PAYDAY 3 Review Summary

Improved and engaging stealth mechanics: Stealth gameplay is significantly improved with mechanics like casing mode, public/private areas, and more interactive actions. Players can perform more actions without a mask, and the transition between stealth and loud approaches feels more natural. These changes make stealth a more viable and enjoyable option.

Improved graphics and visual fidelity: Many reviewers note improved graphics, animations, and visual details compared to previous games. The game feels more polished and visually appealing, with some locations approaching AAA quality. The new engine allows for better animations and more detailed environments.

Satisfying and improved gunplay: The gunplay is consistently praised for feeling weighty, responsive, and impactful. Weapons have satisfying sound design, animations, and handling, making firefights enjoyable. Many reviewers feel the gunplay is improved compared to previous titles.

Ongoing improvements and updates: The developers have been actively working to improve the game with updates, fixes, and new content. Many reviewers feel the game has improved significantly since its initial release, addressing issues and adding new features. The AI has also been improved, making enemies more aggressive and reactive.

Engaging core heist gameplay: The core gameplay loop of planning and executing heists with friends remains a strong point. The game offers varied mission strategies and requires more planning, with each heist feeling like a high-stakes operation. The cooperative multiplayer aspect shines, with teamwork being incredibly rewarding.

Downgrade from Payday 2: Many reviewers feel Payday 3 is a downgrade from Payday 2, citing missing features, less content (fewer heists, weapons, customization options), and a less engaging skill system. The game lacks the depth and replayability of its predecessor, with some reviewers stating that it feels unfinished or like a step backward for the series. Some reviewers also point out that the game's launch state was poor, with many issues that have yet to be resolved.

Always-online requirement and servers: The game's online-only requirement, even for solo play, is a major point of criticism. This, combined with server instability and matchmaking issues at launch, has led to frustration and an inability to play the game. The lack of an offline mode is a significant drawback for many players.

Limited weapons and customization: The limited selection of weapons and customization options, with many desirable items locked behind paid DLC, is a common complaint. The weapon leveling system, which requires grinding to unlock attachments, is also seen as a negative, discouraging experimentation and pushing players towards specific weapons. The high price of DLC is also a concern.

Lacking content and replayability: The game suffers from a lack of content, including a limited number of heists and repetitive mission design. Heists often lack replayability due to limited randomization and uninspired objectives. Some reviewers also point out that the game makes robbing a bank feel boring.

Bugs and optimization issues: Reviewers report numerous bugs, glitches, and optimization issues that detract from the gameplay experience. Frequent crashes, poor performance even on high-end systems, and an overall unfinished feel are common complaints. These issues contribute to a negative perception of the game's quality and polish.

Strategic heists with stealth/loud options: The game emphasizes strategic heist planning and execution, offering both stealth and loud approaches. Players can utilize new mechanics like manipulating guards, hacking, and a public/private area system to enhance stealth gameplay. However, some find the game still devolves into chaotic shootouts, and the number of heists is limited.

Reworked, controversial skill system: The skill system has been reworked, with a single skill tree and perks that require special activations. Some find the system confusing or less diverse than in Payday 2, while others appreciate the streamlined approach. The game incentivizes using different skills, but the implementation is flawed.

Weapon progression and armor system: Weapon attachments are unlocked through weapon leveling, which some find grindy. The game features an armor system for enemies, requiring more shots to kill and encouraging cover-based gameplay. Some reviewers feel that weapon stats are poorly represented and that some weapons are underpowered.

Improved hostage/civilian interaction: The game features new hostage mechanics, allowing players to use civilians as human shields or trade them to delay assaults. Civilian control is more important, as killing them impacts heist payout. This adds a risk-reward element to hostage management.

Overkill weapons and difficulty modifiers: The game features an 'Overkill weapon' mechanic that grants temporary access to powerful weapons. The game also features random difficulty modifiers that alter gameplay and increase difficulty. The highest difficulty level available is Overkill.

Ongoing performance, server instability: Despite improvements, many players still experience performance and server issues, including frame rate drops, stuttering, lag, and disconnects. These issues can be especially detrimental during intense firefights or multiplayer sessions. Server stability has improved since launch, but problems persist.

Excessively long loading times: Several reviewers mention excessively long loading times as a persistent issue. This can detract from the overall experience, especially when trying to quickly jump into heists or other activities.

Minor visual bugs: Reviewers have reported a variety of minor bugs, such as UI elements remaining on screen or character models appearing incomplete. While not game-breaking, these bugs can be visually distracting.

Need better graphics options: Some players desire more customizable graphics settings to optimize performance on lower-end hardware. Additionally, some settings changes, like lowering the Effects setting, can negatively impact weapon sight visibility, forcing players to use higher settings.

Compatibility issues on Linux: The game has compatibility issues on Steam Deck and Linux, requiring specific compatibility launchers or causing problems for users with older graphics cards. This limits accessibility for some players.

Buy on sale for value: Many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing due to the game's perceived lack of content, high price, or the expectation of future improvements. Some suggest specific price points or discount percentages that would make the game a worthwhile investment. A few reviewers recommend purchasing from third-party sites for a lower price.

Game has potential; needs improvement: Many reviewers feel the game has potential and is improving, but needs more content, bug fixes, and feature additions to reach its full potential. Some compare it to its predecessor, noting that it's not quite there yet but could get there with continued development. Some reviewers express optimism about the game's future and encourage patience.

Predecessor is currently better: Many reviewers suggest that the game is not as good as its predecessor, and some recommend playing the older game instead. They cite reasons such as more content, better features, and a more complete experience in the older game. Some reviewers who prefer the older game are still hopeful that the new game will improve over time.

Needs more maps and heists: Reviewers express a desire for more content, particularly maps and heists, to increase replayability and attract new players. Some suggest that the developers should focus on adding more content rather than DLC characters and items. Some reviewers are looking forward to future content updates and heists.

Try it out: Some reviewers recommend the game and encourage players to try it out, while others suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing. Some reviewers state that the game is worth buying. Some reviewers suggest that potential buyers should be aware they are purchasing a relatively beta game.

Concerns about long-term support: There are concerns about the game's ongoing support and future development due to team downsizing, funding cuts, and shifting of resources to other projects. Some reviewers note a lack of communication from the developers and infrequent updates, while others acknowledge that the developers are still working to improve the game after a rocky launch. The game's long-term survival is questioned.

Suffering from review bombs: Some reviewers mention the game is receiving review bombs, which may not accurately reflect the game's quality or potential. This can discourage developers and impact the game's future. The importance score is reduced due to the presence of review bombing.

Evaluate current state, not launch: Some reviewers suggest evaluating the game based on its current state after updates, rather than dwelling on its initial launch issues. They acknowledge the developers' efforts to address problems and improve the game over time. This point encourages a more balanced and up-to-date perspective.

Light story, action-focused heists: The game's story is considered light but serves to connect the heists, focusing more on action than deep narrative development. The setting is urban and realistic, with missions involving heists reminiscent of movies like Ocean's Eleven. This point describes the game's narrative focus and setting.

Large game file size: The game has a large file size, requiring significant storage space. Some reviewers compare its size to other games like Counter-Strike 2, noting that it doesn't offer as much fun in return for the storage space it occupies. This point highlights the game's storage requirements.