Prepare yourself for the ultimate heist as Payday 3, the highly anticipated sequel to the fan-favorite franchise, is readying itself for a September 21 launch. But, there’s good news for the game’s eager community: the developer, Starbreeze, in collaboration with publisher Deep Silver, is set to stage a closed beta trial.
Running from August 2 through August 7, this exclusive event is your golden ticket to sneak a peek into the high-octane universe of Payday 3.
Available to select players on PC through Steam and Xbox Series X|S via the Xbox Insider Hub, the closed beta is a limited window opportunity, offering spots on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you miss the first rush, fret not. More slots will be opened as the beta proceeds, though it’s worth noting there’s no word on a similar beta for PlayStation 5 yet.
To request access on Steam, prospective players can click “Request Access” near the game’s purchase option. Xbox users, meanwhile, should download the Xbox Insider Hub, navigate to the previews section, and choose Payday 3.
In this closed beta, players will dive back into the world of high-stakes robbery, taking on the roles of the original clown-masked gang members – Dallas, Hoxton, Chains, and Wolf. These characters, each with unique skill sets, will be thrown into a brand-new heist named “No Rest for the Wicked,” a mission that encapsulates the essence of Payday’s classic heists. It will be up to the players to relieve a small bank of its overflowing cash vault. Whether to sneak around stealthily or choose an action-packed approach for cinematic chaos, is entirely in their hands.
However, Starbreeze has introduced some restrictions to maintain a level playing field and focus on fine-tuning gameplay elements during the beta. All difficulties will be playable, but there will be a cap on progression, limiting players to Infamy Level 22 and Weapon Level Progression to eight.
Payday 3 is shaking things up this time around with revamped special enemies and gun progression systems. However, one detail has ruffled some feathers: the game requires an internet connection at all times. This always-online requirement is in the single-player modes as well, a stark contrast to Payday and Payday 2, where offline modes were available with AI-controlled teammates’ assistance.
Despite this, anticipation for Payday 3 remains high. The game is set to feature an enormous and living representation of New York City, moving the timeline forward from the events of Payday 2. This time, the gang is coming out of retirement to navigate a world brimming with software giants, cryptocurrencies, mass surveillance, and the intrigue of the Dark Web. These elements promise new challenges and opportunities, along with the added twist of media attention on the gang’s exploits.
Once the closed beta wraps up, Payday 3 is poised for launch on multiple platforms. PC players will find the game on PC Game Pass, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. Console users will see releases on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.
Priced at $39.99, Payday 3 aims to replicate the chaotic, adrenaline-fueled experience of classic Hollywood heist films. It’s only a matter of time before we find out if the game will manage to strike a balance between the action-packed ‘shoot-first-ask-questions-later’ approach of its predecessors and the new stealth systems.
