Payday 3 fans have good reason to be thrilled, as a "truly massive" 1.02 update hit the game, particularly enhancing the experience for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. This significant update doesn't only bring nostalgia with two classic heists from Payday 2 but also introduces a plethora of new features and improvements to the co-op shooter.
The two reimagined heists, 'Cook Off' and 'Turbid Station' (previously known as 'Murky Station'), stand out for returning players. Despite retaining their core essence, both heists have received updates to better align with Payday 3's mechanics and visual upgrades. Turbid Station takes the spotlight as the first 'stealth only' heist in the new game, while the new Cook Off transitions from an endless loop to a maximum of 19 potential bags to secure.
Aiming to heighten player immersion, the update includes new first-person animations. These animations are more than just visual candy; they provide a more tactile sensation of actions such as swiping money or inspecting weapons and gloves. Moreover, the addition of the 'Transporter' skill line is bound to be a game-changer for many. This skill line focuses on efficiency in moving loot, equipment, and even bodies, introducing the possibility to carry two bags at once.
Players reaching the existing level cap also get their share of new content, with exclusive 'Renown' items being awarded as they progress beyond the infamy cap. Additionally, every completed heist now contributes Infamy Points, further encouraging players to perfect their heisting skills.
Diving deeper into the technical and gameplay refinements, the update doesn't hold back. General fixes across the board include enhanced AI crewmate resilience, enemy behavior adjustments, and optimizations for better performance on various platforms. Not to forget, now PC gamers can communicate mid-heist through added lobby chat functionality.
On the balance side, skills have been calibrated to provide a fair yet challenging environment. The Tank's ‘Armor Up’ skill, for instance, now demands more strategic timing, while other skills in different branches like Infiltrator and Demolitionist have seen performance boosts, ensuring a variety of viable gameplay styles.
Weapons haven't been left untouched either. From adjusted recoil on shotguns to increased ammo pickups for SMGs, the update ensures armed confrontation feels more balanced and fair. These changes will undoubtedly require veterans to tweak their favorite weapon loadouts slightly.
Enemies in Payday 3 will react more intelligently to player actions post-update. Notable fixes curb the overzealous dodging behavior of enemies and ensure hostage interactions are traded properly.
Internationally, the update is not solely focused on combat and heist mechanics. The technical underpinnings, including UI, audio, and visual enhancements, also receive a notable overhaul to provide a more polished gaming experience. For example, the UI now displays ping and server region information during the game, making it easier for players to monitor their connection quality.
One of the more significant technical improvements addresses the challenge of cross-platform play. Players should find it easier to invite and join games with friends on different systems, paving the way for more cohesive and expansive co-op play.
Encountering issues with guards tied up or hostages who shouldn't be running into danger? This update takes care of such inconsistencies, ensuring a smoother and more realistic experience during stealth and loud heists alike.
For visual connoisseurs, Payday 3's visuals received attention to detail, eliminating pesky graphical glitches and improving texture quality. Combined with fixes for animations and environmental interactions, the game steps up to a higher bar of quality.
Of course, no update is free from known issues. The developers acknowledge these, such as the incomplete cash rewards for Turbid Station under certain conditions, and they are likely working on a resolution for future patches.
With the update now live on Xbox Game Pass, it's a perfect time for both new and returning Payday players to dive into the frenetic world of heists and high-stakes action. Whether you're a fan of painstaking stealth or explosive shootouts, there's something for everyone in this expansive update.
