Payday 3 Offline Catch Surfaces

Payday 3's Offline Mode Arrives (With a Catch)

Starbreeze Entertainment has announced an upcoming offline mode for Payday 3, slated for release later this month. However, this eagerly anticipated addition comes with a significant caveat: an internet connection is still required. This announcement follows considerable player backlash regarding the game's initial omission of offline play.

Since its debut in 2011 with Payday: The Heist, the Payday franchise has redefined the FPS genre, emphasizing cooperative gameplay across high-stakes robberies. Known for its intricate stealth mechanics and diverse weaponry, the series allows for varied mission approaches. Payday 3 significantly enhanced stealth capabilities, offering players greater freedom in their strategies. The upcoming "Boys in Blue" update, launching June 27th, introduces a new heist and the much-requested offline mode.

This new offline mode, launching in beta, aims to enhance the solo experience. While initially requiring an online connection, future updates will enable true offline functionality. Even with this limitation, solo players will no longer need to use the matchmaking system. The lack of a dedicated offline solo option was a major point of contention for many Payday 3 players, alongside the absence of features like The Safehouse.

Payday 3's Offline Mode Update

Starbreeze confirms ongoing improvements to the solo mode, striving to create a satisfying experience for solo players. Almir Listo, Head of Community and Global Brand Director at Starbreeze, stated that the solo mode will receive ongoing enhancements. The June 27th update also includes a new heist, free items, and various improvements. These additions include a new LMG, three new masks, and the ability to name custom loadouts.

Payday 3's launch was plagued by server issues affecting player access. Starbreeze CEO Tobias Sjögren apologized for the game's initial state in September, and the team has since released several updates. The game also faced criticism for its limited initial content, featuring only eight heists. Future updates will introduce more heists, though these will be paid expansions, such as the $10 Syntax Error heist.