Get ready to race!

Carter is organizing a new NFS Underground tournament on the Retro Racing Point Discord server.
After last year's champion Skeich took the crown, it's time to see who will claim victory this time.

Tournament runs from July 9th to July 23rd, 2025.

Tournament rules:

• NFS Underground version 1.4 is required
• to play online, download the "kickStart NFSU Netplay Launcher"
• communication via Discord (Retro Racing Point)
• Server: kickRom Speedway (5.135.184.181)
• Disabled collision
• Unique performance parts are allowed (max 3)
• Best of 3 (the player who wins the first 2 Matches proceeds)
• first race one person decides the car, then the other the track
• second race the other way around
• if there is a final third race, car and track will be selected random, via in-game commands /rc + /rt
• 8 laps per map
• Double Elimination
• Screenshots of the results are preferred

For full info and registration, check out the NFSU channel on Retro Racing Point's Discord or join directly here: https://discord.gg/JMaypEd
Don't miss your chance to prove your skills and join the competition. Start your engines!

In March 2025, the developer and modder known as Silent released a patch called SilentPatch for Need for Speed: Underground.
According to Silent, the patch aims to fix a bug related to the unlocking of Magazine 22 in the career mode achievement system.

Magazine 22 is considered one of the most difficult to unlock magazines due to a particular scoring mechanism.
Silent suggests the game's code contains a flaw that makes the requirement for this magazine harder than intended.
SilentPatch modifies the PC and PS2 versions with a PC ASI plugin and a PS2 PCSX2 patch to address this issue.

My opinion:
It has been possible to unlock Magazine 22 without mods by using in-game methods.
While SilentPatch might fix a bug, I believe those who want the authentic experience should unlock the magazine as players traditionally have.
If you prefer to avoid the grind, using a completed savegame is a reasonable alternative to mods.
For a classic method, see DanielCarter1615's explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m8Hq45rlcI

Warning: Always be careful with mods.
Backup your game before installing any modifications to avoid potential issues.

By the way, if you're looking for a way to unlock Magazines 24 to 27, it's still possible today.
All you need to do is play online, win ranked races, and earn REP (Reputation Points).
The magazines unlock at the following REP levels: 500, 1000, 2500, and 5000.
Check out the tutorial here (YouTube)
…and feel free to join #nfs-underground on Retro Racing Point (Discord) - if you have questions or need help, we're there for you.

Sources:

• Silent's blog post: https://cookieplmonster.github.io/2025/03/12/need-for-speed-underground-magazine-22-silentpatch
• DanielCarter1615 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m8Hq45rlcI

If you're new to NFS Underground multiplayer
and not sure how to join online races with the NFS.onl software, this short video shows you how.
It's only 2 minutes and 30 seconds long and explains everything step by step.
No complicated talk - just a simple guide that shows exactly what to do.
Many had problems at first, so this video should make it much easier.

The video is 9 months old but was added to the news section now for better visibility.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/t0-XXpc2NT8

Great for anyone trying NFS Underground online for the first time.

Redhair has released a standalone NFSU Lap Recorder .asi plugin for Need for Speed Underground.
It adds a customizable HUD and lets your gamepad act like a steering wheel for better control and drifting.

Requires Ultimate ASI Loader and Widescreen Fix (not included). Compatible with NFS Underground v1.4 (NA, EU, RU).
Works well with DXVK, dgVoodoo, Wine, Proton - great for Linux players.

Key features:

• Treat joypads as wheels for more precise steering
• Customizable HUD with real-time timer and lap info
• Mouse can leave game window without alt-tab
• Input overlay customizable via config or kickStart GUI

Enable "Joypad as Wheel" in controller options to improve steering feel. Precision rings recommended.

This plugin is intended for players who don't use the full NFS.onl software, as it is already included there.

Download here: http://nfsa.ca/f10040