Electronic Arts has confirmed that the online servers for Need for Speed: Rivals will be permanently shut down on October 7, 2025. This decision marks the seventh installment in the Need for Speed series to have its multiplayer services discontinued in the 2020s.

Developed through a collaboration between Ghost Games (now EA Gothenburg) and Criterion Games, Need for Speed: Rivals represents the 20th main entry in EA's iconic racing franchise. Originally launched in November 2013 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, the game received generally positive reviews despite some technical issues at launch. Over time, it has gained recognition as one of the standout Need for Speed titles of its era, particularly praised for its accessible gameplay that welcomes new players to the series.

EA's updated support documentation confirms that all online features for Need for Speed: Rivals will cease operation across all supported platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Digital store listings have already been updated to reflect this impending service termination.

This shutdown forms part of a broader pattern of EA discontinuing support for older titles. Four EA games are scheduled for server closures in October 2025, with NHL 21 ending on October 6, followed by Madden 22 and FIFA 23 later in the month. The company typically provides several months' notice before terminating online services for any game.

Recent Need for Speed Server Closures

While multiplayer functionality will disappear, the single-player components of Need for Speed: Rivals will remain fully playable. The game continues to be available for purchase at $19.99 (frequently discounted) and remains part of the EA Play subscription library.

Since Rivals' release, EA has published five additional Need for Speed titles, with NFS: Unbound being the most recent in 2022. Following this release, Criterion Games shifted focus to developing the next Battlefield installment, expected by March 2026. EA has reassured fans that the Need for Speed franchise will continue beyond this transition period.