# Asphalt Legends

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> Source revision: 1356700865
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

2018 racing video game

2018 video game

Asphalt Legends Cover art of Asphalt Legends, featuring the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 (foreground) and a Bugatti Bolide (background) Developers Gameloft Barcelona[a] Wahlap (Arcade) Publisher Gameloft Series Asphalt Engine Jet Engine Platforms Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, macOS, Fire OS, Arcade, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 Release July 25, 2018 Asphalt 9: Legends Android, iOS, Windows July 25, 2018 Nintendo Switch October 8, 2019 macOS January 17, 2020 Fire OS May 19, 2020 Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S August 31, 2021 Arcade 2021 Asphalt Legends (Unite Update) Android, iOS, macOS, PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S July 17, 2024 Nintendo Switch August 19, 2024 Nintendo Switch 2 February 16, 2026 Genre Racing Modes Single-player, multiplayer

***Asphalt Legends***[b] (launched as ***Asphalt 9: Legends***; formerly known as ***Asphalt Legends Unite***) is a 2018 arcade-style [racing video game](/source/Racing_video_game) developed by [Gameloft Barcelona](/source/Gameloft_Barcelona) and published by [Gameloft](/source/Gameloft). It is the ninth main installment in the *[Asphalt](/source/Asphalt_(series))* series. It was released on July 25, 2018, for [iOS](/source/IOS), [Android](/source/Android_(operating_system)), and [Microsoft Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows), with versions for the [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch), [Xbox](/source/Xbox), [PlayStation](/source/PlayStation), and [Nintendo Switch 2](/source/Nintendo_Switch_2) later releasing in 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2026, respectively. In 2024, the major "Unite" update was released, with updated graphics, a new UI, and a retitle to *Asphalt Legends Unite.* Gameloft would later retire this branding in 2025 and return the title to *Asphalt Legends*.

Several new features were added compared to previous editions, such as more playable vehicles, a new control layout, more race modes, and the "Adrenaline" nitro features reimplemented as "Nitro Shockwave" (previously known as "Nitro Pulse") from *[Asphalt 6: Adrenaline](/source/Asphalt_6%3A_Adrenaline)* (2010). The graphics were significantly enhanced compared to its predecessor, *[Asphalt 8: Airborne](/source/Asphalt_8%3A_Airborne)* (2013).

## Development

The game was developed by Gameloft's Barcelona Studio, which also made *Asphalt 8: Airborne* and co-developed *[Asphalt Xtreme](/source/Asphalt_Xtreme)* with Gameloft Madrid. The game uses the Bullet physics engine and the Jet game engine. Continuing the tradition from *Asphalt 8*, the game features licensed soundtracks with a few removed due to their licenses being expired.

The first rumors of *Asphalt Legends* began in 2016, with Gameloft posting pictures on their [Twitter](/source/Twitter) account, showing Gameloft Barcelona making a map that had not been seen in *Asphalt 8: Airborne*. According to a Gameloft press release, the game was scheduled to be released in the summer of 2017, and the name was going to be under the name: *Asphalt 9: Shockwave*.

On April 1, 2016, Gameloft posted an [April Fools joke](/source/April_Fools_joke) trailer on their [Facebook](/source/Facebook) page that the game was going to be called *Asphalt 9: Foolspeed*, accompanied by outdated footage of *[Asphalt 4: Elite Racing](/source/Asphalt_4%3A_Elite_Racing)*.[1]

In February 2018, Gameloft was doing a live Q&A stream with one of their community managers at Gameloft London, where he responded to questions about *Asphalt 9*, and said that he was not allowed to comment on the future of the *Asphalt* series. Four days later, however, a trailer was revealed for *Asphalt 9: Legends*.

The game was first released for [iOS](/source/IOS) as a soft launch on February 26, 2018 in the [Philippines](/source/Philippines), then in [Thailand](/source/Thailand) on March 22, 2018. It was later released for Android as a soft launch in the Philippines on May 17, 2018.[2][3] Pre-registration for the worldwide launch began on June 29, 2018. Around the same time, users could pre-register the game on [Google Play](/source/Google_Play). On July 24, 2018, Gameloft announced the game's release date of July 26 on a Facebook and [YouTube](/source/YouTube) Livestream. However, the game was released a day earlier than planned, and reached 4 million downloads across all platforms within a week.

On June 6, 2019, Gameloft announced that the game would be available on the [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch). The port was released on October 8, 2019, which the game permitted [Joy-Con](/source/Joy-Con) and [Touchscreen](/source/Touchscreen) controls when using the Switch in Handheld Mode, allowing use of either the screen itself or of the controllers.[4]

A version for [macOS Catalina](/source/MacOS) was released on January 17, 2020.[5]

An [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One) and Series X/S version was announced in April 2021 and released on August 31, 2021, with cross-progression with the already released [Microsoft Store](/source/Microsoft_Store) version.[6] An arcade adaptation, developed by IGS and Wahlap Technology under a license from Gameloft, was released worldwide in 2021 under the name *Asphalt 9 Legends: Arcade DX*.[7]

A [Steam](/source/Steam_(service)) version was announced in July 2022 and was released on August 2, 2022.[8]

In March 2024, Gameloft announced that an expansion update would be released on July 17, 2024, featuring cross-play compatibility, cloud-based progression besides [PlayStation](/source/PlayStation) and Switch versions, dynamic lighting for the game's graphic engine, a brand new user-interface, and a new [Singapore](/source/Singapore) track.[9] The expansion also changed the title of the game to *Asphalt Legends Unite*, and the game was also released for the [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4) and [PlayStation 5](/source/PlayStation_5).[10] However, Gameloft announced on July 16, 2024 that the Nintendo Switch version of *Asphalt Legends Unite* would be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.[11] It was finally released on August 19, 2024.[12]

An [Epic Games Store](/source/Epic_Games_Store) version was released on July 14, 2025. Beginning with the "Legacy of Speed" update released on July 24, 2025, Gameloft discontinued the *Unite* branding and retitled the game to *Asphalt Legends* for this update.

A [Nintendo Switch 2](/source/Nintendo_Switch_2) version of the game was released as an upgrade to the already existing Switch version on February 16, 2026 for the Flames of Fortune Update.

## Gameplay

*Asphalt Legends* makes extensive use of simulated [HDR rendering](/source/High-dynamic-range_rendering) and pixel shaders, as seen on the sky and specular reflections on the road surface. Pictured is a gameplay still featuring the [W Motors Lykan HyperSport](/source/W_Motors_Lykan_HyperSport) in a race while the TouchDrive control layout is in use. This screenshot was taken when the game was known as *Asphalt 9: Legends*.

The gameplay in *Asphalt Legends* is similar to other *[Asphalt](/source/Asphalt_(series))* games. Some differences include the new "nitro" system, a greater emphasis on jumps (which are higher and more numerous), and new features such as double-tapping the brake pedal to force vehicles into a 360-degree flat spin, which can be used to knock out other cars, boost the nitrous bar, or gain extra height on large jumps. Players can choose between three drive modes: Tap-to-steer (which requires the user to tap on the left and right sides of the phone to move it in that direction or brake), Tilt-to-steer (which uses the gyroscope of the phone to steer), and TouchDrive, intended for beginners or casual players (in which the player selects routes and stunts by swiping left and right).

There were 48 cars featured in the game when it soft-launched, but this increased to 52 by the time of its worldwide release. There are currently 300 cars, as of the 'Legacy of Speed' expansion update.[13] As in previous games, each of the cars belongs to one of five classes, progressively higher performing and less common: D, C, B, A, and S. The player starts with the first car in the lowest class (Class D), the [Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X](/source/Mitsubishi_Lancer_Evolution_X) and ends with the car in the highest class (Class S), the [Arash Imperium](/source/Arash_Motor_Company).

The game features several race tracks, with new locations for this edition including: [Cairo](/source/Cairo) (including [Giza](/source/Giza_pyramid_complex)), the [Himalayas](/source/Himalayas), [Wyoming](/source/Wyoming) (named [U.S. Midwest](/source/Midwestern_United_States)), [Scotland](/source/Scotland), the [Caribbean](/source/Caribbean), [Osaka](/source/Osaka), [Auckland](/source/Auckland) (featuring [race track](/source/Race_track)-inspired aesthetics), [Buenos Aires](/source/Buenos_Aires), [Greenland](/source/Greenland), [Tuscany](/source/Tuscany) and [Norway](/source/Norway). Several locations from previous games were also brought back, such as [San Francisco](/source/San_Francisco), [Rome](/source/Rome), [Shanghai](/source/Shanghai), [New York](/source/New_York_City), [Nevada](/source/Nevada) and [Paris](/source/Paris).[14] The *Legends Unite* expansion introduced a new location, [Singapore](/source/Singapore), which was subsequently followed by [Chicago](/source/Chicago), [San Diego Harbor](/source/San_Diego_Bay) (reintroduced from *Asphalt 8: Airborne*) and [India](/source/India).

The game offers five game modes: Career, Multiplayer, Daily Events, Gauntlet, and Seasonal Events (Grand Prix, Starway, Special Event, Spotlight Event,Showroom and Drive Syndicate), and includes nine race types.

## Reception

This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (September 2024)

Reception

Aggregate score Aggregator Score Metacritic iOS: 74/100[15] NS: 61/100[16]

*Asphalt Legends* was praised for its improved graphics, new lighting effects, gameplay, and introduction of cross-platform play, private lobbies, and cross-save. However, players also criticized blueprint grinding, limited energy refills, and aggressive monetization that made progression feel like pay-to-win.[17]

Prasad of *GSMArena.com* wrote: "Visually, Asphalt 9 is stunning and quite possibly the best-looking game on the mobile platform today",[18] while *TechCommuters*' review stated, "Regardless of the platform you're playing on, the game delivers...With a wide variety of cars, accessories, tracks, and events, you can play this game for a long time without any dull moment."[19] Nick Tylwalk of *[Gamezebo](/source/Gamezebo)* also praised the graphics, but wrote that the "blueprint system can be a mixed bag and there are times when you feel stuck, progression-wise." Vishal Mathur of *[News18](/source/News18)* mentioned "every time you run a wheel off the road, the dust that gets thrown up is finely detailed. The cars look very realistic too... However, it isn't exactly easy to get exotic cars. As with most racing games, you start from the bottom of the pyramid and then work your way up. In many races, the rewards that you get are blueprints of vehicles. You will need to collect the required number of blueprints for the car that you are eyeing before you can unlock it. This is slightly difficult, and we feel that element has been added to ensure that players remain active for longer on the game, in the pursuit of their favorite car."[20]

The game won the award for "Sports Game" at the [2019 Webby Awards](/source/2019_Webby_Awards).[21]

*Asphalt Legends* also won a [2019 Apple Design Awards](/source/Apple_Design_Awards#2019) which became the racing game to win the Design Award..[22]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Additional work by Gameloft Saigon, Gameloft Montreal, Gameloft Madrid, Gameloft Kharkiv, and Gameloft Bucharest

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Originally named ***Asphalt 9: Legends*** until July 17, 2024, and then ***Asphalt Legends Unite*** until July 24, 2025.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Watch the official launch trailer for Asphalt 9: Foolspeed, available worldwide on April 4th. The best of Asphalt"](https://m.facebook.com/AsphaltGame/videos/watch-the-official-launch-trailer-for-asphalt-9-foolspeed-available-worldwide-on/1056533277750349/). [Gameloft](/source/Gameloft). 2016-04-01. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230713173609/https://m.facebook.com/login.php?next=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2FAsphaltGame%2Fvideos%2Fwatch-the-official-launch-trailer-for-asphalt-9-foolspeed-available-worldwide-on%2F1056533277750349%2F&refsrc=deprecated&_rdr) from the original on 2023-07-13. Retrieved 2022-12-24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Funnell, Rob (2018-02-26). ["Asphalt 9: Legends', the Latest Console-Quality Racing Release From Gameloft, Has Soft Launched on the App Store"](http://toucharcade.com/2018/02/26/asphalt-9-soft-launch/). *TouchArcade*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041215/https://toucharcade.com/2018/02/26/asphalt-9-soft-launch/) from the original on 2020-11-09. Retrieved 2018-03-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Langshaw, Mark (2018-03-10). ["15 best iOS and Android games in soft launch right now"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190605175312/https://www.gamezebo.com/2018/03/10/15-best-ios-android-games-soft-launch-right-now/). *Gamezebo*. Archived from [the original](https://www.gamezebo.com/2018/03/10/15-best-ios-android-games-soft-launch-right-now/) on 2019-06-05. Retrieved 2018-03-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Asphalt 9: Legends for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Game Details"](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/asphalt-9-legends-switch/). *www.nintendo.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190928150246/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/asphalt-9-legends-switch/) from the original on 2019-09-28. Retrieved 2019-09-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Potuck, Michael (January 17, 2020). ["Gameloft launches *Asphalt 9* on Mac with Catalyst after delay"](https://9to5mac.com/2020/01/17/asphalt-9-catalyst-mac-app-launches/). *[9to5Mac](/source/9to5Mac)*. Retrieved June 25, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Popa, Bogdan (2021-04-18). ["Mobile Sensation Asphalt 9: Legends to Launch on Xbox Consoles"](https://www.autoevolution.com/news/mobile-sensation-asphalt-9-legends-to-launch-on-xbox-consoles-159528.html). *Autoevolution*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230131142441/https://www.autoevolution.com/news/mobile-sensation-asphalt-9-legends-to-launch-on-xbox-consoles-159528.html) from the original on 2023-01-31. Retrieved 2021-05-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Wahlap Unveils New Arcade Titles At AAA 2021 Including Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade"](https://arcadeheroes.com/2021/05/09/wahlap-unveils-new-arcade-titles-at-aaa-2021-including-asphalt-9-legends-arcade/). *Arcade Heroes*. 2021-05-09. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230131142443/https://arcadeheroes.com/2021/05/09/wahlap-unveils-new-arcade-titles-at-aaa-2021-including-asphalt-9-legends-arcade/) from the original on 2023-01-31. Retrieved 2021-05-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Harrison-Lord, Thomas (July 4, 2022). ["Free-to-play racing game Asphalt 9: Legends coming to PC this year"](https://traxion.gg/free-to-play-racing-game-asphalt-9-legends-coming-to-pc-this-year/). Traxion. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230131142452/https://traxion.gg/free-to-play-racing-game-asphalt-9-legends-coming-to-pc-this-year/) from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Get an Exclusive Look at Asphalt Legends Unite : App Store Story"](https://apps.apple.com/us/story/id1735568051). *App Store*. Retrieved 2024-03-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Yin-Poole, Wesley (2024-03-26). ["Asphalt Legends Unite Marks Series Debut on PS4 and PS5"](https://www.ign.com/articles/asphalt-legends-unite-marks-series-debut-on-ps4-and-ps5). IGN. Retrieved 2024-03-26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Nintendo Switch Version of Asphalt Legends Unite Delayed"](https://asphaltlegendsunite.com/news/alu-nintendo-delay). July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Asphalt Legends Unite Come to Nintendo Switch on August 19, 2024"](https://asphaltlegendsunite.com/news/alu-nintendo-release). August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Korean Spring - Patch Notes"](https://asphaltlegendsunite.com/news/korean-spring). *asphaltlegendsunite.com*. Retrieved 2025-04-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Beech, Alex (2018-07-26). ["A new legend has begun, welcome to Asphalt 9 - Gameloft Central"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190605150737/http://www.gameloft.com/central/asphalt/asphalt-9-legends/new-legend-begun-welcome-asphalt-9/). *Gameloft Central*. Archived from [the original](http://www.gameloft.com/central/asphalt/asphalt-9-legends/new-legend-begun-welcome-asphalt-9/) on 2019-06-05. Retrieved 2018-08-19.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Asphalt 9: Legends for iPhone/iPad Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/asphalt-9-legends/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. [CBS Interactive](/source/CBS_Interactive). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180809040420/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/asphalt-9-legends) from the original on 2018-08-09. Retrieved 2018-09-17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Asphalt 9: Legends for Switch Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/asphalt-9-legends/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. [CBS Interactive](/source/CBS_Interactive). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210116174808/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/asphalt-9-legends) from the original on 2021-01-16. Retrieved 2019-10-10.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Junaid (2024-12-19). ["Asphalt 8 vs Asphalt 9: (Airborne, Legends) Which is Better?"](https://asph8pro.com/asphalt-8-vs-asphalt-9/). *asph8pro.com*. Retrieved 2025-06-22.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Prasad (2018-08-04). ["Asphalt 9: Legends game review for iOS and Android"](https://www.gsmarena.com/asphalt_9_legends_game_review_for_ios_and_android-news-32552.php). *GSMArena.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230131142442/https://www.gsmarena.com/asphalt_9_legends_game_review_for_ios_and_android-news-32552.php) from the original on 2023-01-31. Retrieved 2018-09-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** TechCommuters (2018-08-24). ["Asphalt 9: Legends - Game Review"](https://www.techcommuters.com/asphalt-9-legends-game-review/). *TechCommuters*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230131142443/https://www.techcommuters.com/asphalt-9-legends-game-review/) from the original on 2023-01-31. Retrieved 2019-04-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Mathur, Vishal (2018-07-26). ["Asphalt 9 Legends Review: A Racing Game For The Aggressive Driver in You"](https://www.news18.com/news/tech/asphalt-9-legends-review-a-racing-game-for-the-aggressive-driver-in-you-1824373.html). *[News18](/source/News18)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230131142441/https://www.news18.com/news/tech/asphalt-9-legends-review-a-racing-game-for-the-aggressive-driver-in-you-1824373.html) from the original on 2023-01-31. Retrieved 2018-09-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Liao, Shannon (April 23, 2019). ["Here are all the winners of the 2019 Webby Awards"](https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/23/18511329/2019-webby-awards-all-the-winners). *[The Verge](/source/The_Verge)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190423233428/https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/23/18511329/2019-webby-awards-all-the-winners/) from the original on April 23, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Here's the Full List of 2019's Apple Design Award Winners"](https://www.gadgets360.com/apps/news/apple-design-awards-2019-wwdc-ordia-asphalt-9-legends-2048456). *Gadgets 360*. 2019-06-05. Retrieved 2024-12-24.

## External links

- [Official website](https://asphaltlegendsunite.com/)

v t e Asphalt Main games Urban GT Urban GT 2 3: Street Rules 4: Elite Racing 5 6: Adrenaline 7: Heat 8: Airborne Legends Other games 3D Injection Overdrive Xtreme Related Speed Devils Disney Speedstorm Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Asphalt Legends](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphalt_Legends) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphalt_Legends?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.