If Payday 3’s development has been officially underway for nearly four years since its announcement back in 2019, this year marks a significant shift as Starbreeze Entertainment has begun sharing exciting updates with their eager community. The release kicked off with a tantalizing teaser in January and was followed by an exhilarating gameplay video during the Xbox Games Showcase just weeks ago—clear signs that things are heating up for this highly anticipated heist game, second only to GTA Online. Even more thrilling is the news that Payday 3 will be released on September 21st of next year, right after the back-to-school rush and a few weeks before the holiday chaos of Thanksgiving and end-of-year releases. We’re thrilled to announce that we recently had the opportunity to visit Starbreeze Entertainment in Stockholm (Sweden) where we got hands-on with the game and chatted extensively with the main developers over two action-packed days!
Search & Destroy
Payday 3, which has been in development for nearly four years since its announcement back in 2019 by Starbreeze Entertainment, is now gearing up for its highly anticipated release! The team has been sharing exciting teasers and gameplay videos to build buzz around the upcoming launch on September 21st. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Starbreeze’s bustling Stockholm studio where I got hands-on with the game and chatted with some of the developers. Over the course of a fantastic two-day visit, I gathered plenty of insights that I’m eager to share with you all!
Exact translation: Search & Destroy
NON-BINARY
In any case, Payday 3 stays true to the DNA of its predecessors while adding exciting new twists! Heists will continue to unfold in two thrilling styles: “Stealth” or “Loud.” What’s truly awesome about this game is that you’re never quite safe—no matter how tight your team’s coordination. Even a simple slip-up, like accidentally setting off a grenade, can put anyone in danger. Clear communication and teamwork are crucial to successfully pulling off a heist, especially as the stakes get higher and SWAT teams start closing in! But before things heat up, Payday 3 introduces a new “Search” mode where security guards become suspicious and investigate areas on their own. If one of your crew members gets caught snooping without a mask, they can be escorted out quietly—no general alarm triggered—allowing the rest of the team to keep searching for valuable documents or even borrowing badges from unsuspecting guards. These new features offer players incredible flexibility and freedom before engaging in full-on combat, making every heist an unforgettable adventure!
But wait, there’s more! Payday 3 introduces an exciting new concept: negotiation. This feature lets the robbers buy some time by exchanging hostages with the police instead of facing immediate gunfire upon arrival. It’s even recommended to keep a few hostages around since you can trade them for valuable resources like cash and intel. You can also take someone as a human shield, which gives you extra seconds and helps avoid getting shot by overzealous officers who respect the presence of an innocent person. The game has become more flexible with new moves like dashing or sliding to quickly find cover. While these may seem minor on paper, Andreas Hall-Penninger, the lead producer for Payday 3, says they make a huge difference and keep players coming back for more. Once you experience the added flexibility of Payday 3, it’s tough to go back to the less adaptable gameplay in its predecessor.Another highlight is the inclusion of accessories and gadgets that enhance your tactical options. For instance, you can now stick cameras on walls or objects and view them via a smartphone app—super handy for scouting out areas without being spotted! Plus, environments are more destructible, which adds a layer of immersion and opens up new gameplay strategies reminiscent of games like Rainbow Six Siege. This makes Payday 3 an even more engaging and immersive experience.
Gangs of New York
Payday 3, crafted with dedication over nearly four years by Starbreeze Entertainment, is set to hit shelves on September 21st. True to its predecessor’s legacy, it offers players two distinct heist styles: “Stealth” and “Loud.” The game brings fresh elements like a captivating “Search” mode where guards can be discovered and interrogated without setting off alarms, as well as an innovative negotiation system that lets robbers barter hostages for resources or use them strategically as human shields. Now more than ever, players have the liberty to choose their heist approach, with exciting new moves such as dashing and sliding to keep them out of harm’s way. Plus, it comes packed with cutting-edge gadgets and destructible environments inspired by Rainbow Six Siege, making every mission a thrilling blend of strategy and immersion.
As always, teamwork and collaboration among gang members will be crucial for pulling off heists successfully. It’s highly recommended to start the game on “hard” difficulty mode to really put your team skills to the test and highlight each player’s strengths. This not only amps up the pressure during missions but also helps you discover what makes each member shine.Payday 3 has been crafted with a wealth of player feedback from Payday 2’s decade-long journey, including over 80 DLCs (some free and some paid). Starbreeze is acutely attuned to what gets fans excited or frustrated. While we don’t know the full details yet for September’s launch, there’s a good chance that some beloved Payday 2 maps will return with fresh twists tailored to Payday 3’s gameplay style.The business model remains a mystery at this point, but it’s expected to follow in the footsteps of Payday 2. Starbreeze aims to keep things familiar and avoid disrupting players’ habits too much. One confirmed feature is the integration of C-Stack currency within the game, which allows access to various cosmetic bonuses without any “pay-to-win” elements—so everyone can enjoy customizing their gear in style!
Console Versions, a Priority
The console versions have been a hot topic, and Starbreeze is making sure to give both the PS5 and Xbox Series versions the same love and attention as the PC version! The developers are well aware that they missed the mark on Payday 2’s console releases but are determined not to repeat that mistake. They’re clear that the game will focus on current-gen consoles, ensuring everyone gets an incredible experience.For all you Payday fans following the storyline, get ready for a reunion with some beloved characters from past games! Payday 3 will pick up right where Payday 2 left off and bring in fresh faces to join your heist team. The move from Washington DC to New York City not only adds excitement with new settings but also marks this bustling metropolis as the heart of capitalism, making each heist a headline-grabbing event that showcases the gang’s growing expertise.
You won’t find a complete overhaul with Payday 3 at launch, but this thoughtful approach by Starbreeze Entertainment is part of their strategic plan. With full awareness of the power of their brand and the expectations set by their dedicated community—65,000 daily active users on PC for over a decade—the developers are taking careful steps to avoid any drastic changes that might disappoint fans. Instead, Payday 3 will introduce its new features through subtle enhancements designed to enhance the gaming experience without altering the core essence of what makes Payday so beloved.The transition from Washington DC to New York offers exciting opportunities for fresh gameplay, including revamped maps and expanded exploration. Plus, players can look forward to a less binary approach with more flexible planning before diving into each heist. With new movement options like dashing and sliding for smoother navigation, the game promises to offer a dynamic experience that builds on its rich history while introducing innovative elements.Over time, Payday 3 aims to prove itself as a worthy successor, designed not just for the short term but with another decade in mind. This long-term vision is key to nurturing the strong bond between the studio and their passionate community, ensuring that every new addition will be met with enthusiasm and joy.
