Independent fan-made community wiki
PAYDAY 3
Wiki & Guides
A cooperative heist shooter for one to four players. Plan your approach, work with your crew, and get the loot out through stealth or open gunfire.
The next big score
What is PAYDAY 3?
PAYDAY 3 is a cooperative first-person heist shooter developed by Starbreeze Studios. Released on September 21, 2023, it takes the Payday Gang to New York City. Play alone or coordinate with a crew to complete objectives and escape with the loot.
Heists can involve quiet infiltration or open combat, with the approach depending on the contract. Prepare weapons and skills before a job, then support your teammates as the situation changes. The September 2026 update brought all heists into the base game; equipment and cosmetic packs are offered separately. Some packs are paid; check your storefront for prices.
Explore heist guides →- Developer
- Starbreeze Studios
- Platforms
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Genre
- Co-op heist FPS
- Release date
- September 21, 2023
- Crew size
- 1–4 players
- Heist access
- Included with the base game
- Approaches
- Stealth & loud
Choose your path
Prepare for the Job
Beginner Guide
Learn objectives, equipment, guard awareness and teamwork before your first escape.
Read moreHeist Walkthroughs
Follow the job from entry and security systems to loot and extraction.
Read moreBest Builds & Skills
Compare weapon roles, skills, armor and support tools, with version context.
Read moreWeapons & Loadouts
Understand weapon perks, class restrictions and the tradeoffs in your loadout.
Read moreThe quiet or the loud
Choose Your Approach
Adventure awaits
Start Your Heisting Journey
PAYDAY 3 wiki
Find PAYDAY 3 references for heists, weapons and skills. See where to look for PC fixes, lore, official guides, update notes and player communities.
Read morePAYDAY 3 gameplay
Explore PAYDAY 3 gameplay with a beginner overview of stealth, loud heists, crew roles, equipment choices, tutorials and how different contracts play.
Read morePAYDAY 3 beginner guide
Use this PAYDAY 3 beginner guide to learn stealth, prepare your loadout, coordinate your crew, handle alarms, and move loot toward a successful escape.
Read morePlan your loadout
Equipment & Special Topics
PAYDAY 3 best builds
Compare PAYDAY 3 best builds for shotguns, assault rifles, LMGs and SMGs, with weapon perks, armor choices, resource tools and clear update 3.9 context.
Read morePAYDAY 3 weapon perks
Choose PAYDAY 3 weapon perks for movement, damage, resources, and Overkill utility, with class restrictions, official effects, and player tradeoffs explained.
Read morePAYDAY 3 Spatial Awareness
PAYDAY 3 Spatial Awareness explained: marked Handgun kills, the 10-meter ping, armor requirements, healing thresholds, and the full-health Adrenaline effect.
Read morePAYDAY 3 DLC
PAYDAY 3 DLC now separates free heists from optional packs and Crimebonds. Compare content, unlock requirements, owner rewards, and store pricing before buying.
Read morePAYDAY 3 free heists
PAYDAY 3 free heists are included with the base game. See which formerly paid missions are now included, what still costs money, and what past owners receive.
Read moreDeep dives
Featured Heist Guides
PAYDAY 3 Dirty Ice walkthrough
PAYDAY 3 Dirty Ice walkthrough covering the basement code, VIP alarm, manager, jewelry workshop, vault, all loot, and stealth or loud escape routes.
Read morePAYDAY 3 Rock the Cradle stealth
Complete PAYDAY 3 Rock the Cradle stealth with the VIP invitation route, keycards, biometric reset, crypto wallet drop-off, optional loot, and escape.
Read morePAYDAY 3 Rock the Cradle business card
Find the PAYDAY 3 Rock the Cradle business card, call the accountant, and plan VIP access, the alternative biometric reset, optional loot, and escape.
Read morePAYDAY 3 No Rest for the Wicked walkthrough
PAYDAY 3 No Rest for the Wicked walkthrough covering reworked stealth objectives, vault codes, dye packs, loud breach options, and the route to escape.
Read morePAYDAY 3 True Connoisseur achievement
Unlock the PAYDAY 3 True Connoisseur achievement with the statue puzzle, secret painting location, stealth requirements, laser route, and extraction tips.
Read morePAYDAY 3 worth buying in 2026
Is PAYDAY 3 worth buying in 2026? Weigh its co-op heists, recent Steam reviews, October update, snapshot prices, and PC requirements before buying.
Read morePAYDAY 3 how to distract guards while unmasked
Learn how to distract guards while unmasked in PAYDAY 3 using environmental lures, radio hacks or Skills 2.0 throwing knives. Check area and search rules.
Read moreStay informed
Updates & Community
Before you mask up
PAYDAY 3 FAQ
What is PAYDAY 3?
A cooperative first-person shooter built around completing heists and escaping with the loot.
Can I choose stealth or loud combat?
Both approaches are part of the game, but individual contracts can restrict which approach is available.
Are heists included with the base game?
Following the September 2026 update, formerly paid heists and future heists are included with the base game. This does not make the base game or optional equipment packs free.
Is this an official PAYDAY website?
This is an independent fan resource. Use the official game website for developer announcements and support.
PAYDAY 3
Your next score starts here.
Learn the job, prepare your equipment and make a plan with your crew.