From Novice to Drift King: How to Perfect Your Skills in Need for Speed Payback
What To Know
- Learning how to drift in Need for Speed Payback can be challenging, but with the right techniques and practice, you can become a master of controlled slides.
- As the rear wheels lose traction and the car begins to slide, use the steering wheel to counter-steer in the opposite direction of the slide.
- You’ll need to find the right balance between applying too much throttle, which can cause the car to spin out, and not enough throttle, which can cause the drift to end prematurely.
Need for Speed Payback is a racing game that offers a wide range of driving experiences, and drifting is one of the most exhilarating. Learning how to drift in Need for Speed Payback can be challenging, but with the right techniques and practice, you can become a master of controlled slides. This guide will help you understand the fundamentals of drifting, provide tips for getting started, and teach you how to maximize your drifting skills in Need for Speed Payback.
Understanding the Basics of Drifting
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers the vehicle, causing the rear wheels to lose traction and slide sideways. This controlled slide is achieved by carefully manipulating the car’s steering, throttle, and handbrake. Mastering drifting requires understanding the car’s handling characteristics and developing a feel for the car’s limits.
Essential Controls for Drifting
Before you can start drifting in Need for Speed Payback, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the essential controls:
- Steering: Use the left stick or keyboard keys (A/D or Left/Right Arrow) to control the car’s direction.
- Throttle: Use the right trigger (R2/RT) to accelerate.
- Handbrake: Use the right bumper (RB/RB) to engage the handbrake. This is crucial for initiating and maintaining drifts.
- Gear Shifting: Use the left paddle (L1/LB) to downshift and the right paddle (R1/RB) to upshift.
Getting Started with Drifting: Finding the Right Car
Choosing the right car is essential for successful drifting. Look for vehicles with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration and a high horsepower-to-weight ratio. Some popular drift cars in Need for Speed Payback include:
- Nissan 240SX: A classic drift car with excellent handling and a good balance of power and weight.
- Mazda RX-7 (FD3S): Another popular choice for drifting, known for its responsive engine and light steering.
- Ford Mustang (Foxbody): A powerful American muscle car that can be tuned for drifting with the right modifications.
The Drifting Technique: Step-by-Step Guide
Mastering drifting is a process, and it takes practice to get it right. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Choose a Safe Location: Find an empty parking lot or a wide, open road with minimal traffic. This will give you space to practice without any obstacles.
2. Engage the Handbrake: As you approach a corner, slightly brake to slow down and then engage the handbrake to initiate the drift.
3. Counter-Steering: As the rear wheels lose traction and the car begins to slide, use the steering wheel to counter-steer in the opposite direction of the slide. This will help you maintain control and keep the car sliding in a controlled manner.
4. Throttle Control: While drifting, use the throttle to adjust the car’s speed and maintain the slide. You’ll need to find the right balance between applying too much throttle, which can cause the car to spin out, and not enough throttle, which can cause the drift to end prematurely.
5. Exit the Drift: As you approach the exit of the corner, gradually release the handbrake and steer the car back into the desired direction.
Tips for Improving Your Drifting Skills
Here are some tips to help you improve your drifting skills in Need for Speed Payback:
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at controlling the car during a drift.
- Experiment with Different Cars: Try drifting with various vehicles to find the ones that best suit your driving style.
- Use the Right Tuning Settings: Adjust your car’s tuning settings to enhance its drifting capabilities. Focus on increasing the rear tire grip and reducing the front tire grip.
- Watch Drifting Tutorials: There are many online tutorials and videos that can teach you the finer points of drifting.
- Join Online Drifting Communities: Connect with other drifting enthusiasts to share tips, tricks, and learn from their experiences.
Mastering Advanced Drifting Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics of drifting, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques:
- Power Steering: This technique involves using the throttle to maintain the drift while smoothly steering the car through the corner.
- Clutch Kick: This technique is used to initiate a drift quickly by quickly engaging and disengaging the clutch.
- E-Brake Drift: This technique involves using the handbrake to initiate and maintain the drift, allowing for more precise control.
Drifting in Races: Putting Your Skills to the Test
Drifting can be a fun and challenging way to race in Need for Speed Payback. Here are some tips for drifting in races:
- Choose a Drift-Friendly Track: Some tracks are better suited for drifting than others. Look for tracks with wide corners and long straights.
- Use Drifting to Gain an Advantage: Drifting can be used to overtake opponents or to create space for yourself.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when drifting, to avoid collisions.
Final Thoughts: The Thrill of Controlled Chaos
Learning how to drift in Need for Speed Payback is a rewarding experience. It takes practice and patience, but with the right techniques and dedication, you can become a skilled drifter and enjoy the thrill of controlled chaos. Remember to have fun, experiment with different techniques, and never stop learning.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What are the best cars for drifting in Need for Speed Payback?
A: Some of the best cars for drifting in Need for Speed Payback include the Nissan 240SX, Mazda RX-7 (FD3S), Ford Mustang (Foxbody), and the BMW M3 (E46).
Q: How do I tune my car for drifting?
A: To tune your car for drifting, focus on increasing the rear tire grip and reducing the front tire grip. You can also adjust the suspension settings to improve handling and stability.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when drifting?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when drifting include oversteering, over-using the throttle, and not counter-steering correctly.
Q: How can I improve my drifting skills faster?
A: Practice regularly, experiment with different cars and tuning settings, watch drifting tutorials, and join online drifting communities to learn from others.
Q: What are some good places to practice drifting in Need for Speed Payback?
A: Empty parking lots, wide open roads, and dedicated drift tracks are all good places to practice drifting in Need for Speed Payback.