Payday 3 Offline Restrictions Unveiled

Starbreeze Entertainment announces a new Offline Mode for Payday 3, launching later this month. However, this addition comes with a significant caveat: an internet connection is still required. This follows considerable player backlash over the game's initial omission of offline play.

The Payday series, known for its cooperative gameplay and focus on elaborate heists, debuted in 2011 with Payday: The Heist. Payday 3 enhanced stealth mechanics, offering players diverse approaches to missions. The upcoming "Boys in Blue" update (June 27th) introduces a new heist and the highly anticipated Offline Mode.

This new mode, initially launching in beta, aims to improve the solo experience. While it eliminates the need for matchmaking, it still requires an online connection—a temporary limitation slated for future updates. This addresses a key complaint regarding the absence of dedicated offline solo play and other missing features like The Safehouse.

The June 27th update includes not only the Offline Mode beta but also a fresh heist, free cosmetic items, and enhancements. A new Light Machine Gun and three masks are added to the arsenal, alongside the ability to customize and name loadouts.

Payday 3's launch was plagued by server issues and criticism over limited content (initially only eight heists). Starbreeze CEO Tobias Sjögren apologized for these shortcomings, and subsequent updates have addressed some concerns. Future heists will be released as paid DLC, with "Syntax Error" costing $10. Starbreeze's Head of Community, Almir Listo, assures players that the solo mode will undergo further improvements.