Payday 3: Offline Heisting, But with a Tradeoff

Starbreeze Entertainment announces an offline mode for Payday 3, arriving later this month. However, this new mode requires an internet connection – a significant caveat given the previous backlash over the game's initial lack of offline play.

The Payday series, known for its cooperative FPS gameplay and focus on elaborate heists, debuted in 2011 with Payday: The Heist. Payday 3 enhanced stealth mechanics, offering players diverse mission approaches. The upcoming "Boys in Blue" update (June 27th) introduces a new heist and the much-requested offline mode.

This offline mode, initially launching in beta, will require online connectivity. Future updates aim for complete offline functionality, eliminating the need for matchmaking for solo players – a major point of contention for many players. Other criticized omissions, such as The Safehouse, remain absent.

Payday 3's Offline Mode: A Work in Progress

Starbreeze emphasizes the offline mode's beta status, promising ongoing improvements to enhance the solo experience. Almir Listo, Head of Community and Global Brand Director, confirmed this iterative approach to refinement. The June 27th update also includes a new heist, free items, and various gameplay enhancements, such as a new LMG, three masks, and customizable loadout naming.

Payday 3's launch was plagued by server issues and criticism regarding its limited content (eight heists). CEO Tobias Sjögren apologized for these shortcomings, and subsequent updates have addressed some concerns. Future heist additions, however, will be paid DLC, as seen with the $10 "Syntax Error" heist.