Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Need for Speed: Rivals online servers will be shut down on October 7, 2025, affecting all versions of the game and backward compatibility on newer consoles.
- The game will still be playable offline, allowing access to local races and missions after the server shutdown.
- Those interested in playing before online features cease can purchase the Complete Edition for $29.99 or access it through an EA Play subscription.
- The game includes online trophies; progress should be made before October 7, 2025, as only offline functionalities will remain available after this date.
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.
Specification | |
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Official Name | Need for Speed: Rivals |
Brief Summary | Players assume the role of both cops and lawbreakers in Need for Speed: Rivals, which is the inaugural outing of Ghost Games – the rebranded EA Gothenburg studio in Sweden. Ghost Games is made up of talent moved over from UK-based Criterion Games, best known for its work on the Burnout series and shooter Black, along with former DICE staff. |
Platforms | Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox One |
Released | November 15, 2013 |
Genre | Racing, Adventure |
Play Modes | Single player, Multiplayer |
Content Rating | 7 |
Languages | Chinese (Simplified), English, Japanese |
Genre | Criterion Games, Ghost Games |
Genre | Electronic Arts |
Ratings | 74/100 (233 reviews) |
They also talk about it
Links to external sources for further reading
- EA Is Ending Online Support For Need For Speed: Rivals In October 2025https://wccftech.com/ea-endings-need-for-speed-rivals-online-support-october-2025/
- 8 Best Racing Games From The 2000shttps://gamerant.com/ea-games-shutting-down-october-2025-need-for-speed-rivals-nfs/
- Some PlayStation Fans Are Not Happy About Helldivers 2 Coming to Xboxhttps://gamerant.com/ea-games-shutting-down-october-2025-need-for-speed-rivals-nfs/
- by Rainier on July 10, 2025 @ 9:39 a.m. PDThttps://worthplaying.com/article/2025/7/10/news/146810-need-for-speed-rivals-servers-shutting-down-in-october/
- Online servers for PS3, PS4 game Need for Speed: Rivals shutting down in October 2025https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2025/07/10/ps3-ps4-game-need-for-speed-rivals-shutting-down/