Electronic Arts to Shut Down Need for Speed: Rivals Online Servers

EA Shuts Down Need for Speed: Rivals Servers in October 2025; Offline Play Still Possible

Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed it will shut down the online servers for Need for Speed: Rivals on October 7, 2025. This action impacts all current versions of the game, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, as well as those played via backward compatibility on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. EA has posted notices about the server shutdown on its official website, the PS Store page, Xbox, EA App, and Steam. Need for Speed: Rivals originally launched in November 2013 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, with subsequent generation versions released in October 2014. While multiplayer is a major attraction of the series, the game will remain playable offline after the server shutdown, allowing access to local races and missions. This server deactivation is part of EA’s broader strategy, as seen with Anthem, a 2019 title that will be fully deactivated on January 12, 2026, due to its complete reliance on online connections. Need for Speed: Rivals will also be removed from the EA Play catalog in August 2025.

These decisions by publishers have drawn criticism from the gaming community. Movements such as “Stop Killing Games,” led by content creator Ross Scott, advocate against studios and publishers withdrawing access to games purchased by users. This campaign has gathered over a million signatures in the European Union, prompting the European Commission to discuss a proposal on preserving digital games. In Need for Speed: Rivals, players explore Redview County, powered by the Frostbite 3 game engine. Players choose to operate as either a cop or a racer, with each path offering unique challenges, rewards, and consequences. As a racer, the objective is to gain notoriety for driving skills and record high-speed escapes; earning Speed Points unlocks new vehicles and upgrades. Conversely, playing as a cop involves teaming up with other officers to pursue speed offenders; each successful bust contributes to promotions within the Police Force.

For those interested in playing before the online features cease, Need for Speed: Rivals Complete Edition is available for $29.99 on the PS Store, and it includes the Koenigsegg One:1 vehicle as a free DLC pack. EA Play members can access Need for Speed: Rivals as part of their subscription. Players aiming for trophies should note the game includes online trophies, making progress before the October 7, 2025 shutdown advisable, as only offline functionalities will remain available after this date.