Need for Speed Rivals features gameplay similar to earlier Need for Speed games, such as Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.[5] Players take on the role of a Racer or Cop, with each side of the law offering its own play style.[6] Rivals features eleven upgradeable gadgets such as EMPs, shockwaves, spike strips, and the ability to call in roadblocks.[5] The game takes place in a fictional location known as Redview County.[7] The open world features a similar set-up to Most Wanted, with several jumps, speed traps, and unlockable cars, as well as shortcuts that are not shown on the map.[8][9]. Rivals features a career progression system for both Cop and Racer.[10] Progression is made by means of Speedlists for Racer and Assignments for Cop, which are sets of objectives which involve dangerous driving, maneuvers, and race standings. When the player completes a set of objectives, the player levels up and unlocks new content, and is presented with another set of objectives to choose from.[11].