Ensure Need for Speed Payback is allowed through Windows Defender Firewall to prevent the game from hanging during its initial connection attempt.
: Some players report the game eventually loads after 4–10 minutes of a black screen, particularly when running from an HDD rather than an SSD. Software Conflict Solutions nfs payback black screen fix
If the basic steps don't work, consider these more technical adjustments: Ensure Need for Speed Payback is allowed through
If none of the above works after 90 minutes of troubleshooting: nfs payback black screen fix