2 to 8 PLAYERS
ONLINE RACES // OVERVIEW
Once you have enough players and have chosen one of the 14 courses available, your job is to race through a series of checkpoints (without missing any), completing a circuit and winning the race. Be sure to check how many laps the race is (most are one, but a few have two or three). The checkpoints appear on your minimap one at a time (though future checkpoints are also on the minimap, just shaded black). The first across the finish line (the last checkpoint) wins. Shortcuts, nitros, and offensive maneuvers are also encouraged.
/// INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES
Though you can check out the locations of each race in single-player mode (to learn the different alleyways, off-road areas, and other shortcuts you might want to try), there are some infrastructure changes specific to online races. They are as follows:
//// Chicanes
These are piles of debris and objects placed on usually straight sections of road. Simply weave through them or crash into them (slowing you down). The former is obviously preferable. These are placed here to slow down race leaders and allow slower players to catch up.
//// Jumps and Shortcut Jumps
Jumps are available to allow players to access the more dangerous (and thrilling) shortcuts during a race. Look for the flashing chevrons and the ramp (some are inside containers), and propel yourself through the air. These jumps are also close to some chicanes, allowing you to bypass these obstacles and remain at speed. Play around with nitros and jumps, or dodge around some jumps, as flying through the air isn’t quite as quick as accelerating along the ground. With practice, you’ll learn which jumps are mandatory and which you can avoid.
/// GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
//// Weather and Time of Day
Weather doesn’t affect the handling of vehicles, and you can’t change the conditions in the race. However, the time of day and certain gloomy conditions do affect your general perception of the course. For example, blackouts are sometimes triggered during nighttime courses: If one hits, you need to know where to drive without hitting walls, so learn these tracks completely.
//// Shortcuts
Check your minimap for a yellow GPS path, or “main route”, between each checkpoint. Use these as a guide or find other routes (shown in blue when you take them). Simply remember that you’re plotting a course to the next checkpoint, so find the quickest or easiest route or one allowing you the easiest path (which may be slightly longer, but not as narrow or obstacle-filled).
//// Nitros
You have no crafted items during races (no blackouts, Jam Coms or anything). Certain tracks have blackouts triggered automatically, so watch for those during the race. But the one item you have at your disposal is the nitro! This is a boost of speed you should save for straights (especially toward the end of the race). Everyone begins with a single nitro, and you can carry up to three. More are awarded as you pass through checkpoints. If you’re first, don’t expect any more nitros. From second place to fourth, you receive one Nitro per checkpoint, while players in fifth to eighth position receive two Nitros per checkpoint.
//// Vehicles
You are fortunate that in every race, all competitors have the same vehicle, and these are the same every time. This means you can check the statistics for each car or bike and learn how they handle prior to each race. Try driving them in the single-player game beforehand, so you know if they over- or understeer and how bulky or prone to fishtailing they are.
//// In the Spotlight
The race leader, in courses taking place during the night, is usually followed by a police helicopter. This enables those behind to easily spot where the leader is, but the bright light also makes seeing the course ahead a little trickier (especially during a blackout). Prepare for this added issue as you reach pole position.
//// Infrastructure Hacks
All of the infrastructure hacks present in the single-player mode, with a few exceptions (usually blockers that would halt a race completely), are able to be utilized in online races. This means racers are at an advantage if they’ve unlocked the hacking skills necessary to raise or lower bridges, explode steam pipes, and hack blockers, spikes, and traffic lights. Memorize where these are (especially the steam pipes) on the course, and use them to destroy rivals!
//// Risk versus Reward
Sometimes it is better to take a longer route to ensure victory: Imagine rivals crashing and ramming each other; all attempting to reach a shortcut. Meanwhile, a longer road is empty, technically allowing you a greater chance of victory if you take it. Weigh these decisions by constantly looking down the courses as you go. Remember that the shortcuts and jumps are usually riskier than remaining on the GPS route, and some might not even be the fastest route to take! Experiment with routes until you’ve mastered one for each course but have alternates in case rivals block your path or take offensive moves against you.
/// GENERAL TACTICS
It is important to join these races with more than just enthusiasm and road rage; remember the following tactical advice:
//// Keeping a Fine Racing Line: With a series of left and right turns to navigate (especially on freeway sections), don’t simply corner left and right, but attempt to find the best racing line. A racing line is the shortest distance between two points, which might mean plowing diagonally across junctions instead of using lane discipline. Ignore oncoming traffic, and focus completely on cutting in hard on every corner you can.
//// Mowing the Grass: Once you learn the rudiments of each course, perfecting it becomes part of your ongoing plan. Achieve this by cutting every corner you can. Study the corner coming up. Can you drive off the road, through the grass, and continue, saving time over taking the corner normally? Can you squeeze between a pillar and shave more off a corner? Look for the shortest distance at every junction.
//// Road Rage: The citizens of Chicago are out on these streets too, so take advantage of them; use oncoming lanes to dissuade rivals from following you. Look ahead so you aren’t caught out by cross traffic. And try not to hit anyone, slowing you down and losing you time.
//// Skills to Pay the Bills: As there are infrastructure hacks available during races, you’re at a disadvantage if you haven’t unlocked and purchased the necessary hacking skills that allow you to access bridges, blockers, steam pipes, tire spikes, traffic lights, and the other usual infrastructure hacks. Make sure you’re tooled up, or face the consequences!
//// Push and Shove: Jostling for position is advisable, but knowing where there’s a particularly nasty corner, guardrail, sturdy tree, or other possible location for slowing a foe down is always advisable. Then use all the knowledge gained during chase missions, and ram, shunt, sideswipe, or otherwise crash into your opponent. Have no qualms about sending a rival crashing out of the race; do it before they do it to you!
//// Back of the Pack: Racing isn’t just about trying to reach first and staying there; try lying back intentionally, before using nitros and blasting past rivals to reach the front. Though incredibly risky, staying at the back, acquiring nitros, and then using them during the final stretch is a game plan favored by more Fixers than you’d think.
//// Second to First: Or, as the race progresses, you can try to stay in the top two or three but very close to first place for the entire race (receiving the benefits of more nitros compared to being in first). Then use all your nitros right at the end to steal the win between the penultimate checkpoint and the finish.
//// Fifth to First: An alternate plan is to drop back at the start of the race so you’re fifth or worse. Continue to languish at the back of the pack until you maximize your nitros at three: Then start to really drive, boosting forward and heading out in front. Stay there until the finish. The effectiveness of this tactic depends on the course.
//// Out in Front: Or, take advantage of everyone driving slower on purpose and build a massive lead! If you can eke out a first place in the initial checkpoints, and your rivals are content to bash and crash into each other, ignore those fools and concentrate on shortcuts and the fastest course time you can: While your foes are content to rage between themselves, you cruise to an easy victory!