A new update for the NFS.onl launcher Kickstart is now available.
Version 2.82 brings a few useful improvements and refinements.

Changes:

Better network connectivity - If the NFS.onl domain is blocked on a system
(for example at schools, workplaces, or by certain ISPs),
Kickstart can now automatically use alternative domains and a proxy connection when needed.
This ensures leaderboard data and record uploads continue to work smoothly.

New graphics renderer options - Added support for DXVK and dgVoodoo2.
These options can help on systems where the default DirectX 9 mode doesn't work properly
or for players who want to experiment with performance or visual quality.

Players Online button - A new button in the main Kickstart window
now shows which players are currently active on the multiplayer servers.

The update can be installed directly via the Upgrade button in Kickstart.

Here's a summary of the latest overall records on Free Run and Sprint tracks in NFS.onl:

2025-10-25 Sprint & Free Run

Tapwata - To 9th & Frey: 1:33.82, Mazda RX-7 (Engine, ECU, Turbo), Sprint mode, Analog.

Tapwata - same track: 1:33.73, Mazda RX-7, Sprint mode, Analog.

2025-10-13 Port Royal Reverse

Carter - 0:37.37 (NOS), Mazda RX-7 (Engine, Turbo, NOS), Free Run, Analog.

ScorpioNNN - 0:37.25 (NOS), Dodge Neon (Engine, Turbo, Weight Reduction), Free Run, Analog.

2025-10-18 Atlantica Reverse

ScorpioNNN - 0:35.61 (NOS), Dodge Neon (Engine, ECU, Turbo), Free Run, Analog.

ScorpioNNN - 0:35.37 (NOS), same car and setup.

2025-11-01 Market Street Reverse

JuAnChOcNarg - 0:56.75 (NOS), Mazda RX-7 (Engine, ECU, Turbo), Free Run, Analog.

2025-11-03 Market Street Forward

JuAnChOcNarg - 0:56.31 (NOS), same car and setup.

Recent Free Run

Marchiii - Port Royal: 0:37.32, Dodge Neon (Engine, Turbo, Weight Reduction), Analog.

Carter - National Rail Reverse: 0:36.64 (NOS), then 0:36.60 (NOS), Mazda RX-7 (Engine, Turbo, NOS), Analog.

The leaderboard continues to shift as drivers improve their times with precise lines.

A new video has been uploaded on the YouTube channel Saskia's World:
Making of Need for Speed Underground (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HgUtXQMTKnI

In this short video, Chuck Osieja, Executive Producer of Need for Speed Underground, shares
a few behind-the-scenes stories about how the game became what it is today.

It's always nice to hear these insights, even if some fans might have heard parts of them before.
While the original source material has been around for years, this re-upload makes it easily
accessible again - and many players in today's community may be seeing it for the very first time.

A small but welcome reminder of how Need for Speed Underground was created and why it
remains such an iconic title to this day.

A new version of the NFS.onl launcher, Kickstart v2.8, is now available.
This update introduces one of the most anticipated features among competitive players - Delta.

The new Delta system adds live sector comparisons, time differences, and completion percentage for Sprints.
It allows players to see exactly where they gain or lose time during a run,
providing precise feedback for improving lap consistency.

Also included in this release:

Delta time + sector bars + completed percentage for Sprints

Digital-only setting for ladder or top 5

Option to use the original mouse pointer

General bugfixes and adjustments

As developer Redhair noted, Kickstart has evolved step by step into a full-featured power-user tool.
For competitive players, this marks a major step forward in how runs can be analyzed and compared.
Players can even share their delta files with others to directly compare their laps,
offering new possibilities for practice and improvement.

The update can be installed directly via the Upgrade button inside Kickstart.
Once again, thanks to Redhair for his ongoing work and dedication to keeping the Underground scene alive.