Payday 3 Review – A Turbulent Yet Successful Heist

Payday has entertained with a mix of gameplay mechanics. From a confusing but engaging heist simulation game to a Left 4 Dead shooter inspired title, every title had a dynamic mission system that encouraged co-operative play. Payday 3 does not reinvent the wheel as many core concepts are carried over from previous titles. That said, some smart design choices and its fresh coat of paint help elevate it above this popular series’ previous iterations. 

Payday 3 looks similar to the previous versions, especially in regards to multi-phased thefts. You begin by posing like a civilian and observing the location of guards, cameras and other security devices. When the alarm goes off or if you are caught, you will be in a different phase. Your objectives may change. The shooting begins at this point.

The gameplay loop is familiar for fans. Payday 3 is unique in that it addresses the long-standing difficulty problems of its predecessors. Payday 2 and 3 struggled to balance their sim-like gameplay with vague goals, causing confusion and frustration for both new and experienced players. It was frustrating enough to not know where you were or what you should do at any given time in older games, but dealing with NPCs who overreact to you even when they are not breaking the laws made things worse. Payday 3 fixes this in a number of ways. Most notably, it removes the most convoluted parts of its heists.   

Pre-planning is gone, as are overly complicated objectives and cumbersome management of hostages. Instead, players can now easily understand the situation they are in and know how to deal with it. NPCs will now submit to you when they see that you are pointing your gun at them, rather than yelling at them. A few button presses later, and they’ll either be tied up, following you, or used as a human shield – a new mechanic that comes in handy during firefights. 

You don’t need to plan (apart from learning the layout of a place by repetition). You can often get help from her to find your way around the maze-like maps in Payday 3 On normal difficulty you can also pull up clues that will help you find that annoying wall safe, or the bank manager’s laptop.

There are plenty of options for those who want to be stealthy when it comes to Payday 3 mission objectives. As you casing a joint there are optional tasks that range from using key cards to get into a secure room to use the building security system to using UV lighting to detect the original version of a valuable painting. The heists are divided into multiple layers that you need to complete in order to escape. This game is different because the goals are simpler. Instead of using scattered parts to build a piece, simply pick up the bag containing the equipment and place it at the desired location.

It’s thrilling to pull off a difficult job in the face of gunfire. Even more so when the crime goes unnoticed, and a crew absconds with the loot without firing a shot – a feat that can be accomplished more readily in Payday 3 thanks to these essential gameplay tweaks. Payday 3 has been updated in almost every way. From the leveling and vendor systems – used to obtain new weapons, mods, gear, skills, and cosmetics – to the voiceovers and visuals. They will still not finish objectives but they’ll drop enemy and supply quickly. 

The game has some rough edges. There are some bugs in the game, as well as the fact that the cop/SWAT versions are not always the most intelligent. Early on, there is a lack of weapons options. The first rifle you get is a long range rifle that you can upgrade later with a telescope. But if you want a bolt action sniper, you have to wait until level 43. Considering that after more than 10 hours of play and several successful heists, I could only reach level 24, reaching that prized rifle could take some time to accomplish. Even so, these problems shouldn’t stop fans or newcomers to play Payday 3 after the initial server issues have been resolved. Several updates since the launch of the game allow players to join the action on a regular basis. 

The eight Payday 3 heists will challenge and entertain you. Shootouts with police are always a blast, and new objectives make it easier to onboard players. Payday 3 is the ultimate in heist games. The eight heists are challenging and entertaining, while the inevitable shootouts with police officers will be frantic and fun. Ocean’s Eleven/Point BreakFans have long wanted hybrids to exist.