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Payday 3, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular heist franchise, finally arrived earlier this year, developed by Overkill Software. After a six-year wait and a complete engine overhaul to Unreal 4, the question remains: does Payday 3 live up to the hype? This review dives into the game’s strengths and weaknesses to answer that very question.

Enhanced Heisting Experience

Payday 3 Hostage Situation

While Payday 3 may appear similar to its predecessor at first glance, several significant improvements enhance the overall heisting experience. Hostages, previously mere bargaining chips, now serve as mobile shields, reducing incoming fire, or can be traded for health items, adding a new layer of tactical depth.

Overkill Software has streamlined certain actions, such as lockpicking, to maintain a faster pace. Minigames for opening doors and safes now take mere seconds, keeping the action flowing. Even encounters with the stealthy Cloaker agents have been tweaked. Instead of being instantly downed, players now suffer gradual health depletion, allowing for a chance to recover if teammates react quickly. Furthermore, carrying loot bags no longer significantly hinders movement, providing greater flexibility during escapes.

Payday 3 Combat

The gunplay also receives some welcome additions. Players can now “cook” grenades, holding them for a few seconds after pulling the pin to ensure immediate detonation upon impact. This counters the improved enemy AI, which now reacts more intelligently to thrown grenades. Speaking of AI, SWAT teams now deploy tear gas and lay down trip mines, adding new challenges to overcome.

A new “Overkill” mechanic allows players to unleash powerful weaponry against tough enemies like Bulldozers. This meter builds up by eliminating foes and provides a crucial advantage without sacrificing a weapon slot. Even the AI teammates have seen improvements, dropping supply bags containing armor and ammo mid-heist, adding a helpful touch.

Stealth gameplay also benefits from several refinements. Maps are divided into Public, Private, and Secure zones, each with varying enemy response levels. This allows for more strategic maneuvering and distraction tactics. Additionally, the number of times a player can answer a guard’s radio is now clearly displayed, simplifying a previously cumbersome mechanic. Answering the radio can also be done while seeking cover, further enhancing stealth options. Finally, the mission selection system has been streamlined, allowing players to choose any mission and difficulty without limitations or penalties.

Disappointing Drawbacks

Payday 3 Issues

Despite the improvements, Payday 3 suffers from some puzzling design choices. The character customization, while visually appealing, lacks the visual representation of armor seen in Payday 2. This removes a sense of progression and visual distinction between stealth and loud builds.

Payday 3 Stealth Gameplay

Weapon progression feels incredibly slow, gated behind specific in-game challenges. Even after 15 hours of focused play, unlocking all upgrades for preferred weapons remains a grind. This slow progression seems to mask the relatively limited selection of weapons and equipment available at launch.

The removal of lobby chat is another baffling decision. Coordinating strategies and loadouts before a heist is crucial for teamwork, and the absence of this feature hinders pre-planning.

Payday 3 Character Customization

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is the mandatory online requirement. Even when playing solo in a private lobby, players are forced to wait for a matchmaking timer before starting, a needless inconvenience. This always-online requirement also introduces potential connectivity issues, impacting gameplay and potentially leading to disconnections.

Payday 3 Weapon Progression

Conclusion

Payday 3 delivers a solid heisting experience with notable improvements to gameplay and mechanics. However, its shortcomings, particularly the slow progression, limited weapon selection, removal of lobby chat, and always-online requirement, hold it back from its full potential. While enjoyable, these issues prevent Payday 3 from being a truly exceptional heisting experience.