Need for Speed: Heat is one of the latest entries in the long-running Need for Speed franchise, released in 2019. The game garnered positive reviews and is considered a significant improvement over its predecessors. Developed by Ghost Games, it marks the studio’s final installment before Electronic Arts handed over the Need for Speed license to another developer.

While the game sticks to some familiar racing game elements, it also introduces a variety of unique features. One of the standout aspects is the day-night cycle, which lets players switch between two modes, each offering different challenges, rewards, and risks. Heat’s setting, Palm City, is a fictional location where players can explore a vibrant open world.

Premise of Need for Speed: Heat

The game’s storyline unfolds in Palm City, which has a dynamic atmosphere, switching between day and night modes. The daytime mode involves sanctioned races where players compete for cash. Winning these races rewards players with money that can be spent on vehicles, upgrades, and other important items. There is no immediate threat in daytime races, making it a relatively safer environment for players.

However, when switching to night mode, players dive into the dangerous world of street racing. This mode increases the threat level, as the city’s police force, known as the High-Speed Task Force, will actively try to take down street racers. The more “heat” you generate, the more aggressive the police become. If caught, players risk losing their hard-earned cash. However, racing at night also provides REP (Reputation), a special currency that unlocks more advanced upgrades and cars. Successfully evading the police during a chase can also yield REP, adding excitement to these intense nighttime races.

One of the core aspects of Heat is collecting cars. The game features a vast collection of 127 vehicles from over 30 different manufacturers, including Ferrari, which makes its return to the series. Unlike older games in the franchise, Heat has removed loot boxes, and progression is now much more straightforward, rewarding players for their efforts.

Activities in Need for Speed: Heat

Heat offers a wide variety of activities to keep players entertained in its open world:

1. Drift Zones: These are locations scattered across Palm City where players can test and improve their drifting skills.
2. Graffiti: Palm City also hides graffiti that players can find and unlock as customization options for their cars.
3. Billboard Destruction: Smashing billboards not only provides a sense of satisfaction but also unlocks bonuses.
4. Speed Traps: Try to hit the highest speeds possible as you drive through speed traps scattered around the city.
5. Jumps: Special locations are designed for big jumps, rewarding you with points based on how far you can fly.
6. Joining a Crew: Social gameplay plays a big role in Heat, as players can join crews to compete in leaderboards and time trials. Crews add an extra layer of competition and rewards, especially for those who enjoy working with others to achieve in-game goals.

Main Characters in Need for Speed: Heat

While the game’s storyline isn’t essential to enjoying the game, it does feature some interesting characters that drive the narrative forward. Some key characters include:

• Frank Mercer: Leader of the High-Speed Task Force, Mercer is a tough character whose goal is to apprehend street racers. As the story unfolds, players discover Mercer’s connection to a more dangerous underground organization.
• Lucas Rivera: Lucas is a mechanic who once raced on the streets. He is a helpful figure who introduces players to the basics of street racing and provides advice during key moments in the story.
• Ana Rivera: Lucas’ sister, Ana, was part of a famous racing crew that was nearly destroyed by the actions of the High-Speed Task Force. She is determined to continue racing and seek vengeance against those who tried to crush the street racing scene.

Cheats and Cheat Codes for Need for Speed: Heat

Need for Speed: Heat doesn’t feature a traditional cheat code menu. Instead, players must rely on glitches, mods, and clever tactics to gain an advantage. Here are some of the most popular cheats and methods for speeding up progression in the game:

1. Nitrous Glitch (Infinite Nitrous)

Nitrous boosts are essential for gaining an edge during races. However, the nitrous tank depletes quickly, requiring players to either wait for it to refill or end the race early. There is a glitch in the game that lets players effectively “reset” the nitrous tank. Here’s how it works:

1. Equip two nitrous kits in your inventory.
2. Use nitrous during a race until it’s nearly empty.
3. Pause the game and go into the vehicle customization menu.
4. Switch between the nitrous kits (swap one, then swap it back to the original).
5. When you return to the game, your nitrous tank will be full again.

This glitch works on console versions of the game but may not function on PCs.

2. Infinite Money Glitch

Earning money in NFS: Heat requires a lot of time and effort, but there’s a glitch that can help you accumulate cash much faster. To perform this exploit, follow these steps:

1. Purchase a high-value car in the daytime mode.
2. After buying the car, fast travel to your Garage and make sure it’s set to appear in the Showcase.
3. Disconnect your internet connection (this is easiest to do on PC).
4. Sell the car in the game while offline, then reconnect to the internet.
5. Upon returning to the game, you should receive a synchronization error.
6. When you log back in, you’ll notice that the car is still sold, but you still have the money from the sale.
7. Repeating this process will continue to add more money to your balance.

3. Mods and Cheats via WeMod

For those playing on PC, WeMod is a reliable source for cheat mods that can significantly alter gameplay. Some of the cheats available through WeMod include:

• Freezing all AI vehicles to ensure easy victories in races.
• No vehicle damage, making you invincible to obstacles or crashes.
• Eliminating heat generation, allowing you to race freely at night without attracting attention.
• Unlimited money and nitrous, making progression much faster and easier.

However, be cautious when using mods. They can break the game, lead to bugs, or cause performance issues. Additionally, using mods in multiplayer modes may result in a ban from EA.

4. Time-Saver DLC

If you prefer a more legitimate approach to advancing in the game, consider purchasing the “Keys to the Map” DLC. This DLC adds a layer of convenience by marking all the collectibles, activities, gas stations, and safe houses on the in-game map. This makes it much easier to find and complete tasks without wasting time searching. While this DLC is particularly useful for new players, experienced players may not find it as essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is There an App for Need for Speed: Heat?
Yes, the NFS: Heat Studio app is available, which lets players customize their cars on the go. You can create designs, manage your car collection, and push your customizations into the main game for later use.

Does NFS: Heat Have Cheat Codes?
No, NFS: Heat does not have an in-game cheat code menu like some previous NFS games. Instead, players rely on glitches and mods to cheat.

Are There Car Mods for NFS: Heat?
Yes, there are car mods for NFS: Heat, but they are only available on PC. Be cautious when using mods, as they may cause issues with the game, and EA could ban you if they detect the use of mods in multiplayer modes.

In conclusion, while NFS: Heat doesn’t offer traditional cheat codes, there are several methods to speed up progression and gain an advantage in the game. Whether through glitches, mods, or paid DLC, players have plenty of options to enhance their racing experience.