Mastering the Art of Drifting in Need for Speed: Rivals – Essential Tips and Tricks

Need for Speed Rivals, with its thrilling street racing and intense police chases, offers a unique opportunity to unleash your inner drifter. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just starting out, mastering the art of drifting can elevate your gameplay and transform you into a true asphalt artist. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to conquer the streets and leave your opponents in a cloud of tire smoke.

Understanding the Basics of Drifting

Drifting, in its essence, is the art of controlled oversteer. It involves intentionally causing the rear wheels to lose traction, allowing you to slide the car sideways while maintaining control. In Need for Speed Rivals, mastering drifting opens up a world of possibilities:

• Enhanced Cornering: Drifting allows you to navigate corners at higher speeds, giving you a competitive edge.
• Style Points: Impressive drifts earn you valuable style points, contributing to your overall score and reputation.
• Escape Maneuvers: Drifting can be a crucial tool for evading police pursuit, allowing you to create distance and escape the clutches of the law.

Essential Controls for Drifting

Before you can become a drifting virtuoso, you need to familiarize yourself with the essential controls:

• Handbrake: The handbrake is your primary tool for initiating and maintaining drifts. Use it judiciously to control the amount of oversteer.
• Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is crucial for maintaining control during a drift. Steer into the corner to initiate the drift and then counter-steer to maintain a controlled slide.
• Throttle and Brake: The throttle and brake are used to fine-tune your drift. Apply throttle to maintain momentum and control the angle of the drift. Use the brake to slow down and adjust the drift angle.

Choosing the Right Car for Drifting

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to drifting. Certain vehicles are inherently more suited for controlled slides. Look for cars with these characteristics:

• Rear-wheel Drive: These cars are known for their tendency to oversteer, making them ideal for drifting.
• High Horsepower: Powerful engines provide the torque necessary to initiate and maintain drifts.
• Lightweight: Lighter cars are easier to maneuver and control during drifts.

Some popular drift cars in Need for Speed Rivals include the Nissan 240SX, the Mazda RX-7, and the BMW M3.

Mastering the Art of Initiation

Initiating a drift is the first step towards mastering the technique. Here’s how to do it:

1. Approach the Corner: As you approach the corner, slow down to a manageable speed.
2. Apply the Handbrake: Just before entering the corner, engage the handbrake to initiate oversteer.
3. Counter-Steering: As the car begins to slide, steer into the corner to maintain control.
4. Throttle Control: Apply throttle to maintain momentum and adjust the angle of the drift.

Maintaining a Controlled Drift

Once you’ve initiated a drift, the key is to maintain control and keep the car sliding smoothly. Here are some tips for maintaining a controlled drift:

1. Steering Adjustments: Continuously adjust the steering wheel to maintain the desired drift angle.
2. Throttle Modulation: Use the throttle to control the speed and angle of the drift.
3. Handbrake Adjustments: Use the handbrake intermittently to adjust the drift angle and maintain control.

Advanced Drifting Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with advanced drifting techniques to elevate your skills:

• Power Oversteering: This technique involves using the throttle to initiate oversteer, creating a more powerful and aggressive drift.
• Clutch Kick: This technique involves quickly engaging and disengaging the clutch to initiate a drift. It requires practice and can be tricky to master.
• Drifting with a Car Behind: This advanced technique involves drifting with another car behind you, requiring precise timing and control.

Drifting for Maximum Style Points

Need for Speed Rivals rewards you for style points, which are earned by executing impressive drifts. Here are some tips for maximizing your style points:

• Long and Controlled Drifts: The longer and more controlled your drifts, the more style points you’ll earn.
• Close Calls: Drifting close to obstacles and other cars will earn you bonus style points.
• Perfecting Your Technique: The better your drifting technique, the more style points you’ll receive.

Conquering the Streets: Putting Your Skills to the Test

With your newfound drifting skills, you’re ready to conquer the streets of Need for Speed Rivals. Put your techniques to the test in various game modes:

• Race Events: Drifting can give you a significant advantage in races, allowing you to take corners at higher speeds.
• Speed Runs: Drifting can help you shave precious seconds off your time, improving your overall performance.
• Police Pursuit: Drifting can be a crucial tool for evading police, allowing you to create distance and escape the clutches of the law.

The Drifting Journey: A Constant Evolution

Mastering the art of drifting in Need for Speed Rivals is a journey of constant learning and improvement. Experiment with different techniques, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to push your limits. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll become a drifting virtuoso, leaving a trail of tire smoke and admiration in your wake.

Top Questions Asked

Q: What is the best car for drifting in Need for Speed Rivals?

A: While there isn’t a single “best” car, some popular choices include the Nissan 240SX, the Mazda RX-7, and the BMW M3. Ultimately, the best car for you will depend on your personal preferences and driving style.

Q: How do I know if I’m drifting correctly?

A: You’ll know you’re drifting correctly if you’re able to control the slide and maintain a consistent angle. You should also be able to adjust the drift angle using the steering wheel, throttle, and handbrake.

Q: What are some tips for practicing drifting?

A: The best way to practice drifting is to find a safe and empty area, such as a parking lot or a deserted road. Start by practicing the basics of initiating and maintaining a drift. Once you’re comfortable, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques.

Q: How can I improve my drifting skills?

A: Improving your drifting skills takes practice and dedication. Focus on mastering the basics, experiment with different techniques, and watch videos of professional drifters. You can also try driving different cars to find one that suits your drifting style.

Q: Is drifting necessary to be successful in Need for Speed Rivals?

A: While drifting can give you a competitive edge, it’s not strictly necessary to be successful. You can still win races and complete challenges without drifting, but mastering drifting will definitely enhance your overall gameplay experience.