Need for Speed Underground 2 Complete Guide (41 Sections) | AntMag

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Welcome to Bayview, street racer! Need for Speed Underground 2 throws you into a sprawling city where your ride is your life. It’s all about deep car customization, slick racing through diverse environments, and building your rep to take on the best. Whether you're drifting through tight city streets or hitting top speeds on the highway, mastering your machine is key to survival and success.

This guide dives deep into everything you need to conquer Underground 2. We’ll break down efficient money-making strategies to get you the best parts and cars, help you navigate the treacherous races, and provide the intel needed to finally beat Eddie's crew and dominate every challenge Bayview throws at you.

Part 1

Alright, so you're ready to dive into the world of Need for Speed Underground 2? Awesome! This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from understanding the game's core mechanics to the different types of races you'll be jumping into. Think of me as your co-pilot for this ride.

We'll cover the basics to get you rolling, break down all the different race types – because not all races are created equal, right? – and make sure you know what to expect when you hit the streets. Let's get this engine started and show you how it's done.

Part 2

Alright, let's jump into the next chunk of Need for Speed Underground 2! This section covers some of the more nuanced gameplay elements and areas you'll be exploring. We'll break down how to nail those magazine covers, understand the different Nitrous Oxide (N2O) effects, and get familiar with the districts of Bayview.

Magazine Covers

Getting featured on a magazine cover is a big deal in the game. To do this, you'll need to:

Cycle Cameras: Get the right camera angle.
Show Off: Make sure your car looks its best.
Control Car: Position your vehicle perfectly.
Take Picture: Nail the shot when prompted.

DVD Covers

Similar to magazine covers, there are also DVD covers to aim for, though the specifics aren't detailed here, expect similar requirements for presentation.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Nitrous is your best friend for a speed boost, but using it effectively can also earn you points and help you out in various situations. Here are the different ways N2O comes into play:

Powerslide: Using N2O during a powerslide can help you maintain momentum and drift angle.
Drafting: A quick burst of N2O while drafting behind an opponent can help you slingshot past them.
Spray Show: This likely refers to using N2O in a way that creates a visual spectacle, maybe kicking up more smoke or a bigger visual effect.
Avoid Accident: A well-timed N2O boost can help you swerve out of the way of oncoming traffic or obstacles.
Reverse: Using N2O while reversing might be a specific challenge or a way to quickly get out of a bad situation.
J-turn: A quick N2O burst can help you execute a J-turn more effectively, often used to quickly reverse direction.
360: Using N2O during a 360-degree spin can help you complete the maneuver faster or with more style.
Lead Lap: A strategic N2O use to secure or maintain the lead.
Gained Position: Using N2O to overtake opponents and improve your standing.
Head Start: A boost at the beginning of a race to get ahead.
Burnout: Using N2O while stationary to build up heat in your tires, often for a dramatic start.
Hydros: This sounds like a special N2O effect, possibly related to water or a unique visual. It has sub-categories:
- Fun Stuff: General use for enjoyment.
- Bounce: Maybe N2O causes a slight hop or bounce effect.
Hangtime: Using N2O while airborne, perhaps to extend jumps or control your landing.
Clean Section: Using N2O without hitting anything or causing any incidents.
Shortcut: A burst of N2O to make it through a tight shortcut.
Traffic Hit: This might be a negative consequence or a specific challenge related to hitting traffic while using N2O.
Cleared Accident: Using N2O to escape a situation where you've just had an accident.

Bayview Districts

You'll be racing all over Bayview. Knowing the areas will help you navigate:

City Core
Beacon Hills
Jackson Heights
Coal Harbor East
Coal Harbor West

Shops

Keep an eye out for the various shops where you can upgrade your ride or customize its look. These include Performance Shops and Body Shops, with specific options like Carbon Fiber upgrades.

Maps

The in-game maps are crucial for finding your way around Bayview and locating race events, shops, and other points of interest.

Career Mode Overview

The Career Mode is where you'll spend most of your time. It starts with an intro and then progresses through stages, beginning with Stage 1 - City Core. There's also some Important Info to keep in mind as you play.

Parts and Customization

You can heavily customize your car. Look out for:

Performance shop: For engine, handling, and other go-faster parts.
Body Shop: For visual upgrades like bumpers, spoilers, and paint. This includes options like Carbon Fiber parts.
Car Specialities: Unique parts or upgrades specific to certain car types.

Performance Tuning/Dyno

Before certain races, you might get to tune your car on a dyno. This applies to different race types:

Circuit
Drag
Drift
Street X
URL

Tracks

There are several types of races you'll compete in:

Circuit
Sprint
Drag
Drift
Street X
URL

Cars

The game features a variety of cars to unlock and drive.

Hints

Don't forget to check the Hints section for useful tips and tricks!

EA Games Trax

Enjoy the soundtrack provided by EA Games Trax.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're stuck, the FAQ section, including Rachel's SMS Questions, might have the answers you need.

Thanks

The author also includes a Thanks section for contributors.

Part 3

Walkthrough

1
Access the World Map by pressing left on the D-pad (directional pad).
2
The World Map displays unlocked shops, opponents for Outrun races, and known races (not hidden ones).
3
To filter what appears on the World Map and the radar (a mini-map displayed on your HUD (heads-up display — the on-screen icons showing health, ammo and the minimap), or Heads-Up Display), highlight an event or shop type and press the [] button. Hiding elements on the World Map also hides them on the radar.
4
The GPS (Global Positioning System) guides you along the fastest route. It can sometimes display messages like "Searching Connection" or "Unable to contact satellite" if you are not on the road or if trees are blocking the signal.
5
The World Map and GPS can only be used when driving in explode mode.
6
In Magazine Races, you can use the World Map, but not the GPS.
7
You will receive news and updates via SMS (Short Message System) and phone calls. Unread messages are stored in your inbox.
8
There are four types of SMS messages: Game tips, Special Events, Rachel, and Unlocks.
9
Game tips are received by passing through purple icons scattered around Bayview. Passing through an icon grants you $25 and an SMS with basic game information, such as how to powerslide, drafting, and shop locations.
10
Special Events messages are from Rachel, informing you that you've made it to a DVD or magazine cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects), or when you unlock unique parts.
11
You will receive messages from Rachel regarding new inventory at the car lot.
12
A specific SMS from Rachel will inform you that you must return her car to the Car Lot ASAP. This occurs around 60% of the game.

Tips

Be careful when hiding elements on the World Map, as you might mistake a secret race for a regular one if it doesn't appear on your radar.
The GPS is primarily for navigation and adds a sense of realism to the game.
Pay attention to SMS messages, especially those related to special events and unlocks, as they can provide valuable information or rewards.

Part 4

Bank Reward

You'll find a lot of these all over Bayview, it's money. You receive: $50, $100, $200, and $400 depending on your progress through the game.

Sponsors

In Career Mode, after winning some races, Sponsors will offer you contracts. The first time, you have to choose between 4 offers, the second time between 3, the third time between 2, and the last time, you don't choose, you only read the contract.

Each time you sign with a Sponsor, you commit to win many races. You always have to win 3 races of sponsors choice, URL races, and many races of your own choice. The first time is 3 URL and 9 of your choice, the second is 5 URL and 19 of your choice, the third time is 7 URL and 29 of your choice, and the last one is 9 URL and 34 of your choice.

You'll get a free car from the Car Lot after signing with a sponsor, but you don't need more than 2. You'll also receive some Bank for signing, and extra bank on the races of Sponsors choice. Those are the only things that change when choosing between sponsors. The difference between the amount that sponsors pay you is minimal, so I suggest you choose the one that has the easiest race types, or the one with the races that you like the most.

Garage

Here you can select the car you want to drive, if you have more than one. You can also switch your car's body parts, performance parts, interiors and car specialties, and put older parts to your car. You can go to personalize your tuning at Dyno. You can see your Signed Sponsors, Save your game, or use the World map to see what races you have entered, or not, even the hidden races. If you want, you can enter them, even if you've already won them.

If you don't want to search for the hidden races, go to the garage, enter the World Map, select the race you want to enter, enter it, and win it. If it's a race you haven't enter before, and you win it on your first try, you won't get money. If you want to get the money, once on the race, pause the game, select restart and restart the race. You'll get the money, but you will not have the option to return directly to the World Map. Doing this allows you to enter SUV races with any car.

Race Types

There are many race types in the game:

Circuit: A multi-lap race with traffic, nitro, and shortcuts. It has 2, 3, or 4 laps and 3 visible opponents. General Strategy: Powerslide at the curves, avoid the traffic, and take all the shortcuts you can.
Sprint: A race from point A to point B with traffic, nitro, and shortcuts. It has 3 visible opponents. General Strategy: Use the same strategy from Circuit.
Drag: A race from point A to point B, mostly on a straight road, requiring gear shifting. It has traffic, nitro, and 2 or 3 visible opponents. Shortcuts are not available. General Strategy: Accelerate with the Right Analog Stick. At the countdown, push the Right Analog Stick up, and wait for the tachometer needle to turn green. When the race starts, accelerate and shift the gears as perfectly as you can. Use your nitro at the beginning, shifting gears will be harder, but you'll become 1st easily. Watch out for traffic and walls.
Drift: A short race where the goal is to achieve the highest drifting score, not necessarily to finish first. It has 2 or 3 laps and 3 visible opponents. Traffic and nitro are not used, and shortcuts are not available. Drift scores are qualified on Speed, Angle, and Length. Strategy: Stay behind the other competitors to have more space. Take advantage of the multiplying zones.