NFS.onl is a fan website and online leaderboard for NFS Underground.
Here you can find a overall leaderboard with lap times uploaded by players, see who drove which track, and compare results.
The NFS.onl Launcher (also called KickStart) is the software that connects the game with the community.
With it you can:
- Play NFS Underground online in multiplayer
- Record your Free Run and Sprint times
- Upload your results directly to the NFS.onl leaderboard
It also adds useful extras, like a server list, notifications when players come online, and an overlay that shows times and stats while you drive.
In short: NFS.onl is the website, and the Launcher/KickStart is the tool that makes online play and hotlap competition possible.
We do not provide game downloads directly, and we cannot link to any copyrighted files.
If you want a portable version, the safest approach is to ask the community for advice.
Experienced players can give tips on setting up a version that works properly with the NFS.onl launcher.
You can also search online for guidance - general results are easy to find, but the community can share practical tips for a fully working setup.
Most NFS Underground players are now active in the Retro Racing Point Discord. Join here: https://discord.gg/JMaypEd
Be sure to read the rules and enable the NFS Underground role to get notifications whenever someone hosts a multiplayer session.
It’s the best place to connect with the community and jump into online games.
The recommended version is 1.4 US, but generally, all language versions should work.
If it doesn’t work, common reasons include:
- Using mods that aren’t supported.
- Previous mods that may have modified other game files.
- Security software blocking the NFS.onl launcher.
- Installing the game in a restricted folder, such as C:\Program Files.
Tip: Install the game in a folder without special permissions, like C:\Games.
- Missing required all-in-one C++ runtimes: https://www.techpowerup.com/download/visual-c-redistributable-runtime-package-all-in-one/
If you’ve checked all of this and it still doesn’t work, visit the Retro Racing Point Discord.
In the pinned messages of the NFS Underground channel, you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions to set up a fully working game with the NFS.onl launcher.
If you already have NFS Underground version 1.4 installed, simply extract the contents of the NFS.onl software into your main game folder.
If any files need to be replaced, allow them to be overwritten. Once that’s done, the launcher should work.
You can then run kickStart.exe to explore the settings and customize the software to your preferences.
You can play online with friends, and you can also host your own game.
To host a game, you normally need to forward UDP ports 3658-3659 to your PC’s internal IP address.
For a step-by-step guide, see our Easy Port Forwarding Guide.
If your internet provider blocks port forwarding, no worries.
You can still host a game using a VPS server, which is easy to set up with Redhair’s VPS Guide.
Port forwarding is free, but using a VPS is a simple alternative.
If you don’t want to host, you can always join games hosted by other community members.
Announcements are usually shared in the Retro Racing Point Discord.
First, record at least one Free Run or Sprint time that is not marked as invalid.
After that, a new Upload Data button will appear in the Hotlaps menu. Clicking it opens a window where you can register.
Next, go to Settings → Track Records, enable Automated Synchronisation, and then close the settings.
From this point on, all your new Free Run and Sprint times will be automatically uploaded to NFS.onl.
If it doesn’t work as expected, watch this step-by-step YouTube guide.
Each server is independent, so you need to register separately on every server you want to play on.
If you use the same account name and password for each server, you won’t have to change your login details when switching between them.
No, it is not a mod. It is a multiplayer launcher and utility that can also record your Hotlap times and upload them to the leaderboard.
It comes with other optional features, but online play and Hotlap recording are its main functions.
The NFS.onl package also includes some optional scripts that modify the game.
For example, they can disable collisions in multiplayer, adjust the HUD, show an input overlay, or display NFS.onl best times while you play.
These scripts can be considered mods, but they never change the driving physics or lap times.
Maintaining the original physics is very important to us so that all players can compete fairly.
If most players can join your game, your setup is working correctly.
In some cases, players from certain countries may not be able to connect to hosts in other regions.
This is usually due to regional or political restrictions on IP addresses. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed solution.
As a possible workaround, affected players could try using a VPN, but success is not guaranteed and connection quality may vary.
Yes, it works on both. In rare cases, issues can occur if your game installation contains mods or unexpected files.
If that happens, check the Retro Racing Point Discord.
In the NFS Underground channel, you’ll find guidance on setting up a clean, compatible game installation.
Yes. The launcher works very well under Linux using Lutris or Wine, just like most other Windows programs.
Several players in the community already run NFS Underground this way, and the game is surprisingly smooth and stable.
In fact, many report that it runs even better on Linux than on Windows.
So if you are a Linux gamer, you should definitely give it a try.
Yes. There are guides made by the NFS.onl team that show new players how to get started.
- Multiplayer guide: https://youtu.be/t0-XXpc2NT8 - Learn how to register, log in, and join online races.
- Hotlaps guide: https://youtu.be/70XE_QQQz-A - Learn how to record Hotlap runs and upload them to the NFS.onl leaderboard.
These guides make it easy to start playing online and participating in Hotlaps, even if you are new to NFS Underground.
Most players on NFS.onl do not use mods, focusing on fair multiplayer and Hotlaps competition.
Cosmetic mods generally work fine, but gameplay-altering mods are not supported.
If you use mods, make sure to test them carefully to avoid issues with the launcher or online play.
Older multiplayer games like NFS Underground often require port forwarding.
This was standard practice when the game was released.
Port forwarding allows other players to connect directly to your PC.
Without it, their computers don’t know how to reach your system -
it’s like trying to send a package without the house number on the address label.
The delivery service knows the city but has no idea which door to knock on.
To set up port forwarding, check the manual for your router or search online for instructions specific to your router model.
It’s not complicated - once you’ve done it once, it usually only takes a few minutes to do it again.
For NFS Underground you need to forward UDP ports 3658–3659 to your local IP address to host successfully.
NFS Underground is an older game, so the player base is smaller today.
Multiplayer sessions are usually organized through the Retro Racing Point Discord.
To join, simply enable the NFS Underground role there and you’ll get notified whenever a session starts.
Every player makes a difference. By joining and sharing NFS.onl with others,
you help fill the servers and show more people how easy and fun it is to play NFS Underground online again with the NFS.onl Launcher.
If you are sure you set up port forwarding correctly (by following your router’s manual or reliable online instructions),
there are a few common reasons why it still might not work:
- Firewall settings: Your firewall could be blocking incoming connections. This is rare, but worth checking.
- ISP restrictions: Some internet providers disable port forwarding or only give you IPv6 without a public IPv4.
If that’s the case, you have options:
- Contact your provider and ask for IPv4 port forwarding. Some ISPs enable it for free, others charge a fee, and a few don’t allow it at all.
- If your ISP doesn’t support it, you can still host easily by using a VPS server. This method works reliably and is explained step by step in Redhair’s VPS Guide.
Don’t worry - even if normal port forwarding isn’t possible with your connection, there’s always a way to host and play with others.
Open the NFS.onl launcher and go to Open settings → Main config → UPnP Port Forwarding and Testing.
When the new window opens, click on “Test UDP” to check if your port forwarding is set up correctly.
These are advanced input combinations that need the right sequence and timing to make your car drift.
Double Tapping works on keyboard, while Double Steering works with gamepads or steering wheels.
Once you get the hang of them, these techniques are very powerful and can give you a real edge in races.
Don’t worry if it takes some time - check out the guides and practice at your own pace until you can do them consistently.
Yes! Carter has created two excellent guides that explain the basics of both techniques.
After watching them, you will still need some practice to master the moves, but they give you a solid starting point.
There is also a guide by Scorpion showing how to use Double Steering with FWD cars.
The audio isn’t perfect, but the explanations are clear enough to learn the technique.
- Double Steering (wheel/controller-as-wheel, by Carter): https://youtu.be/Q0bKpCz7GOk
- Double Tapping (Keyboard, by Carter): https://youtu.be/lMGFfoUwtaQ
- Double Steering with FWD Cars (by Scorpion): https://youtu.be/vl0swdPjpXI
To use Double Steering, your device must be recognized by NFS Underground as a wheel.
You can either use a real wheel or make the game think your controller is a wheel - both work the same.
Some cheaper wheels or controllers are detected as regular controllers instead of wheels.
Devices not recognized as wheels get steering smoothing in the game, which prevents Double Steering from working properly.
Real wheels don’t have this smoothing, so the technique works as intended.
There are two ways to fix this:
1. Registry edit - Change one value in the Windows registry so your controller is recognized as a wheel in all games, including NFS Underground.
Note: This might cause issues in other games that don’t support wheels.
2. NFS.onl launcher option - You can enable or disable this directly in the launcher, without touching the registry.
- Registry method: https://youtu.be/iJNlYZHhdZU?si=hoDDuo1gzpngWF5q
- Launcher method: https://youtu.be/S8gv9LpcWas
Yes, both techniques are allowed. They are part of the game and have always worked, so it’s completely fine to use them. In fact, learning them is recommended,
unless you want to play in the very old-school style from 2003-2004, when most corners were done with wallrides because these techniques weren’t yet known.
The two techniques are different:
- Double Tapping works only with a keyboard.
- Double Steering works only with wheels or controllers recognized as wheels.
Both techniques are very powerful. Players who don’t know them have a clear disadvantage, so pick one and practice it.
Double Steering is usually slightly faster on most tracks because you don’t need to lift off the gas like with Double Tapping.
If you have a wheel or a controller, use Double Steering. Otherwise, stick with Double Tapping on the keyboard and practice until you’re consistent.
Yes, both techniques can be used with any car in NFS Underground.
However, they do not work exactly the same on every car. The key combinations, timing,
and steering angles may need to be adjusted depending on the car and whether you are driving with or without stability.
We do not have a guide for every car. The general YouTube guides linked in this FAQ cover the basics, but only the RX-7 is shown in detail in Carter's guides.
Scorpion's Double Steering guide for FWD cars gives general tips for front-wheel drive cars, which can be very useful, but it is not specific to one car.
You can also check our community Wiki for any guides that other players may have created for specific cars.
If nothing is available, you can ask for tips in the Retro Racing Point Discord or study YouTube videos linked on NFS.onl, especially those showing an input overlay.
If no guides exist for a specific car, you will need to experiment yourself.
Once you understand the basics of these drift techniques, practicing and adjusting your driving style will allow you to master other cars as well.
The best way is to spread the word. Share links to NFS.onl and the https://discord.gg/JMaypEd in your NFS Underground videos,
and add them to your gaming profiles such as Discord, Twitch, or YouTube.
You can also invite friends to try the game online, organize small multiplayer sessions, or talk about NFS.onl in other racing game communities.
The more visibility the project gets, the more players will discover the leaderboard and online multiplayer through the NFS.onl launcher.
NFS Underground deserves to be played and enjoyed by more people again.
With NFS.onl it has never been easier to race online or to compete in hotlaps on a fair and reliable leaderboard.
Most NFS Underground players online today know the game very well and have been practicing for years.
That’s why their lap times may seem unreachable at first. But don’t get discouraged -
everyone started from zero, and with some practice you can quickly improve.
A good way to get faster is to watch YouTube guides created by our community. They explain the key techniques -
like Double Steering or Double Tapping - in a simple way. These tricks aren’t hard to understand, but they do take some practice to master.
You can find the videos here in the FAQ, on the NFS.onl website under Quick Guide,
or in the Retro Racing Point Discord (they’re pinned in the NFS Underground channel).
There you can also connect with experienced players who are happy to share tips and help you progress.
Yes. For a complete 100% savegame including the 3 TJ parts, simply create a new save or add one to an existing profile under:
Settings → Save Game Files in the NFS.onl launcher.
Yes. Some features, like recording Hotlaps or adjusting local game settings, work without an internet connection.
However, multiplayer races and automatic leaderboard uploads require an online connection.
Even offline, the launcher helps you prepare for online play and keeps your Hotlaps ready to upload when you go online.
You can report bugs in the Retro Racing Point Discord under the NFS Underground channel.
Provide a detailed description and include screenshots if possible.
The NFS.onl software also has a Bug Report button in Settings.
Use it to report issues, making sure to include as much information as possible,
such as when the issue occurred and what hardware or settings you were using.
Yes. The NFS.onl software only uses game-related features and does not contain harmful software.
Important points to know:
- Some antivirus programs may occasionally show false alerts, especially right after a new version is released.
- This is common for small community projects that do not have expensive code-signing certificates.
- These certificates help Windows and antivirus programs automatically recognize software as safe.
- Redhair works to minimize false positives and submits every new version to Microsoft for verification, so it is recognized as safe in Windows Defender.
Watch this YouTube guide: https://youtu.be/70XE_QQQz-A
It explains step by step how to upload your times.
The video uses an older NFS.onl launcher, but the process is basically the same.
If it still doesn’t work after following the guide, ask for help in the NFS Underground channel on the Retro Racing Point Discord.
Players must use 60 FPS, which is the original maximum in NFS Underground.
Even small deviations can change the driving physics and give unfairly fast lap times.
To ensure fair competition, the NFS.onl software monitors FPS during Hotlaps and flags any deviations.
The only exception is 144 FPS, which is allowed because it does not provide a real advantage and was historically used by a few players.
This rule guarantees that everyone competes on a level playing field.
To link your Hotlap videos, add your YouTube or Twitch channel to your NFS.onl profile.
You can do this in the NFS.onl launcher under Open settings → Track records → Update Profile on NFS.onl.
Make sure your video title includes the car you drove, your time, and whether you used NOS.
For example: NFS Underground - Olympic Square Reverse - 39.00 - No NOS RX-7.
This allows NFS.onl to match your video with your Hotlap run and publish it on the website within 3–20 minutes.
If you also want your video to appear in the Retro Racing Point Discord Hotlaps Thread, add the hashtag #nfs_onl in the video description.
To do this, add your YouTube or Twitch channel to your NFS.onl profile.
You can do this in the NFS.onl launcher under Open settings → Track Records → Update Profile on NFS.onl.
There are several ways you can help NFS.onl, depending on what works best for you:
1. Promote the project - Spread the word!
If you’re a YouTuber or streamer, you could make a video about NFS.onl, showcasing Hotlap leaderboards, multiplayer options, or the launcher itself.
2. Add links to your profiles - Include NFS.onl and the Retro Racing Point Discord in your Twitch, YouTube, or other gaming-related profiles.
This helps more players discover the project.
3. Donate - If you want to support NFS.onl financially, click the Donate button at the top right of the website. Every contribution helps keep the project running.
As a small thank-you, donors can customize their profile picture on NFS.onl. After donating, contact Redhair on the Retro Racing Point Discord to set it up.
Yes and no. There have been leaderboards and lap time databases for this game in the past, and some may claim world record times.
However, older or less-established sites never verified times as thoroughly as NFS.onl.
Here, lap times are carefully checked to prevent unfair advantages, like gameplay-altering hacks or favorable FPS settings.
While not completely bulletproof, every effort is made to ensure fair and fair-play competition.
If you’re looking for the most reliable NFS Underground world records, NFS.onl is the place to go.
The three most effective TJ setups for NFS Underground, especially in Circuit and Free Run mode, are:
- ENG-ECU-TURBO - the strongest option, but slightly less stable and a bit harder to handle.
- ENG-TURBO-WEIGHT - slightly less power, but easier to control and more stable.
- ENG-ECU-WEIGHT - similar to ENG-TURBO-WEIGHT in handling and stability.
Try all three and choose the one that feels best for you - you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
And don’t worry, you can always change the TJ combination in the NFS.onl launcher under Open settings → Saved game files, as long as the game is closed.
So far, there have been two major multiplayer tournaments, in 2024 and 2025. Future events will be announced as they are planned.
As the community grows and interest increases, we expect tournaments to happen more frequently - so every new player helps make them possible!
First, make sure you have installed the C++ All-in-One Runtime package:
https://www.techpowerup.com/download/visual-c-redistributable-runtime-package-all-in-one/
If the toggle still doesn’t appear, check the Retro Racing Point Discord.
In the pinned messages of the NFS Underground channel, you’ll find step-by-step instructions to set up a fully working game together with the NFS.onl launcher.
You can submit news with a source reference using the Bug Report button in the launcher’s Settings.
Alternatively, you can send the news directly to Ravage via the Retro Racing Point Discord.
We appreciate contributions from the community, so feel free to share anything interesting!