While it’s always frustrating when a promising game releases in a less-than-ideal state, I do enjoy seeing one go through a solid redemption arc. Payday 3 is definitely one of those games. It’s been steadily honing the co-op FPS into an experience that better captures the magic of its still-popular predecessor, and now that it’s pushed live its massive anniversary update full of essential new features and improvements, it’s finally starting to look like the experience it should’ve been from the get-go.
Coinciding with the launch of the Payday 3 Year 1 Edition (which bundles the base experience together with all of its premium DLC so far), the FPS game’s Anniversary Update Part 2 is a completely free patch that makes some brilliant changes. Chief among them is the return of a server browser, which is an excellent tool for finding the right type of heist and the perfect partners in crime. How something like this wasn’t in the game from the start, I’ll never know, but the past is the past – it’s here now and that’s all that matters.
Another huge improvement has been made to the game’s UI, with an updated main menu being the headline feature here. Not only does it now feel much more, erm, heist-y, it also doubles up as the lobby screen and includes a news widget so that you’ll always be kept in the loop.
In-game VoIP for all platforms has been introduced, and that includes the ability to now communicate with teammates on other platforms. Should anyone’s new-found freedom of speech in Payday 3 become too irritating, there’s now the option for lobby leaders to kick them. A lick of paint has also been given to weapon animations, and a striking new Halloween mask is being added to everyone’s collection for free.
When you combine all of these big changes with all the other improvements and new features that have been added over the last year and a bit, you’ve got yourself an FPS that’s much more easy to navigate and play and is no longer riddled with technical issues.
Will it be enough to lure in new players, or convince the thousands of series fans that remain playing Payday 2 to migrate over? Only time will really tell. However, if the update alone isn’t a big enough reason, a new sale (which includes its ultimate Year 1 Edition) may help sweeten the deal.
Until Wednesday, November 6, the base game of Payday 3 is 47% off, making it $15.99/ £13.24. On top of that, the newly-released Year 1 Edition has been given a 40% discount, making it $35.99/ £29.99. This comes with the four DLCs released so far (which each contain exclusive heists, weapons, and cosmetics) and several other bonus content packs rewarding you with extra outfits, masks, and guns. You can head over to its Steam page to grab the game if you want to.
The Payday 3 Anniversary Update Part 2 and the Year 1 Edition are both live right now. However, if all of this doesn’t convince you to give Payday 3 a shot, here are some other great crime games and co-op games to consider instead.
You can also follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides, or grab our PCGN deals tracker to net yourself some bargains.