (97% of 416,293)
Matches Need for Speed on: 5 of 5 — Racing, Multiplayer, Driving, Open World, Action
Why players like it: Simulation, Driving, Physics, Realistic, Destruction — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Need for Speed: $24.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, crashes and freezes, will not launch or install (details)
Shared with Need for Speed:SimulationDrivingDestructionAutomobile SimRacingFirst-PersonThird Person
Common questions
What game is most like Need for Speed?
Need for Speed Heat, on the evidence we have. It both open world. 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" 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. 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.
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.