Payday 2

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"PAYDAY 2" is a four-player co-op shooter where players step into the shoes of Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf, and Chains to pull off thrilling heists in Washington DC. The CRIMENET network provides a variety of dynamic contracts, from small-time convenience store hits to major bank vault jobs. As players progress, they can earn money, build their reputations, and customize their weapons and gear, with up to four friends able to cooperate on each job.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 168,136 reviews

story2,032 positive mentions

monetization770 negative mentions

story
10,712 mentions
19 % positive mentions
75 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The story in *Payday 2* is often described as a loose framework that connects various heists and missions, primarily revolving around a group of criminals known as the Payday Gang. While the game features a variety of missions that can be approached either stealthily or with guns blazing, many players feel that the narrative lacks depth and coherence, often relegating the story to the background in favor of gameplay. Despite this, the game has developed a cult following due to its engaging heist mechanics and the humorous, chaotic interactions among characters, making it a fun experience, especially in multiplayer settings.
- “The story is a love story about four men and their inability to buy a drill that works properly.”
- “The game offers a variety of missions, from classic bank robberies to elaborate art thefts, each requiring different strategies and teamwork.”
- “The story unfolds through mission briefings and in-game chatter, but the real focus is on the dynamic scenarios and evolving challenges that arise during each heist.”
- “The story is poorly told, and the DLC is overpriced, leaving players feeling disconnected from the narrative.”
- “The missions are highly repetitive and despite the game at the surface appearing to be a stealth heist game, it's actually a wave horde fighter, and a poor one at that.”
- “The game lacks a cohesive story, making it feel more like a series of disjointed missions rather than a compelling narrative.”
gameplay
7,298 mentions
39 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Payday 2* is characterized by its engaging cooperative heist mechanics, allowing players to choose between stealthy or loud approaches to complete missions. While the game offers a variety of heists and extensive customization options, many players note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, especially without the numerous DLCs that enhance the experience. Despite some criticisms regarding bugs, AI behavior, and the introduction of microtransactions, the core gameplay remains fun and addictive, particularly when played with friends.
- “Payday 2 offers very easy and intuitive controls, making it simple to jump in and execute heists without feeling bogged down by the mechanics.”
- “Despite its age, it offers a uniquely captivating experience with map visuals and dynamic gameplay that can keep you engaged for hours.”
- “The game's cooperative mechanics shine when you’re coordinating strategies, sharing roles, and overcoming challenges as a team.”
- “The gameplay itself, however, is only moderately balanced.”
- “Gameplay is generally repetitive despite the RNG elements.”
- “The gameplay loop can be repetitive, but overall it is amazing.”
monetization
6,512 mentions
6 % positive mentions
82 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been a major point of contention among players, primarily due to the introduction of microtransactions after developers had previously promised that they would never be included. Many reviews express frustration over the perceived cash grab nature of the game, with players feeling betrayed by the addition of pay-to-win mechanics and an overwhelming amount of DLC, which collectively detracts from the overall experience. While some players appreciate the removal of microtransactions in recent updates, the damage to the game's reputation and community trust remains significant.
- “Thankfully, microtransactions are minimal, which is a plus for a game with a long lifecycle.”
- “The game's updates and DLCs have never disappointed (except for that one time where they added microtransactions but then quickly removed them), and out of all the games I've played, I'd be most likely to spend my money on this one.”
- “Despite the addition of microtransactions, Payday 2 is still a very fun game to play, thanks to its constant updates and faithful community.”
- “The monetization sucks, which is ironic for a game about heists.”
- “They added microtransactions, so I changed my review to negative.”
- “They promised no microtransactions, then added microtransactions.”
music
3,173 mentions
53 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in "Payday 2" is widely praised for its dynamic and engaging soundtrack, composed primarily by Simon Viklund, which enhances the game's intense heist atmosphere. Players appreciate how the music adapts to gameplay, ramping up during police assaults and providing a fitting backdrop for both stealth and loud approaches. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the game's standout features, contributing significantly to its replayability and enjoyment.
- “The soundtrack and sound effects are extremely engaging, amplifying the tension and making the heists more exhilarating.”
- “The atmospheric music combined with both stealth and loud gameplay mechanics elevates every mission into a thrilling adventure.”
- “The music, composed by Simon Viklund, perfectly captures the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere of the game.”
- “Super Jewish and unoriginal game all around, the masks look dumb, the music is bad, the graphics and animations are bad.”
- “While the gritty visuals and atmospheric soundtrack attempt to capture the essence of the criminal underworld, they feel dated and uninspired.”
- “The music is too loud and intense in any situation, same missions over and over, no real goal but still strangely difficult and transporting goods is just annoying and boring.”
graphics
3,126 mentions
43 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Payday 2" are generally considered functional but dated, reflecting its 2013 release. While some players appreciate the game's unique aesthetic and immersive environments, many note that the visuals do not compare favorably to modern titles, often describing them as subpar or reminiscent of older games. Despite these criticisms, the graphics are deemed adequate for gameplay, and the overall experience is enhanced by solid mechanics and engaging multiplayer elements.
- “Despite its age, it offers a uniquely captivating experience with map visuals and dynamic gameplay that can keep you engaged for hours.”
- “While not groundbreaking in terms of graphics, Payday 2's visuals are serviceable and effectively convey the gritty atmosphere of the criminal underworld.”
- “The graphics are good and create a realistic atmosphere for the game.”
- “The graphics and overall presentation also leave something to be desired.”
- “The graphics are outdated, lack of variety in missions, unresponsive AI, pay-to-win practices, and a toxic community all contribute to an underwhelming gameplay experience.”
- “The graphics are very grainy and poor, but that is expected for an old game.”
humor
2,011 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in "Payday 2" is a standout feature, characterized by its absurdity and chaotic scenarios that often lead to hilarious moments, especially when played with friends. Players enjoy the comical elements, such as using oversized weapons like a "comically large spoon" to defeat enemies, and the witty banter among characters adds to the game's charm. The game's bugs and glitches, while sometimes frustrating, often result in funny situations that enhance the overall experience, making it a memorable and entertaining co-op heist game.
- “Able to rob banks, cook meth, steal coke, 'borrow' jewels, steal nuclear fusion reactors while wearing a funny gangster suit with a silly seal mask on and wielding a comically large golden spoon, flamethrower, and a minigun, while Russian hard bass is blasting in your ears.”
- “This game may not be the newest, but oh boy is it great! Infinite numbers of heists, hundreds of weapons, and it's so funny to kill a cop with a comically large spoon of gold.”
- “Payday 2 is a glorious, chaotic mess that will have you laughing, swearing, and questioning your life choices all at the same time.”
- “Good but the Overkill team is really unfunny with vine-level jokes. Also, 2 non-DLC snipers? Cash grab of the century.”
- “It's on the unfunny island.”
- “DLC support was supposed to stop with the garbage H3H3 pack, which starred an unfunny YouTuber and his girlfriend as playable characters in this half-serious heisting game.”
grinding
1,401 mentions
0 % positive mentions
16 % neutral mentions
84 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it can be enjoyable and rewarding, it often becomes tedious and repetitive, especially during solo play. Players frequently mention the need to grind for levels, weapon mods, and achievements, which can lead to frustration, particularly when missions feel overly similar or when progress is hindered by connection issues. Overall, the game is characterized as heavily grind-oriented, appealing primarily to those who enjoy long-term commitment to leveling and customization.
- “I've gotten 100 hours within two weeks and I just can't let go of it. It's not overly competitive, it's not too grindy, it's not too hard or frustrating; it's a perfect combination.”
- “It isn't that grindy, so you're gonna be fine in here.”
- “Decently fun, if not grindy.”
- “Solo play can feel tedious, and the repetitive nature of missions, along with the lack of engaging content, prevents it from standing out as a compelling experience.”
- “Completing heists and earning cash rewards feels hollow and unrewarding, as success often hinges more on luck or grinding than skill or strategy.”
- “The game's progression system is heavily weighted towards grinding or paying real money to unlock new weapons, mods, and cosmetics, further cheapening the sense of achievement and satisfaction that should come from unlocking content through gameplay alone.”
replayability
1,341 mentions
52 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
Payday 2 is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to its diverse heist options, extensive customization, and the ability to approach missions in various ways, including stealth or aggressive tactics. While some players note that the grind-heavy progression system and reliance on DLC can detract from the experience, the game's dynamic elements and active community contribute to a nearly infinite replay value, making it a favorite for both solo and cooperative play. Overall, it offers hundreds of hours of engaging content, ensuring players can continually find new challenges and strategies.
- “With its diverse selection of heists and customizable loadouts, it provides endless replayability and strategic depth.”
- “The game's replayability is off the charts, with a vast selection of heists and numerous difficulty levels to keep you engaged for hours on end.”
- “The replayability factor is further bolstered by the game's dynamic AI director, which adjusts the difficulty and spawns based on player performance, ensuring that each heist feels unique and challenging.”
- “The game is incredibly replayable.”
- “It honestly gets pretty fun for a while but got stale right after; it lacks replayability and just becomes repetitive.”
- “The replayability aspect only adds to the immense potential for different experiences every time.”
stability
1,140 mentions
3 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The stability of Payday 2 is a significant point of contention among players, with many noting that the game is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, often leading to frustrating experiences such as crashes and AI pathfinding issues. While some players find the bugs amusing and part of the game's charm, others express frustration over persistent technical problems that can disrupt gameplay. Overall, despite its age and instability, many still enjoy the game for its fun mechanics and cooperative play, suggesting that players should be prepared for a buggy experience.
- “This game is amazing, no bugs, no glitches, just good fun. I have played this game for years and it is still a great game, looking forward to Payday 3 :)”
- “Awesome game, it runs great even on lower-end computers and delivers the entertainment that many heisters like me love.”
- “The game runs great, plays great, and is a ton of fun.”
- “Terrible bug ridden piece of garbage.”
- “The game is plagued by frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, ranging from minor annoyances to game-breaking problems.”
- “This game is a buggy mess!”
optimization
694 mentions
21 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
29 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly on newer maps and with high-end hardware. While some users note that the game runs smoothly on lower-end systems and appreciate the flexibility in settings, others criticize the outdated engine and frequent frame rate drops, making it feel poorly optimized overall. Regular updates have attempted to address these issues, but many players still find the game buggy and unoptimized, often relying on community mods for better performance.
- “The game settings offer flexibility for players to tailor their experience, and technical issues are minor, with only occasional bugs or performance hiccups.”
- “Regular updates have improved optimization and reduced bugs over time.”
- “This game is well optimized for low-end PCs such as my own; this game was really cheap and really addicting.”
- “The game is poorly optimized, has new DLC released like every 3 months to keep it alive, and makes my friends angry on a daily basis.”
- “Game has terrible optimization and AI.”
- “The game is plagued by frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, ranging from minor annoyances to game-breaking problems.”
atmosphere
168 mentions
45 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Payday 2" is widely praised for its immersive and gritty portrayal of high-stakes heists, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack composed by Simon Viklund. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they effectively convey the essence of the criminal underworld, creating a thrilling experience that resonates with players. The combination of sound design, character customization, and dynamic environments contributes to a unique atmosphere that keeps players engaged, especially in cooperative gameplay.
- “The atmosphere is immersive enough, with the chaotic feel of high-stakes robberies drawing you in.”
- “The gritty atmosphere, coupled with a fantastic soundtrack that perfectly complements the heist sequences, contributes to an immersive and cinematic experience that will have you on the edge of your seat.”
- “The game's graphics and sound design are also top-notch, creating a gritty and immersive atmosphere that adds to the tension and excitement of the gameplay.”
- “Environments lack detail and atmosphere, while character models and animations are stiff and lackluster.”
- “Overkill destroyed the original atmosphere of professional heisters and the charm the original crew had.”
- “While in the first game the crew and your mastermind communicate through the mission discussing the plan and creating some sort of atmosphere to the mission, in Payday 2 nothing of this exists.”
emotional
145 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-1 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is a significant highlight for many players, with reviews reflecting a mix of heartfelt connections, laughter, and tears. Players express deep emotional investment in the story and characters, often describing experiences that range from wholesome and uplifting to heart-wrenching and chaotic, showcasing the game's ability to evoke strong feelings despite its violent themes. Overall, the community's supportive nature and the game's narrative elements contribute to a rich emotional experience that resonates with a wide audience.
- “This game is one of the most entertaining, creative, funny, and emotional bank robbing games imaginable.”
- “The story was also very entertaining and I sort of wish I had more, but that didn't take away the emotional shock that was the ending.”
- “It's a serious emotional roller coaster, and you 100% need to be in the mood to play.”
- “The game tries to evoke emotions but ends up feeling forced and contrived.”
- “I expected a deep emotional experience, but it felt shallow and uninspired.”
- “The attempts at emotional storytelling fell flat and left me feeling disconnected.”
character development
19 mentions
53 % positive mentions
32 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised for its extensive progression system and skill trees, allowing players to specialize in various playstyles, from stealthy approaches to aggressive tactics. The unique and detailed character designs enhance the experience, while the flexibility in loadouts ensures that gameplay remains fresh across multiple playthroughs. Overall, the game offers a rich and engaging character development experience that significantly contributes to its replayability and enjoyment.
- “The game's progression system and extensive skill trees offer plenty of options for character development and specialization.”
- “Payday 2 offers persistent character development and enforces a great degree of specialization, also allowing the player to choose between a stealthy and quiet approach or a more intense experience going loud and facing waves of law enforcement.”
- “The character development has plenty of different avenues, giving you boosts to different types of play within the game, e.g., stealth, intimidation (having a SWAT guy that starts helping you = awesome) and plenty more.”
- “Wick is extremely out of place in Payday 2, and is inconsistent with the other playable characters in terms of character design.”
- “The gazillion different DLC packs they release was a little off-putting, but I appreciated the announcement clips that provided character development for the player characters.”
- “The character development has plenty of different avenues, giving you boosts to different types of play within the game, e.g. stealth, intimidation (having a SWAT guy that starts helping you = awesome) and plenty more.”