Need for Speed Carbon is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the polar ice caps have melted, threatening to engulf the globe. The story follows a character known as the "Prophet", who has been prophesizing about an impending catastrophe that will destroy the planet if cars continue to pollute the environment.
The gameplay revolves around racing and car combat in a vast, open world. Players can choose from over 60 high-performance vehicles, each with its unique abilities and strengths. The game features a variety of driving modes, including street racing, circuit racing, and off-road adventures.