Need for Speed Unbound is a racing game set in a fictional city called Lakeshore City, which is based on Chicago. It features an open world environment and gameplay similar to that of previous entries in the series, being mainly focused around street racing.[8][9] The "heat system" from Need for Speed Heat returns in Unbound, where the player attempts to gain notoriety among the police.[6] Additionally, the game features various forms of customization such as installing various body kits, adding a splitter, and even completely removing the front or rear bumpers.[10] One change made to the gameplay loop was the replacement of Heat's separate day/night cycles with a weekly cycle, with the player's earnings in both day and night races being banked in upon returning to the garage. When playing the story mode, the end of these weeks will feature a special event. After partaking in an event, whether it be day or night, the player's heat will increase, and sometimes right after completing an event, a pursuit will occur. Getting caught, whether it be stopping close to an LCPD unit, being immobilized, or damaging the car beyond repair, results in their session ending and their bank being lost.
Like Heat's neon flamingos, Unbound's open world features collectibles in the form of bears hidden around Lakeshore City. Street graffiti, long jumps, drift zones, speed traps, and smashable billboards make a return from the previous title and will reward the player with collectibles once completed.