Payday 3, the long-awaited sequel to the cooperative crime FPS Payday 2, finally arrived in September 2023. After years of anticipation, does Payday 3 recapture the magic of its predecessor and deliver a thrilling heist experience, or does it fall flat? This review dives into the highs and lows of Payday 3, exploring its gameplay, progression systems, content offerings, and overall execution.
A Familiar Formula, Refined
At its core, Payday 3 remains true to the series’ formula. You play as a career criminal, teaming up with up to three other players to pull off elaborate heists across a variety of locations. The core gameplay loop of planning, executing, and escaping with your loot is as satisfying as ever. The planning phase allows you to choose your approach, from silent infiltration to loud, all-out assaults. Successfully pulling off a well-coordinated heist with your crew is a rush, and the game offers a healthy challenge on higher difficulties.
Graphics: 7
Sound: 8
Controls: 6
Story: 5
Engaging: 6
Overall: 6.4
New Wrinkles in the Old Hustle
While the core gameplay remains familiar, Payday 3 introduces some new wrinkles. The most significant addition is the “Crime.net” rework. Crime.net is the hub where you find and accept heists. Previously, it was a static menu. Now, it’s a dynamic world that evolves over time. New heists appear and disappear, and the world reacts to your actions. For example, successfully completing a heist might lead to increased security measures on future attempts at that location. This dynamic approach adds a layer of freshness and keeps the heist selection from feeling stale.
The Art of the Steal
Visually, Payday 3 is a step up from its predecessor. The environments are more detailed and immersive, and the character models are more polished. The game also benefits from a new animation system that delivers more fluid movement and weapon handling. However, some aspects of the visuals haven’t aged well. The core art style, while functional, feels a bit dated compared to some of today’s flashier titles.
The Sound of Gunfire and Sirens
The audio design in Payday 3 is excellent. The sound of gunfire, explosions, and shattering glass is impactful and creates a real sense of chaos during intense firefights. The voice acting is also solid, with the characters delivering their lines with grit and personality. The soundtrack is a mix of adrenaline-pumping heist anthems and more subdued atmospheric tracks that effectively set the mood for different situations.
A Grind With Less Payoff
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at Payday 3 is its progression system. Unlocking new weapons, masks, and equipment feels like a slog. The challenges that reward experience points are often repetitive and encourage players to use weapons or gadgets they might not enjoy. This can make the early hours of the game feel like a chore, as players are forced to grind through unenjoyable activities to unlock the gear they want.
Content Conundrum
Another point of contention is the amount of content at launch. Payday 2 launched with a robust selection of heists, while Payday 3 offers a meager eight at release. While the developers have promised to release more heists as post-launch content, it feels like Payday 3 launches with a significant amount of content missing. This is especially disappointing for veterans of the series who might be expecting a substantial leap forward.
Microtransactions and the Mask
Payday 3 is not without its monetization concerns. While the base game offers a complete experience, there is a season pass that grants access to future heists and cosmetic items. Additionally, the game offers a variety of cosmetic microtransactions that allow players to further customize their characters. While these microtransactions are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay, their presence rubs some players the wrong way, especially considering the already grindy progression system.
The Verdict: A Work in Progress
Payday 3 is a mixed bag. The core gameplay loop of planning, executing, and escaping with your loot remains as satisfying as ever. The new Crime.net system adds a layer of dynamism, and the visuals and audio are both improvements over Payday 2. However, the game is weighed down by a grindy progression system, a lack of content at launch, and the presence of microtransactions.
Ultimately, whether you recommend Payday 3 depends on your tolerance for grind and your expectations. If you’re a die-hard Payday fan desperate for a new heist fix, you might find some enjoyment here. But for newcomers or players expecting a significant leap