Need for Speed: The Run , set in a world where crime organization Jackson "Jack" Rourke is involved, forces him to flee for his life. His friend Sam Harper tells him about a massive street racing event called "The Run", a 3000 mile race across the United States from San Francisco to New York City. The prize money of $25 million is more than enough for his freedom but he would have to beat 200 other drivers to win.
Players participate in an underground world of illicit, high stakes racing with stops through Las Vegas, Denver, Detroit, and many locations. This is the first title in the Need for Speed series to use real locations. The game features over 300 km of track, making it one of the largest in the early series.
The Run includes quick time events where players exit their car and move on foot. These times allow chances for players to pull through but add an extra aspect to the game. The driving model is somewhere between SHIFT and Hot Pursuit, with a variety of cars, ranging from muscle cars, street racers, to refined exotics.
The Run uses an XP system for unlocking cars and events. It features a Rewind option which lets players restart to their last checkpoint if they wreck their vehicle or miss an opportunity. The game also includes an online mode with up to 16 players, allowing players to party with friends and compete in different playlists.
The Run has different playlists such as Supercar Challenge, NFS Edition Racing, The Underground, Mixed Competition, Exotic Sprint, and Muscle Car Battles. Players can also use the reward system "The Bonus Wheel", which randomly selects a reward and the criteria to get it. The game's damage system is similar to Hot Pursuit, with cars that can be changed and upgraded for performance and visuals.