10 Things You NEED To Know Before Playing PAYDAY 3 For FREE

PAYDAY 3: 10 Things to Know Before Trying It

The video recommends trying PAYDAY 3 during its free weekend. The game is also discounted through the 12th.

1. A Nebula account is no longer required just to launch the game. An account is still needed for some associated cosmetics, cross-play, and cross-progression.

2. Heists previously sold as DLC are now included in the base game. The video says the developers have shifted toward monetizing through Crime Bonds, with future heist DLC also planned to be free.

3. Matchmaking has changed. The game now uses peer-to-peer matchmaking and includes a Crime Net server browser with lobby filters. An internet connection is still required, even when playing solo.

4. The story is easier to follow. A reworked narrative connects the heists, and Campaign Mode presents them in order. Documents and audio recordings provide additional context.

5. Several heists have been improved. “No Rest for the Wicked” has additional routes, vault-entry options, and possible gold loot. “Touch the Sky” has more loot, visual updates, and the game’s first boss. “Turbid Station” can now be played loudly or stealthily, and some missions have had Wi-Fi Circle objectives removed.

6. Combat builds offer more customization. Skills 2.0 and new weapon perks provide more ways to shape combat styles. However, the skill changes have been controversial and are due for another review in December.

7. Progression is more conventional. The game replaced its original challenge-based system with experience-based leveling. The creator particularly enjoys progressing from level 1 to 150, though resetting to level 1 is not currently possible.

8. There are plenty of contracts and challenges. These give new players extra goals, although returning players may finish newly added batches quickly.

9. Community opinion has improved, but remains mixed. The video praises the game’s progress since its troubled launch while cautioning against either blindly praising or dismissing the developers.

10. Updates have become more consistent. The creator says the game is approaching a year of stable monthly updates. Upcoming plans include a new heist and another skill-system overhaul in December.

Optional Interface Tip

Enemy health bars and damage numbers can be turned off in the settings.

Featured Gamer and Developer

The video’s creator is Safy Abecasis. Starbreeze is the game’s developer.