Overview
Hethereau is a massive, fully driveable open-world city, and vehicles are one of the primary ways to get around. Players can purchase, store, and customize a range of cars and bikes, then drive them freely through the city streets with no loading screens between on-foot and vehicular gameplay. The vehicle system is one of NTE's standout features, setting it apart from other open-world RPGs in the gacha space where traversal is typically limited to running and gliding.
Driving in NTE is designed to feel satisfying on its own, not just as a means of getting from point A to point B. The handling model varies between vehicle types, the city is built with driving in mind (wide boulevards, highway loops, tight alley shortcuts), and the ability to commandeer NPC vehicles on the fly adds a layer of sandbox freedom that ties directly into the wanted system.
Vehicle Types
The game includes multiple vehicle categories, each with distinct handling characteristics and visual styles.
Type | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Sedans | Balanced handling and speed. Comfortable ride with good stability at moderate speeds. | General city driving, everyday commuting |
Sports Cars | High top speed with responsive steering. Less forgiving at high speed; prone to spinning out on tight corners. | Racing, highway cruising, showing off |
Retro Scooters | Slow top speed but excellent maneuverability. Can weave through traffic and fit into narrow spaces. | Navigating congested streets, short-distance trips |
Sport Motorbikes | Fast acceleration and high speed. Riskier to ride since crashes are more punishing, but agile in traffic. | Quick getaways, racing, thrill-seeking |
Purchasing and Garage
Vehicles are purchased through in-game dealerships and shops using Fons, the city currency. Prices vary widely depending on the vehicle class: a basic scooter costs far less than a top-end sports car. All purchased vehicles are stored in the player's personal garage, which can be accessed from designated points around the city.
Players can own multiple vehicles simultaneously and switch between them at the garage. There is no strict limit on how many vehicles you can own, though garage capacity details may be refined before launch. Each vehicle retains its customization settings when stored.
Customization
The vehicle customization system lets players modify their rides with different parts, paint jobs, and decals. Cosmetic changes include body color, wheel styles, and decorative elements. Performance modifications may also be available, though the extent of mechanical tuning versus both cosmetic and performance-based options is still being finalized.
Customization is handled through a dedicated interface accessible at the garage or specific auto shops around Hethereau. The goal is to let every player's vehicle feel personal, whether that means a sleek blacked-out sports car or a bright pink scooter covered in stickers.
Commandeering NPC Vehicles
In a direct nod to the game's GTA inspiration, players can "requisition" NPC vehicles on the street. Walk up to any occupied vehicle and interact with it to attempt a takeover. The outcome depends on the NPC: some drivers willingly step out without a fight, while others resist, triggering a short forcible acquisition sequence where the player physically removes the occupant.
Taking an NPC vehicle always raises the player's wanted level. The amount of heat generated depends on the circumstances. Stealing from a passive NPC in a quiet neighborhood adds fewer stars than carjacking in front of a police patrol. Once in a stolen vehicle, any reckless driving (hitting pedestrians, crashing into objects) piles on additional wanted stars.
Racing
Vehicle racing is one of the many side activities available in Hethereau. Players can enter races against NPC drivers or compete with other players in multiplayer events. Races take place on designated circuits through the city streets, and the course layouts take advantage of Hethereau's varied terrain (highways, downtown grids, waterfront roads).
Racing provides its own rewards, including currency and potentially exclusive cosmetic items for high placements. It also serves as a practical way to test out new vehicles and learn their handling characteristics before taking them into free roam.
Other Traversal Options
While vehicles are a major part of getting around, they are not the only option. Characters can run, jump, sprint, climb, swim, and wall-run across the cityscape. Hethereau also has a public transit system with an extensive train network that covers all major districts. Walking and using transit are free, making them good alternatives when a vehicle is not nearby.
Movement abilities beyond basic walking (sprinting, climbing, wall-running) are limited by a regenerating stamina bar. Vehicles bypass this limitation entirely, making them the preferred choice for long-distance travel. The City Tycoon system may also unlock additional traversal perks as players invest in the city's infrastructure.
Tips
Buy a cheap scooter early. It is the most cost-effective way to speed up exploration before you can afford a car.
Sport motorbikes are faster than cars in many situations because they can weave through traffic, but a single crash at high speed is punishing.
If you steal a vehicle and want to avoid prison, break line of sight with the police immediately. Do not keep driving recklessly.
Racing rewards scale with difficulty. Harder races against faster opponents pay out more Fons.
Customizing your vehicle is both cosmetic and performance-based. Performance modifications including suspension, engine, and handling upgrades are available through the vehicle customization system, so tuning choices can affect driving characteristics.
The train is faster than driving for cross-city trips since it ignores traffic entirely.