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Heat Level
Image via Criterion Software/EA

How to Lose Cops in Need for Speed Unbound

Can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

The newly released Need for Speed Unbound is quite a fun racing title. EA and Criterion really seem to have found a happy medium with all of the interesting and unique game mechanics they’ve thrown together for this latest entry in the vast Need for Speed library of titles.

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One of said new mechanics is Heat that’s brought onto you by your reputation with the local police that aims to take street racers down. So, if you’re finding yourself having run-ins with the law, then we can explain how to maneuver those moments. So, let’s talk about how to lose cops in Need for Speed Unbound!

How to Lose Cops in Need for Speed Unbound

Though this isn’t Need for Speed’s first rodeo including cops in its gameplay, there are some things that have been added to further their inclusion. And hey, not everyone’s played a Need for Speed game before anyway.

The biggest thing here is that everyone is given a Heat meter. This meter determines how much attention you’re bringing to yourself from the police. There are a total of 5 Heat levels. After every event you take part in, you’ll gain at least half of a level. At each and every level, the police force will hit you harder and harder as it advances.

Typically, the first level isn’t all that difficult, with a couple of squad cars that will try to take you in. After raising through levels, you’ll begin encountering more professional drivers in SWAT vehicles, eventually going up to a helicopter at level 5.

Getting away from the cops isn’t all that difficult in the lower levels, as you really just have to break their sight line for a few seconds. Going through alleys, hiding behind walls, and even poppin’ quick U-turns and out-maneuvering them can easily get them off your tail.

Though you could always bash your car into them to get them off your back, but that’s not always viable. And even after losing them, you can still end up on their radar if you aren’t careful, especially if you’ve got a high Heat level. So how do you get rid of this?

Related: Top 10 Tips for Beginners in Need for Speed Unbound

How to Manage Heat in Need for Speed Unbound

You can actually entirely clear your Heat level, for the time being, daily. Unbound features a day and night set of events. Once you come back to any of your safehouses for the day, you’ll then be able to go back out at night.

But your Heat level will carry for the entire day until you come back to turn in for the night. This resets it for the next day, and you get to drive around as if nothing even happened. Going back to your safehouses will also bank your cash, which police could take if they apprehend you.

So, now you’ve got all of the information you’ll need for losing the cops and lowering that Heat level in Need for Speed Unbound! Be sure to check out some of our other great guides too, such as “All Driving Controls in Need for Speed Unbound”.

Author
Image of Nathaniel Litt
Nathaniel Litt
Hi! I'm Nathaniel; Star Wars nerd, musician, and active daydreamer. When it comes to gaming, I'll try anything at least once. My mains though are FPS, Action-Adventure, and Puzzle-Platformers.