PAYDAY 2
" Action RPG with extensive heists, deep customization, and co-op fun but plagued by bugs and instability "
PAYDAY 2 Review
PAYDAY 2 remains a beloved cooperative heist shooter with extensive replayability, boasting over a decade of content, numerous heists, and a vast arsenal of weapons and customization options. Players appreciate the flexibility to approach missions stealthily or with all-out gunfire, supported by robust skill trees and perk systems. The game's depth and modding community contribute to its longevity, making it a staple for fans of multiplayer shooters and stealth games alike.
However, the game has notable flaws. Randomized elements (RNG) can cause frustrating mission restarts, and stealth missions are often criticized for being overly punishing. Technical issues such as crashes, bugs, and unstable modes have grown more prevalent in recent years. Additionally, the heavy reliance on paid DLC for full content access and dated graphics and sound design detract from the experience. Despite these issues, PAYDAY 2’s engaging gameplay and community support keep it relevant and highly recommended over its sequel.
Highlights
Players praise PAYDAY 2's diverse gameplay mechanics, including a huge variety of heists with stealth and loud approaches, and an extensive weapon and skill customization system. The game's replayability is a standout feature, enhanced by a passionate modding community and cooperative multiplayer fun. Its graphics, while dated, are considered good for its age, and the intense action combined with strategic planning offers a unique heist experience. The storyline is minimal but sufficient as a backdrop for the gameplay.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the game's stealth mission difficulty, which many find frustrating due to inconsistent AI and punishing RNG elements. Technical problems such as frequent crashes, bugs, and broken game modes have worsened over time. The game's reliance on numerous paid DLCs for full content access is seen as excessive and costly. Additionally, the sound design and AI behaviors are often described as lacking polish, and some players find solo play and public matchmaking less enjoyable due to chaotic or uncooperative lobbies.
Pros
- • Extensive variety of heists offering stealth and loud playstyles increases replayability.
- • Huge arsenal of weapons and melee options supports diverse playstyles and customization.
- • Robust skill tree and perk system allow highly flexible character builds.
- • Strong cooperative multiplayer experience makes playing with friends highly enjoyable.
- • Active modding community adds new content and quality-of-life improvements.
- • Regular sales make the game affordable and accessible to new players.
- • Long-term developer and community support keeps the game updated and engaging.
Cons
- • Stealth missions are often frustrating due to RNG and inconsistent AI behavior.
- • Numerous bugs and frequent crashes disrupt gameplay and stability.
- • Heavy DLC dependence means much content requires additional purchases.
- • Sound design and ambient effects are minimal, reducing immersion.
- • Solo play can be difficult and less rewarding compared to multiplayer.
- • Public matchmaking can be chaotic and uncooperative, impacting enjoyment.
- • Randomized mission elements sometimes force repeated restarts and grinding.
Rating Criteria
PAYDAY 2 is an action-packed, four-player co-op shooter that once again lets gamers don the masks of the original PAYDAY crew - Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf and Chains - as they descend on Washington DC for an epic crime spree.
