Master the Art of Drifting in Need for Speed PS4: Essential Tips and Tricks

Are you tired of just racing in a straight line? Do you yearn to conquer the asphalt with graceful slides and controlled chaos? If you’re itching to learn how to drift Need for Speed PS4, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to transform you from a straight-line racer to a drifting maestro.

Understanding the Basics of Drifting

Drifting, at its core, is about maintaining controlled oversteer. This means intentionally causing the rear wheels to lose traction, allowing the car to slide sideways while you maintain control. While it might seem like a simple concept, mastering the art of drifting requires a deep understanding of your car’s mechanics and a keen sense of finesse.

Choosing the Right Car

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to drifting. To make your drifting journey smoother, it’s crucial to select a car that’s naturally inclined towards oversteer. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Rear-wheel drive: RWD vehicles are the go-to choice for drifting due to their inherent ability to break traction easily.
• Lightweight: Lighter cars are easier to maneuver and control during drifts.
• High horsepower: While not mandatory, a powerful engine provides the necessary torque to initiate and maintain drifts.

Tweaking Your Settings

Before you hit the track, take some time to fine-tune your car’s settings for optimal drifting performance. Here are some key adjustments:

• Handbrake Strength: Increase the handbrake strength to make initiating drifts easier.
• Steering Sensitivity: Lower the steering sensitivity for more precise control during drifts.
• Traction Control: Turn off traction control completely to allow for controlled wheelspin.
• Stability Control: Disable stability control to prevent the car from automatically correcting oversteer.

Mastering the Handbrake Technique

The handbrake is your primary tool for initiating drifts. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Approach a corner at a moderate speed.
2. Apply the handbrake just before the apex of the corner. This will cause the rear wheels to lose traction and the car to begin drifting.
3. Counter-steer with the steering wheel. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the drift to maintain control.
4. Use the throttle to adjust the drift angle. A gentle application of the throttle will help you maintain the slide, while lifting off the throttle will slow the drift.

The Art of Counter-Steering

Counter-steering is the art of steering in the opposite direction of the drift to maintain control. This crucial technique allows you to guide the car through the corner smoothly and prevent it from spinning out.

• Early Counter-Steering: Start counter-steering as soon as the rear wheels begin to lose traction.
• Smooth Inputs: Avoid jerky steering movements, as this will destabilize the car.
• Adjusting Counter-Steering: Continuously adjust the steering angle to maintain the desired drift angle.

Utilizing Throttle Control

Throttle control is essential for fine-tuning your drifts and maintaining momentum. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Initiating the Drift: A quick tap of the throttle can help initiate the drift.
• Maintaining the Drift: A gentle application of the throttle will help you maintain the slide and prevent the car from slowing down too much.
• Exiting the Drift: Lifting off the throttle will allow the car to slow down and regain traction.

Practicing and Perfecting Your Skills

As with any skill, practice is key to mastering the art of drifting. Here are some tips for improving your drifting abilities:

• Start on a Practice Track: Choose a course with wide corners and ample space for practicing.
• Focus on Consistency: Aim for smooth, controlled drifts rather than trying to achieve the most dramatic slides.
• Experiment with Different Techniques: Try different handbrake techniques, steering inputs, and throttle adjustments to find what works best for you.
• Watch Drifting Professionals: Observe how professional drivers execute drifts and learn from their techniques.

The Final Lap: Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of drifting, you can start exploring more advanced techniques:

• Power Slides: Initiating a drift with a burst of throttle and using the handbrake for fine-tuning.
• Clutch Kicks: Using the clutch to initiate a drift and maintain momentum.
• Scandinavian Flick: A technique used for quickly changing direction using a combination of steering, throttle, and handbrake.

Questions You May Have

Q: What is the best car for drifting in Need for Speed PS4?
A: While there are many excellent drifting cars in the game, some popular choices include the Nissan 240SX, the Mazda RX-7, and the Toyota AE86.

Q: How do I tune my car for drifting?
A: Focus on increasing the car’s rear-end grip and reducing its overall weight. Adjust the suspension settings to reduce stiffness and increase rebound.

Q: Is it necessary to use the handbrake for drifting?
A: While the handbrake is the most common method for initiating drifts, you can also use the throttle and steering to induce oversteer.

Q: What are some good practice tracks for drifting?
A: Look for tracks with wide corners and ample space for practicing. Some popular choices include the “Drag Strip” and the “Mountain Pass.”

Q: How do I improve my drift angle?
A: Focus on using the throttle to maintain the drift angle and counter-steering smoothly to prevent the car from spinning out.

By following these tips and practicing consistently, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a drifting master in Need for Speed PS4. Remember, drifting is all about control and finesse, so be patient and have fun!