Payday 3 Offline Mode Announced

Payday 3's upcoming Offline Mode: A step forward, but with a catch

Starbreeze Entertainment has announced a new Offline Mode for Payday 3, arriving later this month. However, this addition, highly requested after the game's controversial launch without offline play, comes with a significant caveat: an internet connection is still required.

Since its 2011 debut with Payday: The Heist, the Payday franchise has redefined the FPS genre, emphasizing cooperative gameplay and elaborate heists. Known for its intricate stealth mechanics and diverse weaponry, Payday 3 further enhanced stealth options, providing players with greater tactical freedom. The upcoming "Boys in Blue" update introduces a new heist and the much-anticipated offline functionality.

Launching as a beta, the new Offline Mode is part of an initiative to improve solo gameplay. While future updates aim for complete offline capability, players will initially need an online connection to access this mode. The upside? Solo players are no longer forced into the matchmaking system, a major point of contention for many after the game's launch. Other criticized omissions, such as the Safehouse, remain absent.

Payday 3's Offline Mode Beta and Beyond

Starbreeze assures players that the solo mode will undergo significant improvements. Almir Listo, Head of Community and Global Brand Director at Starbreeze, stated that the feature will be refined post-launch. Besides the beta mode, the June 27th update includes a new heist, free in-game items, and various improvements. This includes a new LMG, three masks, and the ability to customize loadout names.

Payday 3's launch was plagued by server issues and criticism over its limited initial content (only eight heists). Starbreeze CEO Tobias Sjögren issued a public apology, and subsequent updates have addressed some concerns. However, future heist expansions, like the paid "Syntax Error" DLC, will be sold separately.