
Players are awarded points, the higher a player places the more points he/she earns.


High Stakes - Every tour in Career Mode ends with a High Stakes race.Unlike Windows players, PSX players can use upgraded cars from Career Mode in Special Events Mode and in tournaments. Single Race - The single race mode is a fully customizable race mode, where players are allowed to choose the track, the car, number of opponents, and driver aids.Human players also have the chance to drive Al police cars. Hot Pursuit - This mode allows the player to attempt to escape from the police while racing an opponent, or to stop players in police cars.Money is awarded to the contestants at the end of each event with the higher your position the more money you earn. The game progresses through a series of tours with each containing several tournaments, knockouts, and a High Stakes race. Cars must be purchased and repaired using the money won from races. Career Mode - Career play is the only mode in the game that uses money.

Three game modes with each having their own objectives and rewards are featured in this title. High Stakes is the first Need for Speed game to include damage, which can affect the performance and appearance of cars after an impact with a wall, object, or other cars. The game also features higher jumps than seen in Hot Pursuit. Cars can make sudden swerves and brakes are usually not needed. Need for Speed: High Stakes is an arcadier title compared to Hot Pursuit. Need for Speed: High Stakes introduction sequence.
