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Difference between revisions of "Need for Speed: Most Wanted"

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{{disambig||the 2012 game|[[Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012)]]}}
+
{{disambig|the original game|the 2012 game|[[Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012)]]}}
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
|cover        = Need for Speed Most Wanted cover.jpg
 
|cover        = Need for Speed Most Wanted cover.jpg
Line 6: Line 6:
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|CNEC|Simplified Chinese version}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|1C-SoftClub|Russian version}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|EAGL 3}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|EAGL 3}}
Line 12: Line 14:
 
|reception    =  
 
|reception    =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|need-for-speed-most-wanted|82}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|need-for-speed-most-wanted|82}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|OpenCritic|link|rating}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|need-for-speed-most-wanted|85}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|need-for-speed-most-wanted|85}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Cross-game bonus }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | No microtransactions}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person, Third-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Racing }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Automobile, Street racing }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Contemporary }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Need for Speed }}
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|steam appid  =  
 +
|steam appid side =
 
|gogcom id    =  
 
|gogcom id    =  
 +
|gogcom id side =
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20090312051413/http://www.ea.com/nfs/mostwanted/us/index.jsp
 
|hltb        = 6477
 
|hltb        = 6477
 +
|igdb        = <!-- Only needs to be set if there is no IGDB reception row -->
 +
|lutris      = need-for-speed-most-wanted
 +
|mobygames    = 20125
 
|strategywiki = Need for Speed: Most Wanted
 
|strategywiki = Need for Speed: Most Wanted
|mobygames    = need-for-speed-most-wanted
 
 
|wikipedia    = Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005 video game)
 
|wikipedia    = Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005 video game)
 
|winehq      = 2577
 
|winehq      = 2577
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
|taxonomy =
+
}}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Racing }}
+
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Street racing }}
+
{{Introduction
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Need for Speed: Most Wanted }}
+
|introduction      = '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a {{Glossary:singleplayer}} and {{Glossary:multiplayer}} {{Glossary:racing}} game developed by [[Company:EA Black Box|EA Black Box]] and published by [[Company:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]]. It is the nineth entry in the ''[[Series:Need for Speed|Need for Speed]]'' series.
 +
 
 +
''Most Wanted'' features an open world where players can drive freely around the city. The ability to allows players to be chased by the cops as a racer, which was absent in the ''Underground'' duology, made a return. The game's story mode focus on an unnamed racer as he participates in the illegal street racing scene in the fictional city of Rockport. The story continues in ''[[Need for Speed: Carbon]]''.
 +
 
 +
|release history  = It was released in North America on November 15, 2005, in Europe on November 25, 2005 and in Japan on December 22, 2005.
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 31: Line 58:
 
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc check, key | {{DRM|SafeDisc|v4}} |  | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc check, key | {{DRM|SafeDisc|v4}} |  | Windows}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} This game is not available digitally.
+
{{ii}} A faithful higher resolution desktop icon can be found [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1376-need-for-speed-most-wanted-hidpi-icon/ on the community site]. An alternate icon by Xerlientt can be found on [https://www.steamgriddb.com/icon/3257 SteamGridDB]  
{{ii}} A faithful higher resolution desktop icon can be found [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1376-need-for-speed-most-wanted-hidpi-icon/ on the community site].
+
{{ii}} The original SafeDisc DRM was accompanied by custom {{term|DRM}} code which could cause the game to remove the 'Resume Career' button in Career main menu.{{cn}}
{{ii}} [https://www.fileplanet.com/archive/p-16331/Need-for-Speed-Most-Wanted-Demo Demo] (its speed.exe can be used in retail 1.2 version of the game; may be incompatible with widescreen mod).
 
  
 
===Version differences===
 
===Version differences===
{{ii}} Black Edition content includes:<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805235936/http://www.ea.com/uk/need-for-speed-most-wanted-black-edition|title=EA Games - Need for Speed: Most Wanted- Black Edition (retrieved)|date=2019-11-11}}</ref>
+
{{ii}} '''Black Edition'''-exclusive content includes: two exclusive vehicles ('67 Camaro SS and BMW M3 GTR), eight custom cars (Toyota Supra, Lotus Elise, Porsche 911 GT2, Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, Corvette C6, Mercedes-Benz SL 500, Porsche 911 Carrera S, and Corvette C6.R.), Black Edition pursuit challenge (features waves of supercharged SUV cops and the most aggressive police tactics), three exclusive races, dozens of unlocked Black Edition-only vinyls designs and a bonus DVD (celebration video of ten years [[Series:Need for Speed|Need for Speed]], includes behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the game's cinematics.)<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805235936/http://www.ea.com/uk/need-for-speed-most-wanted-black-edition|title=EA Games - Need for Speed: Most Wanted- Black Edition (retrieved)|date=2019-11-11}}</ref>
:*'67 Camaro SS and BMW M3 GTR
+
 
:*Specially tuned rides
+
===Demo/free trial===
:*Three exclusive races
+
{{ii}} A playable demo can be found [https://archive.org/details/need-for-speed-most-wanted-2005-demo-repack-by-posedennetshow here].
:*Black Edition challenge
+
 
:*Bonus DVD
+
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|cross-game bonus      = Having a savefile from [[Need for Speed Underground 2]] on the PC, will add an additional $10,000 to new games in Most Wanted.
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        =
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Microtransactions===
 +
{{Microtransactions
 +
|boost              =
 +
|cosmetic            =
 +
|currency            =
 +
|finite spend        =
 +
|infinite spend      =
 +
|free-to-grind      =
 +
|loot box            =
 +
|none                = No microtransactions are available in this game.
 +
|player trading      =
 +
|time-limited        =
 +
|unlock              =
 +
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
{{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1066-need-for-speed-most-wanted-patch/ Patch 1.3] is the last patch for the game. Resolves a number of issues and is strongly recommended.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401005410/http://largedownloads.ea.com/pub/misc/mwpatch1.3readme_na.txt|title=EA - Patch 1.3 Changelog (retrieved)|date=2019-11-11}}</ref>
+
{{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1066-need-for-speed-most-wanted-patch/ Patch 1.3] is the last cumulative patch for the game. Resolves a number of issues and is strongly recommended.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401005410/http://largedownloads.ea.com/pub/misc/mwpatch1.3readme_na.txt|title=EA - Patch 1.3 Changelog (retrieved)|date=2019-11-11}}</ref>
 
 
===[https://github.com/AeroWidescreen/NFSMWHDReflections/releases NFSMW HD Reflections]===
 
{{++}} Scales the resolution of road, vehicle, and rear view mirror reflections.
 
{{++}} Adds traffic lights, car shadows, shader and particle effects to the rearview mirror.
 
{{++}} Restores geometry such as front-end reflections and world detail.
 
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/pull/1027/commits/6d248f48a2e72a7755226fbaffb93302b7d02cfb|title=<nowiki>[NFS]</nowiki> New FOV Values, Updates, and Adjustments #1027 - ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack - GitHub|date=2022-12-14}}</ref>|fix=
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\MOVIES\</code>
+
# Install [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]].
 +
# Set <code>SkipIntro</code> setting to {{Code|1}} in {{Code|<path-to-game>\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini}}.
 +
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Delete or rename intro video files|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-12-04|comment=Indeed, renaming <code>attract_movie_english_ntsc.vp6</code>, <code>ealogo_english_ntsc.vp6</code>, and <code>psa_english_ntsc.vp6</code> or removing them indeed allows the game to boot directly to the main menu without any input. Only a very short, like 1 second, loading screen might appear just before the main menu is shown.}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\MOVIES\</code>.
 
# Delete or rename <code>attract_movie_english_ntsc.vp6</code>, <code>ealogo_english_ntsc.vp6</code>, and <code>psa_english_ntsc.vp6</code>.
 
# Delete or rename <code>attract_movie_english_ntsc.vp6</code>, <code>ealogo_english_ntsc.vp6</code>, and <code>psa_english_ntsc.vp6</code>.
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
{{ii}} If your game is not in English, delete/rename the files corresponding to your language instead, and if you have the PAL version, the file names will have PAL instead of NTSC at the end.
+
{{ii}} If the game language is not set to English, delete/rename the files corresponding to the language used instead, and in the PAL version, the file names will have ''PAL'' instead of ''NTSC'' at the end.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===[https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]===
 +
{{ii}} Requires the [[#Patches|1.3 patch]].
 +
{{++}} Fixes several issues and adds proper support for widescreen resolutions, gamepads, increased audio quality, increased shadow resolution and much more.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/releases/tag/nfsmw|title=Need For Speed Most Wanted (2005) Widescreen Fix - GitHub|date=2022-12-04}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-12-04|comment=Tested and indeeds adds features it promised, like widescreen resolution support.}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Download [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix].
 +
# Extract the contents to {{Code|{{P|game}}}}
 +
# See {{file|NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini}} for all configurable options the mod has to offer.
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\NFS Most Wanted\{{P|uid}}\}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\NFS Most Wanted\{{P|uid}}\}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{++}} [[Need for Speed: Underground 2]] savegame grants you extra in-game cash<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Blackbird|date=2016-10-22|comment=[https://i.imgur.com/BMPmH5A.png Screenshot]}}</ref>
+
{{++}} [[Need for Speed: Underground 2]] save game grants the player extra 10,000 in-game cash.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Blackbird|date=2016-10-22|comment=[https://i.imgur.com/BMPmH5A.png Screenshot]}}</ref>
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted video.jpg|General video settings}}
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted video.jpg|General video settings}}
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted advanced video.jpg|Advanced video settings}}
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted advanced video.jpg|Advanced video settings}}
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted advanced video2.jpg|Advanced video settings}}
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted advanced video2.jpg|Advanced video settings}}
{{ii}} [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix] requires the latest patch. See [[#Patches|Patches]].
+
{{Video
{{Video settings
 
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/need-speed-most-wanted
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/need-speed-most-wanted
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
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|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = limited
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = limited
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
|widescreen resolution notes= Use [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix] and [https://github.com/nlgzrgn/NFSMWHUDAdapter/releases NFSMW HUD Adapter].
+
|widescreen resolution notes= Use [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]].
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
|multimonitor notes        = Use [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix] and [https://github.com/nlgzrgn/NFSMWHUDAdapter/releases NFSMW HUD Adapter].
+
|multimonitor notes        = Use [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]] and [https://github.com/nlgxzef/NFSMWHUDAdapter/releases NFSMW HUD Adapter].<ref name="wsfix">{{Refurl|url=https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw|title=Need for Speed Most Wanted (2005) Widescreen Fix|date=2022-12-05}}</ref>
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Use [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix] and [https://github.com/nlgzrgn/NFSMWHUDAdapter/releases NFSMW HUD Adapter].
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Use [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]] and [https://github.com/nlgxzef/NFSMWHUDAdapter/releases NFSMW HUD Adapter].<ref name="wsfix"/>
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
|4k ultra hd notes          = Use [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix] and [https://github.com/nlgzrgn/NFSMWHUDAdapter/releases NFSMW HUD Adapter].
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = Use [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]].
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov notes                  = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
 
|fov notes                  = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
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|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing notes        = [[FSAA]].
 
|antialiasing notes        = [[FSAA]].
 +
|upscaling                  = false
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
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|60 fps notes              = 40 FPS cap in multiplayer.
 
|60 fps notes              = 40 FPS cap in multiplayer.
 
|120 fps                    = limited
 
|120 fps                    = limited
|120 fps notes              = Higher frame rate is difficult to achieve on modern systems and can cause weird camera behavior. Installing [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix] comes with a 60 FPS limit, which can be changed in <code>d3d9.ini</code>.
+
|120 fps notes              = Higher frame rate is difficult to achieve, even on modern systems.<ref name="lowfps"/> See [[#Improve performance|Improve performance]].
|hdr                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 +
|ray tracing                = false
 +
|ray tracing notes          =
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
Line 115: Line 180:
  
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
{{Fixbox|description=Set custom FOV with NFS-VltEd|ref=<ref name="2017-12-19">{{Refcheck|user=Keith|date=2017-12-19}}</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set custom FOV with RockportEd|ref=<ref name="2017-12-19">{{Refcheck|user=Keith|date=2017-12-19}}</ref>|fix=
# Download [https://nfs-tools.blogspot.com/p/downloads.html NFS-VltEd].
+
# Download [https://github.com/ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader/releases Ultimate ASI Loader] and extract it to {{Code|{{P|game}}}}.
# Extract the contents and open the application.
+
# Download [https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/270 RockportEd] and extract it to <code>scripts\</code> folder (create if it doesn't exist) in {{Code|{{P|game}}}}.
# Click on File → Open and select the installation folder.
 
# On the left side, expand '''camerainfo''' and '''default'''.
 
# Select the camera you want to modify (bumper, close, etc.)
 
# On the right side, expand '''FOV''' and change the value beside '''[0]''' to the FOV you want.
 
#* For the hood camera, you may have to change the value for each car individually.
 
# Click on File → Save to apply the changes.
 
}}
 
 
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set custom FOV with RockportEd|ref=<ref name="2017-12-19"/>|fix=
 
# Download [https://github.com/ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader/releases Ultimate ASI Loader] and extract it to the installation folder.
 
# Download [https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/270 RockportEd] and extract it to <code>scripts\</code> in the installation folder (create if it doesn't exist).
 
 
# Start the game and press {{key|Insert}} to show/hide RockportEd.
 
# Start the game and press {{key|Insert}} to show/hide RockportEd.
# Select the Camera Editor and adjust the FOV slider.
+
# Select the '''Camera Editor''' and adjust the FOV slider.
# Click on Save Preset to apply the changes.
+
# Click on '''Save Preset''' to apply the changes.
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
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===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
{{Fixbox|description=Set windowed mode|ref=<ref name="2017-12-19"/>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set windowed mode|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/pull/1117|title=Pull request #1117: NFS:MW - implement windowed mode by xan1242|date=2022-09-08}}</ref>|fix=
# Download [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix].
+
# Install [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]].
# Extract <code>scripts\</code> and <code>dinput8.dll</code> to the installation folder.
+
# Open {{Code|{{P|game}}\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini}}.
# Create <code>wndmode.ini</code> inside the root folder of your game installation.
+
# Set <code>WindowedMode</code> option to desired setting.
# For bordered window change the line <code>Border=0</code> to <code>Border=1</code> (or add it if you haven't launched the game after creating the file) in <code>wndmode.ini</code>.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Motion blur===
 
===Motion blur===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Change motion blur with NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|ref=<ref name="2022-11-24"/>|fix=
 +
# Install [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]].
 +
# Open {{Code|{{P|game}}\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini}} and set <code>DisableMotionBlur</code> to 1.
 +
}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable motion blur manually|ref=<ref name="2017-12-19"/>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable motion blur manually|ref=<ref name="2017-12-19"/>|fix=
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
#* If you're using [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix] with <code>WriteSettingsToFile = 1</code> set, open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\NFS Most Wanted\Settings.ini</code> instead.
+
#* If [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]] is used with <code>WriteSettingsToFile = 1</code> set, open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\NFS Most Wanted\Settings.ini</code> instead.
 
# Change the value of <code>g_MotionBlurEnable</code> from <code>1</code> to <code>0</code>.
 
# Change the value of <code>g_MotionBlurEnable</code> from <code>1</code> to <code>0</code>.
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted input.jpg|Input settings}}
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted input.jpg|Input settings}}
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 168: Line 225:
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
|controller support notes  = Use [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix] to adjust deadzone.
+
|controller support notes  = Use [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]] to adjust deadzone.
 
|full controller          = hackable
 
|full controller          = hackable
|full controller notes    = Use [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix].
+
|full controller notes    = Use [[#NFS XtendedInput|NFS XtendedInput]].
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 
|controller remap notes    =  
Line 178: Line 235:
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|xinput controllers        = hackable
 
|xinput controllers        = hackable
|xinput controllers notes  = Use [https://sites.google.com/site/0dd14lab/xinput-plus XInput Plus].<ref name="xinput">[https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/issues/310 Issue with x360 triggers · Issue #310 · ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack]</ref>
+
|xinput controllers notes  = Use [[#NFS XtendedInput|NFS XtendedInput]].
 
|xbox prompts              = hackable
 
|xbox prompts              = hackable
|xbox prompts notes        = Use [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix].
+
|xbox prompts notes        = Use [[#NFS XtendedInput|NFS XtendedInput]].<br />Set <code>ControllerIconMode = 0</code> in {{file|NFS_XtendedInput.ini}}
|impulse triggers          = unknown
+
|impulse triggers          = false
 
|impulse triggers notes    =  
 
|impulse triggers notes    =  
|dualshock 4              = unknown
+
|dualshock 4              = hackable
|dualshock 4 notes        =  
+
|dualshock 4 notes        = Use [[#NFS XtendedInput|NFS XtendedInput]].
 
|dualshock prompts        = hackable
 
|dualshock prompts        = hackable
|dualshock prompts notes  = Use [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix].
+
|dualshock prompts notes  = Use [[#NFS XtendedInput|NFS XtendedInput]].<br />Set <code>ControllerIconMode = 1</code> in {{file|NFS_XtendedInput.ini}}
 
|light bar support        = unknown
 
|light bar support        = unknown
 
|light bar support notes  =  
 
|light bar support notes  =  
Line 199: Line 256:
 
|other button prompts      = unknown
 
|other button prompts      = unknown
 
|other button prompts notes=  
 
|other button prompts notes=  
|controller hotplug        = unknown
+
|controller hotplug        = hackable
|controller hotplug notes  =  
+
|controller hotplug notes  = Use [[#NFS XtendedInput|NFS XtendedInput]].
|haptic feedback          = true
+
|haptic feedback          = limited
|haptic feedback notes    = For XInput controllers, use [https://sites.google.com/site/0dd14lab/xinput-plus XInput Plus].<ref name="xinput"/>
+
|haptic feedback notes    = NFS XtendedInput doesn't support vibration<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/xan1242/NFS-XtendedInput/issues/10|title=NFS XtendedInput - [TODO] Rumble support in the near future|date=2023-07-16}}</ref>
 
|simultaneous input        = true
 
|simultaneous input        = true
 
|simultaneous input notes  =  
 
|simultaneous input notes  =  
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
===[https://github.com/xan1242/NFS-XtendedInput/releases/latest NFS XtendedInput] ===
 +
{{++}} Improves gamepad support with support for both Xbox and PlayStation prompts, implements console-like controls and replaces zoom in/out function to its Xbox 360 counterpart.
 +
{{--}} No force feedback feature yet. Button rebinding can only be through {{Code|NFS_XtendedInput.ini}} file as the ''Controls'' settings menu is disabled due to crashing the game in combination with this mod.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/xan1242/NFS-XtendedInput|title=NFS-XtendedInput - GitHub|date=2022-12-04}}</ref>
 +
{{ii}} This mod will reset controls to default.
 +
 
 +
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted audio.jpg|Audio settings}}
 
{{Image|Need for Speed Most Wanted audio.jpg|Audio settings}}
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound notes    = Mono and Stereo only. HRTF stereo virtualization with DSOAL.
 
|surround sound notes    = Mono and Stereo only. HRTF stereo virtualization with DSOAL.
|subtitles                = true
+
|subtitles                = hackable
|subtitles notes          =  
+
|subtitles notes          = Use [[#Extra_Options|Extra Options]] and set <code>ShowSubs=1</code> in the .ini.
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
|mute on focus lost      = true
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = false
 
|eax support              = false
|eax support notes        =  
+
|eax support notes         =
 +
|red book cd audio        =
 +
|red book cd audio notes  =
 +
|general midi audio        =
 +
|general midi audio notes  =
 +
|royalty free audio       = false
 +
|royalty free audio notes  = The main menu uses licensed music.
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} By default, the game might play sound in 22.05 kHz.
 +
 
 +
===Force high quality audio===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]]|ref=<ref name="2022-11-24">{{Refcheck|user=Nessy|date=2022-11-24|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} <code>ForceHighSpecAudio</code> variable set to a value of {{Code|1}} (default value) in <code>{{P|game}}\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini</code> enables this fix. Forces game to use 44.1 kHz sample rate audio.
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} By default, game plays sound in 22.05 kHz. To change into high quality 44.1 kHz, set level of details to 2 or max (sometimes to level 3), and restart the game.{{cn|Note=unclearly worded. Are we talking about in the Graphics options, or…?}}
 
  
 
====Natural stereo virtualization====
 
====Natural stereo virtualization====
{{Fixbox|description=Use DSOAL|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use DSOAL|ref={{cn|date=2022-12-04|reason=}}|fix=
# Download DSOAL from [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1363-dsoal here].
+
# [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1363-dsoal Download DSOAL].
 
# Drop <code>dsoal.dll</code>, <code>alsoft.ini</code> and <code>dsoal-aldrv.dll</code> near the game's executable (<code>{{P|game}}</code>)
 
# Drop <code>dsoal.dll</code>, <code>alsoft.ini</code> and <code>dsoal-aldrv.dll</code> near the game's executable (<code>{{P|game}}</code>)
 
{{ii}} If you already copied HRTFs to <code>{{p|appdata}}\OpenAL\</code> before, the game will use it. To disable it change line in alsoft.ini: <code>hrtf=false</code>
 
{{ii}} If you already copied HRTFs to <code>{{p|appdata}}\OpenAL\</code> before, the game will use it. To disable it change line in alsoft.ini: <code>hrtf=false</code>
{{ii}} You may want to check out preconfigured DSOAL to use especially for this game with some tweaks [https://yadi.sk/d/_t8pqrjm0vumig here]
+
{{ii}} For further information check out preconfigured DSOAL to use especially for this game with some tweaks [https://yadi.sk/d/_t8pqrjm0vumig here]
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 238: Line 321:
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Includes UK and US version.
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Simplified Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 247: Line 341:
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
}}{{L10n/switch
+
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Danish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Dutch
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Finnish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = French
 
  |language  = French
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
Line 253: Line 377:
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 260: Line 386:
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 267: Line 395:
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Korean
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
|ref      =
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 274: Line 422:
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://www.gamevicio.com/traducao/traducao-de-need-for-speed-most-wanted-para-portugues-brasil/ download].
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 279: Line 438:
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
  |subtitles = false
+
  |subtitles = hackable
  |notes    = Available [http://www.playground.ru/files/need_for_speed_most_wanted_russifikator_polnaya_rusifikatsiya_video_zvuk_tekst-41217/ here].
+
  |notes    = Available [https://www.playground.ru/files/need_for_speed_most_wanted_russifikator_polnaya_rusifikatsiya_video_zvuk_tekst-41217/ here]. Localization with added subtitles is [https://www.playground.ru/nfs_most_wanted_2005/file/rusifikatsiya_teksta_dlya_need_for_speed_most_wanted_s_podderzhkoj_subtitrov-1110599 here] (requires setting <code>ShowSubs=1</code> in [[#Extra_Options|Extra Options]]). Also contains faithful to original fonts.
 +
|ref      =
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 288: Line 448:
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = hackable
 
  |subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://slovenciny.com/need-for-speed-most-wanted-sk/ download].
 +
|ref      =
 
  |fan      = true
 
  |fan      = true
|notes    = Fan translation, [http://slovenciny.com/need-for-speed-most-wanted-sk/ download].
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 297: Line 458:
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Swedish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Thai
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|ref      =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
====Manually change game's language====
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Registry edit to change game language|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-12-04|comment=Tested with Black Edition. Changing '''language''' register key to values in the Windows register location <code>{{p|HKLM}}\SOFTWARE\{{p|wow64}}\EA Games\Need For Speed Most Wanted\</code>}} to a value like '''Dutch''' or '''Danish''' indeed changed the in-game language to that language.</ref>|fix=
 +
{{--}} When setting this value to '''Chinese (Traditional)''', '''Japanese''', '''Korean''' or '''Thai''', the game crashes on boot. See [[#Game crashes when executed in Asian languages|Game crashes when executed in Asian languages]] for more information.<ref name="languagecrash"/>
 +
# Go to <code>{{p|HKLM}}\SOFTWARE\{{p|wow64}}\EA Games\Need For Speed Most Wanted\</code>.
 +
# Find the '''language''' key and double click it.
 +
# Change the value to the following list below:
 +
#* English UK
 +
#* English US
 +
#* Chinese (Traditional)
 +
#* Danish
 +
#* Dutch
 +
#* Finnish
 +
#* French
 +
#* German
 +
#* Italian
 +
#* Japanese
 +
#* Korean
 +
#* Polish
 +
#* Russian
 +
#* Spanish
 +
#* Swedish
 +
#* Thai
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Certain languages may not work for {{Term|FMV}} and voices if the installed game doesn't come with it.
 +
}}
 +
 +
====Japanese {{Term|FMV}}/voice mod====
 +
{{ii}} This mod will allow to play the game in Japanese {{Term|FMV}} and voices while retaining the current language version. Note that this may not compatible with languages that have native audio for the {{Term|FMV}} and need to rename it to corresponding file name.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Japanese {{Term|FMV}}/voice mod|ref={{cn|date=2022-12-04|reason=}}|fix=
 +
# Download the [https://mega.nz/file/Pp0mTK4S#2PWQrcW4ti3Pp5uIqtbYlxO9mgPWs7hP9RjD0IjKoH4 Japanese {{Term|FMV}}/voice mod].
 +
# Extract it into {{Code|{{P|game}}}}.
 +
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} For certain languages of {{Term|FMV}} that have native audio, please refer to the original file name and rename it accordingly.
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Network==
 +
{{Network/Multiplayer
 +
|local play          = hackable
 +
|local play players  = 4
 +
|local play modes    =
 +
|local play notes    = Use [https://github.com/SplitScreen-Me/splitscreenme-nucleus/releases Nucleus Co-op].
 +
|lan play            = true
 +
|lan play players    = 4
 +
|lan play modes      =
 +
|lan play notes      = All players needs to set the game to same version and language as hoster, connected to the router, and run the game as admin to find the LAN server.
 +
|online play          = hackable
 +
|online play players  = 4
 +
|online play modes    =
 +
|online play notes    = Online play was retired on August 2011.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.ea.com/legal/service-updates/i-q|title=EA - Online Services Shutdown|date=2022-11-10}}</ref> Fan-maintained online client available [https://discord.gg/2wY2aEgU7K here]{{cn|November 2022|note=Use permanent links instead of unsolicited Discord ones!!!!}}
 +
|asynchronous        =
 +
|asynchronous notes  =
 +
}}{{Network/Connections
 +
|matchmaking        =
 +
|matchmaking notes  =
 +
|p2p                =
 +
|p2p notes          =
 +
|dedicated          =
 +
|dedicated notes    =
 +
|self-hosting      =
 +
|self-hosting notes =
 +
|direct ip          =
 +
|direct ip notes    =
 +
}}{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  =
 +
|udp  =
 +
|upnp =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 344: Line 594:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Network==
+
==Issues unresolved==
{{Network/Multiplayer
+
===Game crashes when executed in Asian languages===
|local play          = hackable
+
{{ii}} '''Chinese (Traditional)''', '''Japanese''', '''Korean''' and '''Thai''' are making the game crash at boot. There's no fix except to change the language to a language different than these.<ref name="languagecrash">{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-12-04|comment=Tested with Black Edition. Changing '''language''' register key to values of '''Chinese (Traditional)''', '''Japanese''', '''Korean''' and '''Thai''' in the Windows register location <code>{{p|HKLM}}\SOFTWARE\{{p|wow64}}\EA Games\Need For Speed Most Wanted\</code>}} indeed crashes the game on boot. Thus when following instructions mentioned in [[#Manually change game's language|Manually change game's language]].</ref>
|local play players  = 4
+
 
|local play modes    =  
+
===Game crashes when beating Blacklist 4 and marker selection rewards using some unofficial mods.===
|local play notes    = Use [https://github.com/ZeroFox5866/nucleuscoop Nucleus-Coop Unofficial mod].
+
''No fix known yet.''
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play players    = 4
 
|lan play modes      =
 
|lan play notes      = All players needs to set the game to same language as hoster to find the LAN server.
 
|online play          = true
 
|online play players  = 4
 
|online play modes    =  
 
|online play notes    = Online play was retired on August 2011 <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.ea.com/service-updates/i-q|title=EA - Online Service Updates|date=2019-11-11}}</ref>
 
|asynchronous        =
 
|asynchronous notes  =
 
}}{{Network/Connections
 
|matchmaking        =
 
|matchmaking notes  =
 
|p2p                =
 
|p2p notes          =  
 
|dedicated          =  
 
|dedicated notes    =  
 
|self-hosting      =  
 
|self-hosting notes =  
 
|direct ip          =  
 
|direct ip notes    =
 
}}{{Network/Ports
 
|tcp  =
 
|udp  =
 
|upnp =
 
}}
 
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
{{ii}} TweakGuides has created a [https://tweakguides.pcgamingwiki.com/NFSMW_1.html comprehensive guide] for fixing issues in this game.
 
  
===Poor frame rate and crashes===
+
===Improve performance===
{{Fixbox|description=Install DirectPlay|fix=
+
{{ii}} Higher frame rate is difficult to achieve, even on modern systems.<ref name="lowfps">{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-12-04|comment=GTX 1070 and I7 4790K: around 113 FPS in the main menu and around 85-99 FPS during a Quick race with max (advanced) settings with not other tweaks or fixes applied and Vsync disabled. Which is very low for such an old game and high-end hardware from 2015. Measured with RTSS.}}</ref>
{{ii}}Windows 8/8.1/10 removes important DirectX components, causing game to run poorly, and possibly lead to multiple crashes. These components can be brought back by installing DirectPlay. [https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb153243(v=vs.85).aspx More about DirectPlay here.]
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]]|ref=<ref name="fpsfix"/>|fix=
#Go to Control Panel, and select 'Programs'.
+
{{ii}} <code>SimRate</code> variable (controls refresh rate of the gameplay engine) set to a value of {{Code|-1}} (default value) in <code>{{P|game}}\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini</code> enables this fix. Allows the game to reach higher performance in the menus and during races.<ref name="fpsfix">{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-12-04|comment=GTX 1070 and I7 4790K: from around 113 FPS in the main menu and around 85-99 FPS during a Quick race to 400+ in the main menu and around 150-160 FPS during a Quick race with max (advanced) settings with no other tweaks or fixes applied than ThirteenAG's fix and Vsync disabled. Measured with RTSS.}}</ref>
#Select 'Turn Windows features on and off'
+
}}
#Click on 'Legacy Components' and check the box 'DirectPlay'.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install [https://zolika1351.pages.dev/mods/nfsmwpatch ZPatch]|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://zolika1351.pages.dev/mods/nfsmwpatch|title=Zolika1351's Zone - ZPatch Most Wanted|date=2024-02-26|snippet=Fix for most frame pacing and stuttering issues}}</ref>|fix=
#Select OK, once the installation is done, restart your computer.
 
{{ii}} It is recommended to reinstall the game after installing DirectPlay.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 393: Line 614:
 
{{ii}} This problem occurs because both games use the same name for their main executables (<code>speed.exe</code>). After installing one game and attempting to install the other, its autorun program assumes it's already been installed.
 
{{ii}} This problem occurs because both games use the same name for their main executables (<code>speed.exe</code>). After installing one game and attempting to install the other, its autorun program assumes it's already been installed.
  
{{Fixbox|description=Workaround|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Workaround: rename executable of already installed game|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mrtnptrs|date=2022-12-04|comment=When having either Underground or Most Wanted installed and trying to run the {{Code|setup.exe}} of the other, will result in the setup showing the option to ''Play'' the already installed game instead of showing ''Install'' to install the second game. Renaming the executable {{Code|speed.exe}} of the already installed game to something else and running the setup of the other game indeed fixed the problem and allowed both games to be installed.}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Install the first game. It doesn't matter whether it's Underground or Most Wanted.
 
# Install the first game. It doesn't matter whether it's Underground or Most Wanted.
# Go to the installation folder.
+
# Go to the installation folder of the just installed game.
 
# Change the name of <code>speed.exe</code> to anything else.
 
# Change the name of <code>speed.exe</code> to anything else.
 
# Install the other game.
 
# Install the other game.
Line 403: Line 624:
 
===Controller deadzone issues===
 
===Controller deadzone issues===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Fix left stick deadzone|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/issues/165|title=Need for Speed - Analog sticks deadzone · Issue #165 · ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack|date=2017-04-05}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Fix left stick deadzone|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack/issues/165|title=Need for Speed - Analog sticks deadzone · Issue #165 · ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack|date=2017-04-05}}</ref>|fix=
# Install [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix].
+
# Install [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]].
# Deadzone can be adjusted in <code>NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini</code>.
+
# Deadzone can be adjusted in <code>{{P|game}}\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini</code>.
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Stability issues===
+
===Crash issues===
{{Fixbox|description=Install [https://github.com/GrimMaple/mwfixes/releases MWFixes]|ref=<ref>[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/381 NFSMods - MWFixes]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install [https://github.com/GrimMaple/mwfixes/releases MWFixes]|ref=<ref name="MWFixes"/>{{cn|date=2022-12-04|reason=Fixes described by mod maker sound very vague, needs checking if these bugs/crashes actually occur during normal play.}}|fix=
{{ii}} Fixes and improves the game's stability.
+
{{ii}} Fixes several crashes related to "Pure virtual function call" error, Attrib::StringToLowerCaseKey and more.<ref name="MWFixes">{{Refurl|url=https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/381|title=MWFixes - NFSMods|date=2022-12-04}}</ref>
 +
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install [https://zolika1351.pages.dev/mods/nfsmwpatch ZPatch]|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://zolika1351.pages.dev/mods/nfsmwpatch|title=Zolika1351's Zone - ZPatch Most Wanted|date=2024-02-26|snippet=Fix crash when player-driven AI cop cars hit physics objects}}</ref>|fix=
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Can't set shadows on Intel GPU===
+
===Can't set shadows in in-game settings menu on an Intel GPU===
 
{{ii}} On a PC with Intel GPU (or with Nvidia Optimus technology), the Shadow detail option is inactive.
 
{{ii}} On a PC with Intel GPU (or with Nvidia Optimus technology), the Shadow detail option is inactive.
  
{{Fixbox|description=Install [https://thirteenag.github.io/wfp#nfsmw ThirteenAG's fix]|ref={{cn|date=February 2017}}}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install [[#NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix|NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Tecc|date=2021-06-25|comment=Tested with Intel GMA 4500M.}}</ref>|fix=
 
 
===Menu lag on multi core systems===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Change CPU Affinity|ref={{cn|August 2017}}|fix=
 
#Open Windows Task Manager.
 
#Look for <code>nfs.exe</code> process.
 
#Right-click it, then click '''Set Affinity'''.
 
#Leave a checkbox on <code>1</code> with the other unchecked.
 
#Click OK.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Game settings keep resetting===
+
===Missing sun flare===
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in compatibility mode|ref={{cn|date=January 3, 2018}}|fix=
+
{{ii}} Seems to only happen on modern operating systems.{{cn|date=2022-12-06|reason=}}
Set options: "Disable display scaling on high DPI settings" and "Run program as an administrator".
+
{{Fixbox|description=Turn off Vsync|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsEydUfMFE8|title=Need For Speed UndergroundSpeed Exe 2022 12 05 20 05 54 01 1|date=2022-12-05}}</ref>|fix=
 
}}
 
}}
 
+
{{Fixbox|description=[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)#Limit FPS|Limit the frame rate to 59 FPS]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Rouward|date=2023-02-02|comment=Tested with framerate cap and Vsync enabled.}}</ref>|fix=
===Microstutter on modern machines===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Limit FPS to 64.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 438: Line 651:
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
|direct3d versions      = 9
+
|direct3d versions      = 9.0c
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 +
|wing                  =
 +
|wing notes            =
 
|opengl versions        =  
 
|opengl versions        =  
 
|opengl notes          =  
 
|opengl notes          =  
Line 460: Line 675:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = false
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
|macos 32-bit app       =  
+
|mac os x powerpc app  =
|macos 64-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
|linux 32-bit executable=  
+
|linux powerpc app      =
|linux 64-bit executable=  
+
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Disable AI catch-up (rubber band effect)===
+
==Modifications==
{{Fixbox|description=Use NFSMWExOpts|ref={{cn|date=March 2018}}|fix=
+
====Disable AI catch-up (rubber band effect)====
# Download [https://github.com/ExOptsTeam/NFSMWExOpts/releases NFSMW Extra Options].
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use NFSMWExOpts|ref=<ref name="catchup">{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ExOptsTeam/NFSMWExOpts/blob/master/NFSMWExtraOptionsSettings.ini|title=NFSMWExOpts/NFSMWExtraOptionsSettings.ini - GitHub|date=2022-12-04}}</ref>|fix=
# Extract <code>scripts\</code> and <code>dinput8.dll</code> to the installation folder.
+
{{--}} This option is marked as '''Experimental''' and thus might cause unexpected bugs or instability.<ref name="catchup"/>
# Open <code>NFSMWExtraOptionsSettings.ini</code>.
+
# Download [https://github.com/ExOptsTeam/NFSMWExOpts/releases Extra Options].
 +
# Extract the contents of the archive to {{Code|{{P|game}}}}.
 +
# Open <code>NFSMWExtraOptionsSettings.ini</code> in a text editor.
 
# Change <code>NoCatchUp = 0</code> to <code>NoCatchUp = 1</code>.
 
# Change <code>NoCatchUp = 0</code> to <code>NoCatchUp = 1</code>.
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Modifications===
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/1096 NFSMW: Upscaled HUD]====
 +
{{++}} Recreation of NFSMW 2005's UI from scratch using mostly vector materials, with original texture proportions to help keep the same look. Images are AI upscaled.
 +
{{ii}} If used with the [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Need_for_Speed:_Most_Wanted#Xbox_360_stuff_pack Xbox 360 stuff pack], this mod should be installed first, and the Xbox 360 pack second.
 +
 
 +
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/3363 HD Reflections]====
 +
{{++}} Scales the resolution of road, vehicle, and rear view mirror reflections.
 +
{{++}} Adds traffic lights, car shadows, shader and particle effects to the rearview mirror.
 +
{{++}} Restores geometry such as front-end reflections and world detail.
 +
 
 +
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/1200 Xbox 360 stuff pack]====
 +
{{++}} Shaders, water, textures, reflections, screen filter, skybox, normal maps and more taken from or modified to look like the Xbox 360 version, where they are superior.
 +
{{ii}} If using this in combination with [[#NFSMW: Upscaled HUD|Upscaled HUD mod]], make sure to install that mod first.{{cn|date=2022-12-04|reason=}}
 +
{{ii}} The mod's shaders don't work with AMD graphics cards and require using [[DXVK]].
  
====[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK42wnWjYmQ NFS Most Wanted REDUX]====
+
====[https://github.com/xan1242/NFSMW_XenonEffects/ NFSMW XenonEffects]====
{{++}} Total conversion Mod that contain the best community creations.
+
{{++}} Restores particle effects (i.e. sparks and contrails) as seen in Xbox 360 version.
  
====[https://github.com/ExOptsTeam/NFSMWExOpts/releases NFSMW Extra Options]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/3005 Front-End Shadows]====
{{++}} Script mod which improves your gaming experience in many ways.
+
{{++}} Standalone script that enables dynamic shadows in the front-end, like in the Xbox 360 version.
  
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/629 High Quality Vinyls]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/2518 MW - XBOX 360 Cutscenes to PC (PAL & NTSC)]====
{{++}} A port of the high quality vinyls from the Xbox 360 version to PC.
+
{{++}} Converted HD Xbox 360 movies to .vp6 to work with the PC port.
 +
{{ii}} English FMVs only. [https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/2741 HD Spanish FMVs] also available.
 +
{{ii}} [https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/2151 HD Content Support] required to work correctly.
  
====[https://dfiles.eu/files/0um8lw6fe Modern Rockport]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/629 Recompiled Vinyls]====
{{++}} Improves texture quality and removes the orange filter.
+
{{++}} A port of high quality 1024x vinyls from the Xbox 360 version and optionally re-adds the cut vinyls for every tunable car.
{{ii}} Comparisons between various texture mods can be found [https://nfszone.pl/articles/articles.php?article_id=277 here]
 
  
====[https://www.mediafire.com/file/9m5moes6cjie9hd/AUTUMN-HotPursuit_HD_MOD.7z/file Alex.Ka 4K Textures]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/43 Extra Options]====
{{++}} 4K quality texture pack.
+
{{++}} Includes quality of life improvements and fixes to the vanilla game to make the experience better.
 +
{{++}} Adds a lot of options to play around with.
  
====[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFWRcmfX2D4 Most Wanted Eternal]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/688 Unlimiter with Extra Customization]====
{{++}} Improves the world textures, lighting, skyboxes, etc.
+
{{++}} Script mod which has some general QoL fixes and a few fixes if you plan to add any cars.
  
====[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QutJK5JxVE HD - Ideal Graphics]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/1551 The smol fix]====
{{++}} Aims to improve the visuals without ruining the original feel of the game.
+
{{++}} Includes various small fixes.
{{ii}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20201211161750/https://e1.sharemods.com/cgi-bin/dl.cgi/cvf2rsz6w5hqkrlghjtpe5nsbuu54h5ox5iyop2d6qv33kcwqyluh4i/NFSMW_HD_2020.zip Archived download link]
 
  
====[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhEELj_3FEQ NFSMW Reshaded]====
+
====[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2768-nfs-most-wanted-2005-camera-hack-v10/ NFSMW Camera Hack v1.0]====
{{++}} Graphics enhancement mod.
+
{{++}} Custom camera views can be created and saved as presets (e.g. cockpit view)
 +
{{--}} Steering wheel doesn't turn
  
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/80 NFSMW World Controller]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/3878 Orbit Camera]====
{{++}} Can be used to change the camera, time speed, and HUD visibility.
+
{{++}} This mod allows to rotate camera around the car while driving around.
  
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/142 NFS Music Player]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/2226 Leftover Brakes Fix]====
{{++}} This is a custom music player replacement and a BASS library interface for NFS.
+
{{++}} This mod aims to restore the custom brakes leftover from NFS Underground 2.
  
 
====[https://github.com/ThirteenAG/XboxRainDroplets/releases/tag/nfsmw Xbox Rain Droplets]====
 
====[https://github.com/ThirteenAG/XboxRainDroplets/releases/tag/nfsmw Xbox Rain Droplets]====
 
{{++}} Basic implementation of Xbox rain droplets from [https://github.com/aap/skygfx SkyGFX] for other games.
 
{{++}} Basic implementation of Xbox rain droplets from [https://github.com/aap/skygfx SkyGFX] for other games.
  
====[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RoROnS-u8SOxhYJKEywcJ-rIx02pTinV X360 stuff]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/80 World Controller]====
{{++}} Restores Xbox 360 graphics effects.
+
{{++}} Can be used to change the camera, time speed, and HUD visibility.
 
 
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/998  NFSMW Remastered UI]====
 
{{++}} HD UI without requiring TexMod, re-scaled most of the icons and other things.
 
 
 
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/1096 NFSMW: Upscaled HUD]====
 
{{++}} UHUD is a recreating of NFSMW 2005's UI from scratch using mostly vector materials, with original texture proportions to help keep the same look.
 
  
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/1100 Upscaled Minimap Textures]====
+
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/1711 Beta Content Mod]====
{{++}} Upscaled map in menus (not in game map on HUD).
+
{{ii}} A mod that returns almost every cut content from NFS Most Wanted.
 +
{{--}} Has very poor mod support and is likely to be incompatible with most.
 +
{{ii}} Requires new save game
  
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/471 Fiery Cop Explosion Mod]====
+
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/most-wanted-hq Most Wanted HQ Mod]====
{{++}} Restores the effects resembling presented in PS2 demo cinematic/trailer.
+
{{++}} Compilation of lore-friendly mods and patches
 
+
{{++}} Non-Texmod Modern Rockport texture pack integrated
====[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zOoxRa5ccg-jWysXZmeo-KG3TLNrJKxt?usp=sharing Original Music in 44.1 kHz]====
 
{{++}} Replaces the in-game 36kHz music with its 44.1 kHz counterparts.<ref>https://www.nfscars.net/need-for-speed-most-wanted/7/files/view/17049/</ref>{{cn|No, it's not just resampled, there is a slight bump above 36kHz to 44kHz in Spek}}
 
 
 
====[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WjH1Rcq55Q Desert mod]====
 
{{++}} Adds a desert look to the game.
 
 
 
====[https://mega.nz/folder/EBkgnACB#3tMEQxaiZXkRsMpWqbCsZQ Most Wanted HQ Repack]====
 
{{++}} Balanced compilation of lore-friendly community mods and patches.
 
 
 
====[https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/2518 MW - XBOX 360 Cutscenes to PC (PAL & NTSC)]====
 
{{++}} Converted the HD Xbox 360 movies to .vp6 to work with the PC port.
 
{{ii}} English FMVs only. [https://nfsmods.xyz/mod/2741 HD Spanish FMVs] also available.
 
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 566: Line 786:
 
|recDX    = 9.0c
 
|recDX    = 9.0c
 
|reccont  = USB-based DirectInput compatible Gamepad or Racing Wheel
 
|reccont  = USB-based DirectInput compatible Gamepad or Racing Wheel
 +
|notes    =
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 14:28, 26 February 2024

This page is for the original game. For the 2012 game, see Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012).

Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Need for Speed: Most Wanted cover
Developers
EA Black Box
Publishers
Electronic Arts
Simplified Chinese version CNEC
Russian version 1C-SoftClub
Engines
EAGL 3
Release dates
Windows November 15, 2005
Reception
Metacritic 82
IGDB 85
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Cross-game bonus
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person, Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Racing
Vehicles Automobile, Street racing
Art styles Realistic
Themes Contemporary
Series Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Need for Speed
Need for Speed: Most Wanted on HowLongToBeat
Need for Speed: Most Wanted on IGDB
Need for Speed: Most Wanted guide on StrategyWiki
Need for Speed: Most Wanted on MobyGames
Need for Speed: Most Wanted on Wikipedia
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Subseries of Need for Speed
Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2005
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) 2012

Warnings

SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see Availability for affected versions).

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a singleplayer and multiplayer racing game developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. It is the nineth entry in the Need for Speed series.

Most Wanted features an open world where players can drive freely around the city. The ability to allows players to be chased by the cops as a racer, which was absent in the Underground duology, made a return. The game's story mode focus on an unnamed racer as he participates in the illegal street racing scene in the fictional city of Rockport. The story continues in Need for Speed: Carbon.

It was released in North America on November 15, 2005, in Europe on November 25, 2005 and in Japan on December 22, 2005.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
SafeDisc v4 DRM[Note 1]
Windows
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
A faithful higher resolution desktop icon can be found on the community site. An alternate icon by Xerlientt can be found on SteamGridDB
The original SafeDisc DRM was accompanied by custom DRM code which could cause the game to remove the 'Resume Career' button in Career main menu.[citation needed]

Version differences

Black Edition-exclusive content includes: two exclusive vehicles ('67 Camaro SS and BMW M3 GTR), eight custom cars (Toyota Supra, Lotus Elise, Porsche 911 GT2, Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, Corvette C6, Mercedes-Benz SL 500, Porsche 911 Carrera S, and Corvette C6.R.), Black Edition pursuit challenge (features waves of supercharged SUV cops and the most aggressive police tactics), three exclusive races, dozens of unlocked Black Edition-only vinyls designs and a bonus DVD (celebration video of ten years Need for Speed, includes behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the game's cinematics.)[3]

Demo/free trial

A playable demo can be found here.

Monetization

Type Notes
Cross-game bonus Having a savefile from Need for Speed Underground 2 on the PC, will add an additional $10,000 to new games in Most Wanted.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

Microtransactions

Type Notes
No microtransactions No microtransactions are available in this game.

Essential improvements

Patches

Patch 1.3 is the last cumulative patch for the game. Resolves a number of issues and is strongly recommended.[4]

Skip intro videos

Use NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix[5]
  1. Install NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix.
  2. Set SkipIntro setting to 1 in <path-to-game>\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini.
Delete or rename intro video files[6]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\MOVIES\.
  2. Delete or rename attract_movie_english_ntsc.vp6, ealogo_english_ntsc.vp6, and psa_english_ntsc.vp6.

Notes

If the game language is not set to English, delete/rename the files corresponding to the language used instead, and in the PAL version, the file names will have PAL instead of NTSC at the end.

NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix

Requires the 1.3 patch.
Fixes several issues and adds proper support for widescreen resolutions, gamepads, increased audio quality, increased shadow resolution and much more.[7]
Use NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix[8]
  1. Download NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix.
  2. Extract the contents to <path-to-game>
  3. See NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini for all configurable options the mod has to offer.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\EA Games\Need for Speed Most Wanted\[Note 2]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\NFS Most Wanted\<user-id>\
Need for Speed: Underground 2 save game grants the player extra 10,000 in-game cash.[9]

Video

General video settings
General video settings
Advanced video settings
Advanced video settings
Advanced video settings
Advanced video settings

Field of view (FOV)

Set custom FOV with RockportEd[12]
  1. Download Ultimate ASI Loader and extract it to <path-to-game>.
  2. Download RockportEd and extract it to scripts\ folder (create if it doesn't exist) in <path-to-game>.
  3. Start the game and press Insert to show/hide RockportEd.
  4. Select the Camera Editor and adjust the FOV slider.
  5. Click on Save Preset to apply the changes.

Notes

Other options such as camera height and vertical angle can also be adjusted.

Windowed

Set windowed mode[13]
  1. Install NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix.
  2. Open <path-to-game>\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini.
  3. Set WindowedMode option to desired setting.

Motion blur

Change motion blur with NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix[14]
  1. Install NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix.
  2. Open <path-to-game>\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini and set DisableMotionBlur to 1.
Disable motion blur manually[12]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Change the value of g_MotionBlurEnable from 1 to 0.

Input

Input settings
Input settings

NFS XtendedInput

Improves gamepad support with support for both Xbox and PlayStation prompts, implements console-like controls and replaces zoom in/out function to its Xbox 360 counterpart.
No force feedback feature yet. Button rebinding can only be through NFS_XtendedInput.ini file as the Controls settings menu is disabled due to crashing the game in combination with this mod.[16]
This mod will reset controls to default.

Audio

Audio settings
Audio settings

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Mono and Stereo only. HRTF stereo virtualization with DSOAL.
Subtitles
Use Extra Options and set ShowSubs=1 in the .ini.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio
The main menu uses licensed music.
By default, the game might play sound in 22.05 kHz.

Force high quality audio

Install NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix[14]
ForceHighSpecAudio variable set to a value of 1 (default value) in <path-to-game>\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini enables this fix. Forces game to use 44.1 kHz sample rate audio.

Natural stereo virtualization

Use DSOAL[citation needed]
  1. Download DSOAL.
  2. Drop dsoal.dll, alsoft.ini and dsoal-aldrv.dll near the game's executable (<path-to-game>)
If you already copied HRTFs to %APPDATA%\OpenAL\ before, the game will use it. To disable it change line in alsoft.ini: hrtf=false
For further information check out preconfigured DSOAL to use especially for this game with some tweaks here

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Includes UK and US version.
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Danish
Dutch
Finnish
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Russian
Available here. Localization with added subtitles is here (requires setting ShowSubs=1 in Extra Options). Also contains faithful to original fonts.
Slovak
Fan translation, download.
Spanish
Swedish
Thai

Manually change game's language

Registry edit to change game language[17]
When setting this value to Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Korean or Thai, the game crashes on boot. See Game crashes when executed in Asian languages for more information.[18]
  1. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\EA Games\Need For Speed Most Wanted\.
  2. Find the language key and double click it.
  3. Change the value to the following list below:
    • English UK
    • English US
    • Chinese (Traditional)
    • Danish
    • Dutch
    • Finnish
    • French
    • German
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • Korean
    • Polish
    • Russian
    • Spanish
    • Swedish
    • Thai

Notes

Certain languages may not work for FMV and voices if the installed game doesn't come with it.

Japanese FMV/voice mod

This mod will allow to play the game in Japanese FMV and voices while retaining the current language version. Note that this may not compatible with languages that have native audio for the FMV and need to rename it to corresponding file name.
Japanese FMV/voice mod[citation needed]
  1. Download the Japanese FMV/voice mod.
  2. Extract it into <path-to-game>.

Notes

For certain languages of FMV that have native audio, please refer to the original file name and rename it accordingly.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
4 Use Nucleus Co-op.
LAN play
4 All players needs to set the game to same version and language as hoster, connected to the router, and run the game as admin to find the LAN server.
Online play
4 Online play was retired on August 2011.[19] Fan-maintained online client available here[citation needed]

VR support

3D modes State Notes
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.

Issues unresolved

Game crashes when executed in Asian languages

Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Korean and Thai are making the game crash at boot. There's no fix except to change the language to a language different than these.[18]

Game crashes when beating Blacklist 4 and marker selection rewards using some unofficial mods.

No fix known yet.

Issues fixed

Improve performance

Higher frame rate is difficult to achieve, even on modern systems.[11]
Install NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix[20]
SimRate variable (controls refresh rate of the gameplay engine) set to a value of -1 (default value) in <path-to-game>\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini enables this fix. Allows the game to reach higher performance in the menus and during races.[20]
Install ZPatch[21]

Can't install both NFS Underground and NFS Most Wanted (2005) on the same PC

This problem occurs because both games use the same name for their main executables (speed.exe). After installing one game and attempting to install the other, its autorun program assumes it's already been installed.
Workaround: rename executable of already installed game[22]
  1. Install the first game. It doesn't matter whether it's Underground or Most Wanted.
  2. Go to the installation folder of the just installed game.
  3. Change the name of speed.exe to anything else.
  4. Install the other game.
  5. Restore the original name of the first game's speed.exe.

Controller deadzone issues

Fix left stick deadzone[23]
  1. Install NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix.
  2. Deadzone can be adjusted in <path-to-game>\scripts\NFSMostWanted.WidescreenFix.ini.

Crash issues

Install MWFixes[24][citation needed]
Fixes several crashes related to "Pure virtual function call" error, Attrib::StringToLowerCaseKey and more.[24]
Install ZPatch[25]

Can't set shadows in in-game settings menu on an Intel GPU

On a PC with Intel GPU (or with Nvidia Optimus technology), the Shadow detail option is inactive.
Install NFS Most Wanted Widescreen Fix[26]

Missing sun flare

Seems to only happen on modern operating systems.[citation needed]
Turn off Vsync[27]
Limit the frame rate to 59 FPS[28]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c
Shader Model support 2.0 [29]
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Modifications

Disable AI catch-up (rubber band effect)

Use NFSMWExOpts[30]
This option is marked as Experimental and thus might cause unexpected bugs or instability.[30]
  1. Download Extra Options.
  2. Extract the contents of the archive to <path-to-game>.
  3. Open NFSMWExtraOptionsSettings.ini in a text editor.
  4. Change NoCatchUp = 0 to NoCatchUp = 1.

NFSMW: Upscaled HUD

Recreation of NFSMW 2005's UI from scratch using mostly vector materials, with original texture proportions to help keep the same look. Images are AI upscaled.
If used with the Xbox 360 stuff pack, this mod should be installed first, and the Xbox 360 pack second.

HD Reflections

Scales the resolution of road, vehicle, and rear view mirror reflections.
Adds traffic lights, car shadows, shader and particle effects to the rearview mirror.
Restores geometry such as front-end reflections and world detail.

Xbox 360 stuff pack

Shaders, water, textures, reflections, screen filter, skybox, normal maps and more taken from or modified to look like the Xbox 360 version, where they are superior.
If using this in combination with Upscaled HUD mod, make sure to install that mod first.[citation needed]
The mod's shaders don't work with AMD graphics cards and require using DXVK.

NFSMW XenonEffects

Restores particle effects (i.e. sparks and contrails) as seen in Xbox 360 version.

Front-End Shadows

Standalone script that enables dynamic shadows in the front-end, like in the Xbox 360 version.

MW - XBOX 360 Cutscenes to PC (PAL & NTSC)

Converted HD Xbox 360 movies to .vp6 to work with the PC port.
English FMVs only. HD Spanish FMVs also available.
HD Content Support required to work correctly.

Recompiled Vinyls

A port of high quality 1024x vinyls from the Xbox 360 version and optionally re-adds the cut vinyls for every tunable car.

Extra Options

Includes quality of life improvements and fixes to the vanilla game to make the experience better.
Adds a lot of options to play around with.

Unlimiter with Extra Customization

Script mod which has some general QoL fixes and a few fixes if you plan to add any cars.

The smol fix

Includes various small fixes.

NFSMW Camera Hack v1.0

Custom camera views can be created and saved as presets (e.g. cockpit view)
Steering wheel doesn't turn

Orbit Camera

This mod allows to rotate camera around the car while driving around.

Leftover Brakes Fix

This mod aims to restore the custom brakes leftover from NFS Underground 2.

Xbox Rain Droplets

Basic implementation of Xbox rain droplets from SkyGFX for other games.

World Controller

Can be used to change the camera, time speed, and HUD visibility.

Beta Content Mod

A mod that returns almost every cut content from NFS Most Wanted.
Has very poor mod support and is likely to be incompatible with most.
Requires new save game

Most Wanted HQ Mod

Compilation of lore-friendly mods and patches
Non-Texmod Modern Rockport texture pack integrated

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 2000
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 4 1.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 256 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 3 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 2000 MX or GTS Series
ATI Radeon 7500
Intel 950/i915g
S3 GammaChrome S18 Pro
32 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0 compatible
Sound (audio device) DirectX 9.0c compatible
Controller Keyboard and Mouse


Notes

  1. SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
  2. Applications writing to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE will be redirected to other locations based on various criterias, see the glossary page for more details.

References

  1. Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
  2. Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
  3. EA Games - Need for Speed: Most Wanted- Black Edition (retrieved) - last accessed on 2019-11-11
  4. EA - Patch 1.3 Changelog (retrieved) - last accessed on 2019-11-11
  5. [NFS] New FOV Values, Updates, and Adjustments #1027 - ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack - GitHub - last accessed on 2022-12-14
  6. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-12-04
    Indeed, renaming attract_movie_english_ntsc.vp6, ealogo_english_ntsc.vp6, and psa_english_ntsc.vp6 or removing them indeed allows the game to boot directly to the main menu without any input. Only a very short, like 1 second, loading screen might appear just before the main menu is shown.
  7. Need For Speed Most Wanted (2005) Widescreen Fix - GitHub - last accessed on 2022-12-04
  8. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-12-04
    Tested and indeeds adds features it promised, like widescreen resolution support.
  9. Verified by User:Blackbird on 2016-10-22
    Screenshot
  10. 10.0 10.1 Need for Speed Most Wanted (2005) Widescreen Fix - last accessed on 2022-12-05
  11. 11.0 11.1 Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-12-04
    GTX 1070 and I7 4790K: around 113 FPS in the main menu and around 85-99 FPS during a Quick race with max (advanced) settings with not other tweaks or fixes applied and Vsync disabled. Which is very low for such an old game and high-end hardware from 2015. Measured with RTSS.
  12. 12.0 12.1 Verified by User:Keith on 2017-12-19
  13. Pull request #1117: NFS:MW - implement windowed mode by xan1242 - last accessed on 2022-09-08
  14. 14.0 14.1 Verified by User:Nessy on 2022-11-24
  15. NFS XtendedInput - [TODO Rumble support in the near future] - last accessed on 2023-07-16
  16. NFS-XtendedInput - GitHub - last accessed on 2022-12-04
  17. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-12-04
    Tested with Black Edition. Changing language register key to values in the Windows register location HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\EA Games\Need For Speed Most Wanted\ to a value like Dutch or Danish indeed changed the in-game language to that language.
  18. 18.0 18.1 Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-12-04
    Tested with Black Edition. Changing language register key to values of Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Korean and Thai in the Windows register location HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\EA Games\Need For Speed Most Wanted\ indeed crashes the game on boot. Thus when following instructions mentioned in Manually change game's language.
  19. EA - Online Services Shutdown - last accessed on 2022-11-10
  20. 20.0 20.1 Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-12-04
    GTX 1070 and I7 4790K: from around 113 FPS in the main menu and around 85-99 FPS during a Quick race to 400+ in the main menu and around 150-160 FPS during a Quick race with max (advanced) settings with no other tweaks or fixes applied than ThirteenAG's fix and Vsync disabled. Measured with RTSS.
  21. Zolika1351's Zone - ZPatch Most Wanted - last accessed on 2024-02-26
    "Fix for most frame pacing and stuttering issues"
  22. Verified by User:Mrtnptrs on 2022-12-04
    When having either Underground or Most Wanted installed and trying to run the setup.exe of the other, will result in the setup showing the option to Play the already installed game instead of showing Install to install the second game. Renaming the executable speed.exe of the already installed game to something else and running the setup of the other game indeed fixed the problem and allowed both games to be installed.
  23. Need for Speed - Analog sticks deadzone · Issue #165 · ThirteenAG/WidescreenFixesPack - last accessed on 2017-04-05
  24. 24.0 24.1 MWFixes - NFSMods - last accessed on 2022-12-04
  25. Zolika1351's Zone - ZPatch Most Wanted - last accessed on 2024-02-26
    "Fix crash when player-driven AI cop cars hit physics objects"
  26. Verified by User:Tecc on 2021-06-25
    Tested with Intel GMA 4500M.
  27. Need For Speed UndergroundSpeed Exe 2022 12 05 20 05 54 01 1 - last accessed on 2022-12-05
  28. Verified by User:Rouward on 2023-02-02
    Tested with framerate cap and Vsync enabled.
  29. xan1242 comments on Xenia lets you control the car in NFS MW05! - last accessed on 2017-05-16
  30. 30.0 30.1 NFSMWExOpts/NFSMWExtraOptionsSettings.ini - GitHub - last accessed on 2022-12-04