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Phil Spencer reveals Xbox will continue buying studios to “feed” Game Pass YouTube: Good Game / Xbox / BethesdaDuring an October 26 interview, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer revealed the company’s plans to continue to buy more studios. The executive explained that the acquisitions are needed for Xbox Game Pass. [jwplayer hRlzg0BA] The gaming industry was shaken to its core when Bethesda announced that it had been acquired by Microsoft in September. The tech giant paid $7.2 billion to bring popular series’ such as Fallout and Elder Scrolls under their console’s brand. However, according to Xbox lead Phil Spencer, this is just the beginning. In an October interview, the executive explained that they will be purchasing more studios in order to “feed” their Game Pass service. Phil Spencer reveals Xbox’s plans to “feed” Game Pass Microsoft’s move to buy Bethesda in September was the first major shot fired in the next-gen showdown between Xbox and PlayStation. The massive deal immediately solved the American platform’s lack of first-party story driven content which plagued them in the previous generation. According to Phil Spencer in an interview with GameReactor, more acquisitions are on the horizon. “And frankly, as Game Pass continues to grow, we need to continue to feed that subscription,” he stated. The Microsoft executive also stated that the company will be “constantly” looking to purchase more studios because of the service: “So, with the growth that we are seeing, I expect we will constantly be in this mode of bringing more creators into the fold.” According to Spencer, Xbox’s focus on Game Pass has given him support from Microsoft to acquire teams: “We built a business model that prioritised investing in content knowing that we would have to invest early and wait a while for those investments to pay off.” It remains to be seen what studios the tech giant could buy up next. Their strategy to continue to buy up properties is sure to have Sony on alert. The company could soon acquire games that were historically associated with the PlayStation brand, but not actually exclusive to the Japanese company. Spencer clarified in the interview that the Bethesda deal has not actually closed yet, and won’t be until sometime in 2021. Interestingly, the Xbox head explained that it would be “illegal” to discuss future plans for the studio, so he can’t comment on whether games like Fallout will be exclusive to the Microsoft platform or not.

Phil Spencer reveals why he has a Switch on his shelf & Xbox fighters in Smash MicrosoftXbox boss Phil Spencer has finally revealed why he has a Nintendo Switch on his shelf and explained how Microsoft characters can keep on appearing in the Super Smash Bros franchise. Phil Spencer’s shelf has become quite the story. With numerous projects seemingly teased on it, many have come to believe the Switch was no accident and a possible collaboration between Microsoft and Nintendo is in the works. As rumors of Master Chief joining Smash Ultimate have grown, the Switch on the shelf has become increasingly relevant in the eyes of fans and now Phil Spencer has finally explained the story behind the Nintendo console. Joining Kinda Funny Gamescast as a special guest, Spencer was asked about his shelf and how much thought goes into it. According to Phil, “it’s probably a mistake on his part.” Phil Spencer’s Switch mystery solved “This back here is really just a collection of things from people I know in the industry and friends,” he said. “And that’s about it. I’m not trying to signal anything.” Regarding the Switch in particular, it was actually a gift from Nintendo and President Doug Bowser. Spencer was also asked about getting Banjo into Smash Ultimate, Microsoft-exclusive characters such as Cuphead appearing in the game and if more things are planned with Nintendo. Could more Xbox fighters come to Smash Ultimate? According to the Xbox boss, Nintendo is a “special” company and he talks with their people often. While he didn’t tease any future announcements, he is very open to the idea of working more with Nintendo and even Sony on projects that he feels would help “grow the industry.” So, this may be a major blow to Master Chief’s chances of coming to Smash Ultimate, although that doesn’t rule things out completely, it seems as if this wasn’t a big hint after all. Spencer also said that he just lets Studios such as Rare go and drive ideas or work with Nintendo. The same thing with Bethesda and some of the things they’re doing “with Doom.” “I really just want to empower the creators to feel like they own the franchises they’re working on. They own those characters, stories and worlds. Let them be the captain of the ship. I don’t want to be the one to come in and matchmake in certain scenarios.” So, it looks like if we end up getting a character like Doomslayer in Smash, it will be on Bethesda to make it happen. As we know, Bethesda actually did reach out about getting him added to the game, so it’s possible we see the Slayer as the final DLC fighter. Of course, there’s no guarantee we see an Xbox rep as the next DLC, but it’s good to see that Microsoft lets its studios go out and try to expand their games into Smash.

Phil Spencer responds after massive Xbox leak via court documents XboxHead of Xbox Phil Spencer has addressed the massive Xbox leaks that made the rounds because of court documents related to the FTC case. Late on September 18, court documents related to the FTC v. Microsoft case randomly hit the web, detailing Xbox’s future plans. The documents confirmed an upcoming Series X|S console refresh, outed plans for an Oblivion remaster, and featured email correspondences between Spencer and other Microsoft executives. Suffice it to say, this incident constitutes the biggest gaming-related leak of the year. And with everyone combing through the finer details, it was only a matter of time before Spencer and Co. spoke out. Phil Spencer addresses torrent of Xbox leaks Xbox boss Phil Spencer officially addressed the unprecedented leak in a quick Twitter post on September 19. The message reads as follows: “We’ve seen the conversation around old emails and documents. It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed and there’s so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready.” The District Court has since removed all evidence regarding the FTC v. Microsoft proceedings from its official website. Still, it’s unfortunate that many of the company’s future plans were disclosed because of a mistake. In addition, Spencer discussed the leaks in a longer memo to Xbox employees. The Verge obtained a copy of the memo, wherein the executive mentioned the age of the leaked details and noted that Xbox’s “plans have evolved.” Spencer’s correspondence further acknowledged the unfortunate breach of confidentially, specifically as it relates to external partners. “We will learn from what happened and be better going forward. We all put incredible amounts of passion and energy into our work, and this is never how we want that hard work to be shared with the community.” The Xbox lead closed the message by telling staffers he appreciates their efforts, and that focusing on what they can control is a must. Like fans, Team Xbox has plenty to look forward to and much to be proud of, considering Starfield’s incredible success and the forthcoming release of Forza Motorsport.

Phil Spencer responds to Xbox cross-platform controversy amid Starfield PS5 reports Tango GameworksXbox had a wild first weekend in February amid an influx of cross-platform controversy. Now, Phil Spencer is finally speaking up, stating more news is en route. Xbox‘s start to 2024 has certainly been a wild one. The beginning of the year saw reports that console-exclusive titles Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves may jump ship to third-party platforms. While this news caught plenty of traction, its scope intensified after fresh reports stated more Xbox exclusives would be making the switch. Of note, Starfield, the new Indiana Jones title, Halo Infinite, and even Gears of War were listed, leaving Xbox players in complete disarray. Xbox’s head, Phil Spencer, has been relatively quiet during the commotion, but he’s now stepped forward, sharing an update on what’s to come. Phil Spencer shares update amid Xbox cross-platform rumors In a relatively short and direct update shared to Twitter/X, Xbox’s Phil Spencer shared the following statement. “We’re listening and we hear you,” Spencer started. “We’ve been planning a business update event for next week, where we look forward to sharing more details with you about our vision for the future of Xbox,” he continues before the classic “Stay tuned.” Of course, there’s a lot for Spencer and the company to address. Outside of the cross-platform reports, the company is hot off the heels of laying off somewhere around 1,900 Microsoft employees. Part of the layoffs reportedly included the team behind Xbox retail products, leading fans to think there’s an incoming pivot to an all-digital future. The cross-platform rumors only fueled the fires, causing more hysteria and unease, as fans foresee the platform devaluing exponentially. Many of the replies to Spencer’s post echoed all of those fears. “Bringing Xbox to multi-platform will devalue the platform, please don’t,” one reply stated. Another jumped straight to the conclusion: “So it’s confirmed, then. May as well just say it now.” Others think the wait until next week is too long for Xbox to sit on. There’s a lot to address, and before next week comes, new leaks and reports might spring forth. Stay tuned to this space as we’ll keep you updated with what comes next.

Phil Spencer responds to fears all Activision Blizzard games will be Xbox-exclusive CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer has addressed the concerns surrounding Activision Blizzard titles potentially becoming Xbox-exclusive. However, Spencer’s response is fairly ambiguous. The world of gaming was shocked this morning following the news that Microsoft had acquired Activision Blizzard for $69B. This is the most expensive and groundbreaking acquisition in gaming to date, far outweighing Take-Two’s acquisition of Zynga. This continues Microsoft’s acquisition of some of the largest games studios. In 2021, Microsoft acquired Bethesda Softworks. Later, Phil Spencer hinted that future Bethesda titles such as Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6 will be Xbox exclusives. Following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, players are concerned that their favorite franchises might receive the same treatment. Spencer addresses these fears in a chat with Bloomberg, but it’s likely not the response players were hoping for. Phil Spencer on Activision Blizzard exclusivity Bloomberg claims that Microsoft will keep making some Activision games for PlayStation consoles while other content will be developed exclusively for Xbox. In discussion with Bloomberg, Spencer also touched on the potential exclusivity of the Activision acquisition. “I’ll just say to players out there who are playing Activision Blizzard games on Sony’s platform: It’s not our intent to pull communities away from that platform and we remained committed to that,” stated Spencer. In classic Spencer fashion, his response is littered with ambiguity. Spencer also stated that it wasn’t Xbox’s intention to draw players away from their platforms when acquiring Bethesda. However, he later revealed that Bethesda’s most anticipated titles would likely be exclusive to Xbox. Activision Blizzard’s most anticipated titles are Overwatch 2 and the next entry in the Call of Duty franchise. These are games that have a history of being available across numerous platforms, but that’s now subject to change. There is a myriad of concerns that have spawned from the news of Microsoft’s recent acquisition. Will CoD still be on PlayStation? What does World of Warcraft look like in the hands of Microsoft? And how long is Bobby Kotick going to stick around?

Phil Spencer puts PS5 players on notice: Bethesda only needs Xbox Bethesda/Xbox/PlayStationDuring a recent interview with Kotaku, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer hinted that future Bethesda games don’t need PlayStation 5 in order for the company to make a profit on its purchase of the studio, further implying that those games may never make their way to Sony’s console. [jwplayer 7s8kFxqu] When Xbox announced that it was purchasing ZeniMax Media, the parent company of the mega-publisher Bethesda, speculation went rampant about whether or not future games in franchises like Doom, The Elder Scrolls, Starfield, and more would be coming to PlayStation 5 in the future. Some players seemed to think that this deal was only in place so that Xbox could get those franchises on GamesPass with ease, while others thought it only made sense for Bethesda to only focus on exclusive games from now on. While we still don’t know the full answer, we now have a new hint at Xbox’s attitude on the whole subject. Phil Spencer, who is well known as the head and face of Xbox, said in a Kotaku interview that the company doesn’t want to “take games away from another player base,” instead saying that “We want more people to be able to play games.” While sentiment is all well and good, Spencer went on to say that Xbox doesn’t need to put Bethesda games on other consoles in order to make back the $7.5 billion investment in the publisher, which contradicts that previous sentence. “I don’t have to go ship those games on any other platform other than the platforms that we support in order to kind of make the deal work for us,” Spencer said. This, of course, isn’t a blatant admission that future Bethesda games won’t be coming to PS5, and the company probably won’t outright confirm it one way or another for a long time. That being said, it certainly seems like PlayStation fans shouldn’t hold their breath about games like The Elder Scrolls VI, which was explicitly mentioned in the interview, coming to the console.

Phil Spencer “excited” to work with Blizzard to bring StarCraft to Xbox BlizzardMicrosoft Head of Gaming Phil Spencer can’t wait to talk to Blizzard about the future of the StarCraft franchise on Xbox. It wasn’t that long ago that StarCraft was the world’s top esport with fans around the world glued to their screens to watch pros compete in Blizzard’s competitive RTS. While StarCraft hasn’t seen a resurgence per se, there has always been potential to expand out of the real-time strategy genre, such as with the infamously canceled StarCraft: Ghost. Now, with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, Phil Spencer is eyeing a potential return of the popular series. Phil Spencer wants to talk to Blizzard about StarCraft Speaking with Wired, the Microsoft Gaming boss was asked about any plans for the dormant RTS and Phil expressed his desire to talk to Blizzard about the series. Despite making it clear that he can’t make decisions for Blizzard just yet, he expressed a desire to speak to the developers about StarCraft’s future. “Not only StarCraft, but WarCraft, when you think about the heritage of RTS games that we’re talking about here, specifically from Blizzard. And I don’t have any concrete plans today because I can’t really get in and work with the teams,” he explained. “StarCraft was a seminal moment in gaming, right? From an esports perspective, from RTS on console perspective, and from just an RTS storytelling perspective in the genre.” Spencer went on to say he can’t wait to talk about Blizzard’s back catalog and the opportunities that could arise from the acquisition, calling the prospect of doing something with them “exciting.” Even though this doesn’t guarantee a new StarCraft game will be making its way to Xbox or PC, the fact that Spencer seems so invested is a good sign for anyone wanting more space opera action in the future.

Phil Spencer confirms Activision Blizzard games won’t be on Game Pass for “months” The head of Xbox has confirmed that Activision Blizzard games like Call of Duty won’t be hitting Game Pass for months. Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft’s Xbox division, has confirmed that Game Pass won’t be getting Activision or Blizzard games for “months”. In a post on Xbox Wire, Spencer said: “We’ll share more about when you can expect to play in the coming months. We know you’re excited – and we are too.” Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service for PC and Xbox, with first-party titles from Microsoft’s own development studios launching there first. The Activision Blizzard deal is assumed to be part of Microsoft’s plan to bolster its Game Pass offering with one of the some of popular franchises in all of gaming. Game Pass won’t be getting Activision Blizzard games for a while yet Speculation started to stir as soon as the deal was announced in 2021, with players questioning when Call of Duty will land on Game Pass. Activision’s official X/Twitter account stated on Monday, October 9, that the latest Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 3, will not land on Game Pass until sometime in 2024. Diablo 4 was also confirmed for not being distributed on the platform either. There are also complications from the deal’s court trial. Sony has a new 10-year deal for bringing Call of Duty to PlayStation platforms, with clauses in the contract presumably preventing Microsoft from launching the latest game on Game Pass day and date. Spencer doesn’t detail any information regarding King titles, nor any information about how Game Pass and World of Warcraft will intertwine. The $69 billion deal was closed today, with Microsoft securing this through selling off the streaming rights to Ubisoft. The French publisher will now handle streaming rights for Activision Blizzard titles outside of the EU. It’s one of the largest tech acquisitions of all time, with Microsoft’s previous massive gaming purchase being Elder Scrolls and Fallout developer, Bethesda and its parent company, Zenimax.

Phantom Blade Zero: Trailers, story & everything we know S-GamePhantom Blade Zero brings brutal battles, strategic situations, and enough monsters and enemies to truly call this a hack-and-slash. So, here’s everything we know about Phantom Blade Zero. The 2023 PlayStation Showcase revealed tons of highly anticipated titles from Spider-Man 2 to a Metal Gear Solid 3 remake. However, one game that truly captures players’ hearts was the intense experience otherwise known as Phantom Blade Zero. Such a trailer left many wondering, does Phantom Blade Zero have a release date, what’s its gameplay like, and what’s the story behind the game? Luckily, we have the answers. So, here’s everything we know. Contents Do we know when Phantom Blade Zero is coming out? Currently, Phantom Blade Zero doesn’t have a release date. However, when one is announced we will be updating this article so be sure to check back soon for more information. The game is set to receive a demo in 2024, but so far, the developers have remained tight-lipped about a possible release date. Phantom Blade Zero trailers As announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase on May 24, viewers were given the first Phantom Blade Zero trailer, depicting brutal battles set inside a dangerous world filled with monsters and humans alike. You can watch it below. Phantom Blade Zero gameplay At its core, Phantom Blade Zero is a hack-and-slash RPG that focuses on strategy over button-mashing. The founder of S-Game expanded on this by calling the title a “strategic action game”, such as Soulslikes and Monster Hunter.” It takes place in a semi-open world featuring “multiple maps of reasonable size” along with “handcrafted and populated with diverse activities, instead of one huge continuity full of repurposed/reused assets.” On top of this, the game will work on producing relatively authentic fighting techniques from kung-fu movies, bringing an element of gripping action into every scene. Phantom Blade Zero story Phantom Blade Zero houses the protagonist, Soul, who’s a talented assassin serving the organization called ‘The Order’. The game’s story is said to begin with Soul being framed for the murder of The Order’s patriarch. Unfortunately, Soul is killed in the manhunt that followed but is resurrected by a mystic healer. Now, with only 66 days left to live, it’s up to Soul to find the mastermind behind the framing and bring them to justice. This story description is thanks to a blog from the founder of S-Game, who details what players can expect from the game. There you have it, that’s everything we know about Phantom Blade Zero. While waiting for the game’s release date, take a look at some of the other titles coming out soon: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 | The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | Assassin’s Creed Infinity | Wolverine | Spider-Man 2 | KOTR Remake | Wonder Woman | DokeV | Dragon Age 4 | The Witcher 3 next-gen patch | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Final Fantasy XVI | Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Phantom Blade Zero preview: A stylish Soulslike refined enough to make FromSoft proud S-GAMEWe went hands-on with Phantom Blade Zero at Summer Game Fest and while an unintentionally short demo, we came away more than impressed by its swagger. The game has a confidence about it, knowing it’s in the upper echelon of Soulslikes. FromSoftware mastered its style of game over many releases in recent generations. Naturally, with the studio’s success, we’ve seen many imitations and spinoffs over the years. While some leave a lot to be desired, others like 2023’s Lies of P, stand their ground as remarkable additions to the genre. Phantom Blade Zero is next in line striving to join those ranks. After closing out the show during Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest presentation, which I found out was a surprise even for the developers watching along live, the team at S-GAME was on hand in LA to walk media through a demo of the upcoming release. In just a few brief minutes with the game, it quickly became clear this isn’t just a run-of-the-mill Soulslike, but rather a stunningly realized, deeply authentic iteration. Building on the success of the games that came before it, Phantom Blade Zero is shaping up to epitomize the genre in From’s shadow. Focusing on the familiar Just from a glance, you can no doubt tell exactly what Phantom Blade Zero is trying to accomplish. Wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, the upcoming PS5 game pays homage to the lineage of FromSoft titles before it. A third-person action RPG with an emphasis on punishing difficulty, it’s a Soulslike without a shadow of a doubt, and devs aren’t trying to hide that fact. Grueling boss fights with attack patterns to learn, snappy, precise combat with timing windows to optimize, and multiple weapons to master and swap between on the fly, if you’ve played any FromSoft title before, you’ll feel right at home here. Where Phantom Blade Zero sets itself apart, or at least tries to, is in its pacing. This is a blindingly fast game. Much like Sekiro, your reaction time needs to be on point to have any hope of success. Enemies can close the distance and attack in the blink of an eye, multiple targets can surround you and make your life hell if you’re not fast to reposition, it’s all about speed. With an array of powerful weapons and unique combo moves on your side, you can dispatch said foes with the right timing and distance management. Some abilities execute long strings of attacks, staggering targets for heavier strikes, while others may even slice in multiple directions, taking down more than one enemy in a single flurry of blows. It’s an exhilarating rush when things go your way, or an exciting learning opportunity when things go awry. However, with my experience, I was able to cruise along and surprise the developers in just a matter of minutes. Setting records at Summer Game Fest Typically when it comes to previews at press events of this nature, you have someone guiding you through at least the first few minutes. Sitting down for my hands-on session with Phantom Blade Zero, I didn’t have that, but it didn’t phase me. Quickly coming to grips with the game’s familiar control scheme, I got to work. Three bosses are what devs had lined up in the demo build, and three bosses are what I quickly dispatched. Seven minutes later and with just one death throughout, I’d reached the end of the demo without realizing it at first. Multiple devs quickly came over, assuming I’d broken the build or something had set me back to the start. To their shock, the endgame screen showed my completion stats clear as day. Adding to my gamer credentials, the CEO of the company soon came over asking for a picture with me, as I’d somehow set the record for the weekend. Certainly a feather in the cap. Far from the most experienced Soulslike veteran out there, if I was able to blitz through the challenges on my first attempts, I can’t wait to see what real seasoned pros make of it later this year. While the difficulty is no doubt paramount, with the right approach, there are clearly ways to style on the dozens of bosses that await.

PGA Tour 2K23: Tiger Woods stars in most exciting golf game in years 2K GamesIn PGA Tour 2K23, players are going to have the chance to take to the course in whole new ways and the improvements made by 2K could make it championship material. Since 2K’s acquisition of HB Studios, the minds behind The Golf Club series, we’ve had The Golf Club 2019 featuring the PGA Tour, and PGA Tour 2K21. Now, the franchise is starting to really take advantage of its license privileges as PGA Tour 2K23 introduces playable tour pros for the first time, along with new gameplay mechanics, twists on the established format, as well as new game modes, and exciting features. I had the chance to get an exclusive session with the devs and experience the game for myself and I firmly believe that the game is aiming for the top of the leaderboard. Tiger Woods deal is an unbelievable coup 2K’s slogan for PGA Tour 2K21 was “We Got Game,” and this stood true. Then, on March 16, 2021, simulated golf also got Tiger Woods back as 2K announced that they had signed Woods to the company. Even if you don’t like golf or know nothing about it, the name ‘Tiger Woods’ is synonymous with sport, and Woods’ name was used for nearly 15 years to spearhead EA’s golf games. Now, he’s on the front cover of PGA Tour 2K23 and also serves as an Executive Director on the project offering his tremendous knowledge of the game. In a conference call, HB Studios Creative Director John Muise had this to say about the incredible partnership: “His fingerprints are all over the sport of golf, but his fingerprints are also over the video game world of golf, so it was a very exciting opportunity for us to tap into it and to have access to those ideas and that mind, needless to say, the team on our side couldn’t be more thrilled.” Playable pros add some much-needed authenticity 2K’s golf franchise has had the official PGA Tour license for a few years now and it would be fair to say that it hasn’t quite been used to its fullest extent — that is until now. Along with Tiger Woods, multiple PGA Tour Pros, both male and female, including Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Will Zalatoris, Tony Finau, Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko, and many more will be usable in-game, and they have all been scanned and motion capped to ensure they are a lifelike representation of their real-life counterpart. As well as their appearance and classic get-ups they wear during tournaments, each golfer’s unique swing has also been included. You’ll see Rahm and Finau’s abbreviated backswings to Morikawa’s slower and more deliberate motion. New courses have also been added to the mix in Wilmington Country Club, The Renaissance Club, St. George’s Golf and Country Club, and these are just some of the 20 courses on offer in PGA Tour 2K23. These details wouldn’t be as impressive if they weren’t fleshed out properly, but we are happy to see that the visual details are all part and parcel in 2K23 as the graphics are looking more beautiful than ever. Player models look really good, animations feel less robotic than in previous iterations, and feint touches such as the sound of the ball rocketing off of a 190 ball speed driver varies from the tinny sound of a Ping G425 to the crack of a TaylorMade Stealth. PGA Tour 2K23’s gameplay is a huge draw The hot feature this year is the inclusion of the brand new 3-Click system that will provide newcomers with an easier and simpler way to enjoy the game and make it more inclusive for everyone. Not everyone feels comfortable stepping up to the tee or having to play a delicate chip shot using an analog stick, so the 3-Click mechanic will instead rely on three simple pushes of the action button to determine the shot’s power, its direction, and the crispness of the strike. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it differs greatly from other arcade golf games that have implemented a similar system and helps to add even more character to PGA Tour 2K23. Along with the game’s unique selling points, there are also a ton of noticeable tweaks and subtle alterations that have faded previous concerns into obscurity. For instance, based on our hands-on time, the infamous Splash Shot no longer appears to be in the game. In previous titles, this explosive shot allowed unreal control over the ball in the 16-35 yard range, making short-game shots easier than they probably should’ve been. Not only that, but chipping is harder too with a greater margin of error now in play, meaning you’re going to need to be more meticulous about your planning and strategy around the greens. In terms of refinement, putting feels more satisfying than ever and it’s helped by the ability to use real-life balls including Callaway’s Triple Track design. It’s party time on the PGA Tour! PGA Tour 2K23 not only still ‘Got Game’ but it’s also found a light-hearted side too as the bid to become more open and welcoming to the casual fan increases. Already announced is that NBA Legend Michael Jordan is going to be a playable character in the new golf game and the icon can definitely hold his own from tee-to-green. But it doesn’t stop there as TopGolf is coming to 2K’s entertainment spectacular with the popular driving range phenomenon set to offer a host of incredible mini-games for you to compete against friends! Throw in the return of Divot Derby and some other fun variations on the sport and you have a handsome package of content to look forward to. With an expanded Career Mode and an even more accessible Course Designer, there are many ways for you to play the course. Hopes are high for PGA Tour 2K23 to deliver on all its promise that it’s been building over the years and present golf fans with a premium smorgasbord that can avoid all the hazards and won’t flop.

PGA Tour 2K23: Release date, Tiger Woods, playable pros, gameplay changes & more 2K GamesPGA Tour 2K23 is 2K’s the next entry in the growing golf sim franchise and the devs are hoping to land another hole-in-one with the 2K23 iteration. HB Studios created a rival to EA’s long-running golf franchise in The Golf Club and after several sequels, HB Studios were bought out by 2K Games and the result of the partnership was PGA Tour 2K21. The highly successful and realistic take on the fun sport carded a great score from many publications and Take-Two unofficially announced that a follow-up was in the works. With Tiger Woods onboard and a couple of years to learn from the previous game, any areas that might be considered rough will surely now hit every green in regulation. Contents PGA Tour 2K23 release date – PGA Tour 2K23 editions – Tiger Woods helping with development of PGA Tour 2K23 – PGA Tour 2K23 courses and golfers – PGA Tour 2K23 career mode – PGA Tour 2K23 Topgolf – PGA Tour 2K23 Course Designer – PGA Tour 2K23 platforms – PGA Tour 2K23 release date The game’s reveal trailer showed off a bunch of cool stuff for PGA Tour 2K23, but it also let us know that the game will get a global release on October 14, 2022, and buyers of the game’s Deluxe Edition or Tiger Woods edition can get the game earlier on October 11, 2022. PGA Tour 2K23 editions With four different editions to look into, here’s everything you can expect to receive with your edition of PGA Tour 2K23. Standard Edition The Standard Edition comes with the two bonuses you get when preordering the game. It costs £49.99 GBP / $89.95 AUD / $59.99 USD. Michael Jordan Bonus Pack:Playable Michael Jordan – Four Common Golf Ball Sleeves – – Standard Cross-Gen Edition The Standard Cross-Gen Edition comes with a preorder bonus and added extras. It costs £64.99 GBP / $109.95 AUD / $69.99 USD. All preorder bonuses from the Standard Edition – Golden Club Pack:Golden Touch Driver – Golden Touch Putter – Four Uncommon Golf Ball Sleeves – – Deluxe Edition The Deluxe Edition combines the two previous editions and adds in a bonus pack. It costs £89.99 GBP / $149.95 AUD / $99.99 USD. All bonuses that come with the Cross-Gen Edition and the Standard Edition – Deluxe Edition Bonus Pack:1300 VC – Hockey stick putter – Gold baseball cap – Gold golf glove – 3 rare tier golf ball sleeves – – Tiger Woods Edition The Tiger Woods Edition is the culmination of all the available bundles as well as a few added extras. It costs £104.99 GBP / $179.95 AUD / $119.99 USD. All bonuses that come with the Deluxe Edition, the Cross-Gen edition, and the Standard Edition – Tiger Woods Edition Bonus PackTiger Woods TaylorMade wedge set – Tiger Woods t-shirt – Three epic golf ball sleeves – – Tiger Woods Signature Sunday PackRed polo – Black pants – Tiger Woods shoes – Tiger Woods golf belt – Tiger Bridgestone branded golf balls – – Tiger Woods helping with the development of PGA Tour 2K23 Aside from being potentially the greatest-ever golfer in the history of the sport, Tiger Woods was also front and center of EA Sports’ golf game annually until the final entry in 2014. Complications on and off the course led to the game no longer using the golf phenomenon and it instead moved to Rory McIlory – and now it’s getting a complete overhaul in 2023. Then in 2021, 2K Games signed Tiger Woods to “an exclusive, long-term partnership” and the athlete said he would partner with 2K to “build the future of golf video games together.” Woods is serving as an Executive Director for PGA Tour 2K23 and has been offering his insights and ridiculous wealth of knowledge on the game to help shape it. PGA Tour 2K23 courses and golfers Courses In addition to the impressive amount of licensed courses, it’s been announced that PGA Tour 2K23 will be adding even more venues to tee it up with 20 officially licensed courses at launch. Here is every course golf in the game on day one: Atlantic Beach Country Club – Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge (Arnold Palmer Course) – Copperhead (Innisbrook) – Detroit Golf Club – East Lake Golf Club – Quail Hollow Club – Riviera Country Club – St George’s Golf and Country Club – The Renaissance Club – TPC Boston – TPC Deere Run – TPC Louisiana – TPC River Highlands – TPC San Antonio – TPC Sawgrass – TPC Scottsdale – TPC Southwind – TPC Summerlin – TPC Twin Cities – Wilmington Country Club (South Course) – Established favorites such as TPC Sawgrass, the home of The Players’ Championship, as well as TPC Scottsdale — the scene of many beer baths are all here. Not only that, but 2K has sweetened the pot more so by declaring that post-launch another four courses will be added to the game: Pebble Beach Golf Club, Spyglass Hill, and Torrey Pines North and South Courses. Players As well as courses, 2K23 welcomes playable PGA Tour Pros for the first time with the likes of Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Will Zalatoris, Tony Finau, Lexi Thompson, and Lydia Ko all set to be usable. Not only that, but celebrity appearances are even being lined up for the golf title as NBA legend Michael Jordan is also gearing up for the game’s roster of usable talent. PGA Tour 2K23 career mode Career mode is back, and PGA Tour 2K23 continues the theme from 2K21 by giving the players the choice to work their way up through the Korn Ferry Tour, earn their stripes, and rightfully earn their spot on the PGA Tour. Customization gets a bigger emphasis this year with the development of your golfer being broken down into key areas: Driving, short game, accuracy, etc. There will also be a deeper array of setup changes possible with it going as far as the ability to choose which golf ball you want to use in each round. Rivalries with Tour Pros and a greater, more in-depth presentation means that PGA Tour 2K23 is aiming to deliver the most compelling and authentic golf lifestyle imaginable. PGA Tour 2K23 Topgolf One of the biggest features coming to PGA Tour 2K23 is Topgolf, the party extravaganza that bridges the gap between casual golf antics and players who take the game a bit more seriously. 2K Games had this to say about the exciting opportunity: “Topgolf will make its debut in PGA TOUR® 2K23, challenging players to take on their friends, test their skills – and use more than a little finesse – to earn high scores and claim bragging rights. Featuring a true-to-life reproduction of the flagship Topgolf Las Vegas location, players will hit ten balls into a series of highlighted targets of different sizes and distances, earning points and MyPLAYER XP along the way.” Your aim is to score as many points as possible from your shots and the Topgolf challenge can either be enjoyed Solo or in groups of up to four players for local play or online multiplayer. There will be a global leaderboard to see how you perform against friends, family, and rivals around the world. PGA Tour 2K23 Course Designer When you’re not on the course trying to put on a birdie show, PGA Tour 2K23 welcomes back the very popular Course Designer mode with some neat touches and thoughtful upgrades. 2K has promised greater accessibility and more fluid mechanics to make the art of course design even more satisfying and appealing to long-time fans and casual players. The devs have gone as far as replacing almost every tree from 2K21 to make them look a lot more natural and realistic, in addition to bringing in a ton of new trees and bushes to give your creations more visual appeal. Not only that but the 300,000+ courses that were made in 2K21 can be imported over to PGA Tour 2K23! PGA Tour 2K23 platforms PGA Tour 2K23 is all set to appear on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, but there will sadly be no cross-progression across these various platforms. That’s all we know about PGA Tour 2K23 for now, check out more of our upcoming game hubs down below: The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | God of War: Ragnarok | Wolverine | Spider-Man 2 | Forspoken | Pokemon Violet & Scarlet | Wonder Woman | DokeV | FFXVI | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Sonic Frontiers | Dragon Age 4 | Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild sequel | The Witcher 3 next-gen patch | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Haunted Chocolatier | Hogwarts Legacy | The Expanse: A Telltale Series | Lies of P

PGA Tour 2K23 review: Championship material golf 2KPGA Tour 2K23 is a continuation of the solid foundations laid down by HB Studios with its prior golfing efforts and no mulligan is needed here as this true next-gen step-up makes solid strides. Being immortalized as a golfing great takes years of skill, practice, and hard work. This ideology almost mirrors HB Studios’ run with golf games as the Canadian game developer went from making a smaller, independent game called “The Golf Club” to working alongside the GOAT of golf himself Tiger Woods, under the stewardship of gaming behemoth 2K Games on PGA Tour 2K23. Even though PGA Tour 2K23 isn’t a completely bogey-free round of golf as one or two loose swings will keep you up at night, this is the best golfing sim around. PGA Tour 2K23 key details: Developer: HB Studios – Price: $59.99 / £49.99 – Release date: October 14, 2022 – Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC – PGA Tour 2K23 trailer: New swing, new success The act of carving out chunks of Earth with a 7-Iron is a concept that seems alien to many, but those who do will appreciate a ton of the effort that has gone into the latest iteration of 2K’s golf series. From subtle, yet immersive additions such as on-screen caddies and the ability to choose which brand of golf ball you want to take onto the course, to massive ones like Topgolf, there is an overall sense of ‘more’ with PGA Tour 2K23. For example, if a MyCareer tournament ended in a tie in 2K21, you’d automatically win. Now, you’re thrust into a heated play-off with rivals who finished on the same score. Say goodbye to the Splash Shot, unless you’re in a bunker, as this accessible explosion shot is no longer a greenside cheat, one that I relied on so heavily in 2K21. The emphasis on chipping is clearer than ever, and it’s a challenge that should rightfully test players. A ‘Punch shot’ has finally been added allowing you to negotiate any tricky overhanging obstacles obstructing your path to the green. it works well in tandem with the new 3-Click swing system that looks to be a friendly inclusion to casual players and more inviting to those perhaps put off by PGA Tour’s more realistic qualities. Real PGA Tour pros have arrived on the course as well with a number of the golf’s elite-level stars fully motion-captured into the game. The attention to detail is wonderful too as Jon Rahm comes equipped with his unique sawn-off three-quarter swing, and the game’s ambassador Tiger Woods retains his classic silky motion that has taken the Legend to 15 Majors. This star-studded list is also joined by celebrity inclusions such as Basketball legends Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry, and they’re accompanied by brand-new courses to take the overall selection to 20. Add in SkySports’ Henni Koyack as a new mid-round analyst and there’s a real emphasis on the finer details this year as HB Studios have clearly made a concerted effort to build the best golfing game possible. MyPlayer tees it up for you The way in which your present your created pro and how they’re artificially crafted has been given an overhaul in 2K23 as there are new Skills and Archetypes to shape your golfer like a pro would use exquisite artistry to shape their shot. Skills are presented in the form of a progression tree that offers boosts to every aspect of your game and are triggered during a round. Certain skills are tailored to give you a helping hand with lie percentages if you’re struggling, whereas Momentum skills will reward your excellent play. Whereas Archetypes are a set of pre-set attributes designed to upgrade the areas of the game you want to excel. Fixated on lashing 350-yard bombs down each fairway regardless of where it goes? Then ‘Powerhouse’ is the way. Interested in following the Luke Donald mold of accuracy over everything? Then a ‘Rhythm’ archetype may suit. Fittings are another tool presented to you and they are stat-altering modifiers that determine the strength, accuracy, etc, of your clubs through their rarity. PGA Tour 2K23 has made it so that you have more control over your path and how you want your ideal golfer to be and I’ve found the options to be liberating. The grass is greener, but patchy For all that the devs have done to reinvent and refine the way a golf game can be enjoyed in 2022, there are certainly some things that are still lacking, several iterations later. MyCareer is the game’s primary source of entertainment as you embark on a journey from Q-School to the Korn Ferry Tour to the lavish riches and fame of the PGA Tour. As with 2K21, it still feels a bit undercooked, and like so many golfers out there is not hitting its potential. The Rivals mechanic is pushed as one of MyCareer’s biggest allures as it sees you square off against different Tour pros over the course of your rounds. Yet, it still feels like an arbitrary mechanic that rewards you with very little for how much it’s pushed. Trophy presentations are a nice touch for claiming the win, but other than that, it just feels like MyCareer needs fleshing out a bit more like other sports games. Drills to help improve your player, even more, press conferences that could add more tension to a rival, interviews, etc. Furthermore, there are still basic components of the game being presented incorrectly such as the lack of lateral hazards – a basic fundamental of golf – that will unnecessarily add more shots onto your score as you basically have to go back to the point you played the original shot instead of taking an adjacent drop. I also feel that while Topgolf is a fun addition that will be a multiplayer staple, it too shares that familiar feeling of lacking substance. I think of Rory McIlroy’s PGA Tour golf which had a litany of bite-sized challenges to conquer, and Topgolf could do with expanding its repertoire a bit more as it risks becoming samey. Feels like you’re on the course Graphics are a noticeable next-gen step up in PGA Tour 2K23 as everything just feels smoother and looks more polished. The Course Designer has been improved to encapsulate the feeling of unleashing your inner Pete Dye, trees have been uprooted and remodeled to look even more life-like, and the prettiness of the game complements the engaging on-course action. Sinking a 30-footer draws the adrenaline-boosting roar of the crowd and you can tell that extra work has gone into the sound effects as the devilish crack of a driver hitting the ball squarely is almost too tantalizing for the ears. The same can’t quite be said for the commentary which has arguably gotten even worse this year with newcomer Henni ruining a putt I had to win a playoff. “Tweet tweet” she chirped reminding me that this was for two birdies in a row — not the win itself. It’s a small sore point, but one easily rectified by heading into the menus to turn it off. Speaking of which, the interface has also been redesigned and looks sleek, with a professional feel to it now. The Verdict: 8.5/10 PGA Tour 2K23 is more than just the standard annual sports release with minor changes here and there. It’s a two-year project that has added a ton of star power and new features. HB Studios clearly went back to the drawing board on this one and found new ways to make 2K’s golf franchise even more competitive and invigorating. Its realism and immersive qualities easily overshadow some of its weaker moments and make this one of the best sports games, period, and will have you eager to board the birdie train. Reviewed on PlayStation 5.

PGA TOUR 2K23 reveals elite roster of playable pros HB Studios / 2K Sports2K Sports have announced the roster of elite playable pros in their upcoming PGA Tour 2K23. Here’s everything you need to know. PGA Tour 2K23 is 2K Sports’ latest entry to their golf sim franchise. Their main aim is to provide players with a realistic take on the sport through stunning visuals and immersive game mechanisms. With every iteration, the devs reveal a fresh batch of an elite roster of playable pros in the game and it’s no different for PGA Tour 2K23. From Tiger Woods to Xander Schauffele, the list boasts some of the most iconic players the sport offers. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at all the pros available at launch in PGA Tour 2K23. Contents PGA Tour 2K23: All elite playable pros In PGA Tour 2K23, there will be a total of 12 elite players at launch. Each of these pros will be decked out in true-to-life attire and gear and feature unique attributes that are representative of their skill set. Here’s a rundown of all the pros that will available in the game at launch: Brooke Henderson – Collin Morikawa – Jon Rahm – Justin Rose – Justin Thomas – Lexi Thompson – Lydia Ko – Rickie Fowler – Tiger Woods – Tony Finau – Will Zalatoris – Xander Schauffele – HB Studios have planned to release additional pros and celebrity guests post-launch. We’ll update this section as soon as we have the info, so make sure you check back regularly. Players will get several options to play as their favorite pros. They may either step into the tee box in Exhibition, Multiplayer, and Divot Derby play or go head-to-head with them in a battle to climb the leaderboard and claim the FedExCup in PGA TOUR MyCAREER mode. Apart from all the pros, Michael Jordan will also feature as a celebrity guest in the game. Let’s see how you can play as him in PGA Tour 2K23. PGA Tour 2K23: Michael Jordan Bonus Pack Players also have the option to play as the famous basketball icon, Michael Jordan, in the game. All you need to do is pre-order either of the Standard Editions or purchase the Deluxe Edition or Tiger Woods Edition. If you pre-order the digital edition of the game, the Michael Jordan Bonus Pack will be delivered via game at launch. On the other hand, for players who pre-ordered physical copies, the Michael Jordan Bonus Pack will be delivered via code in the box that you’ll need to redeem in-game. The Bonus Pack also comes included with digital copies of PGA TOUR 2K23 Deluxe and Tiger Woods Editions. Michael Jordan is also one of the cover athletes for NBA 2K23. How to pre-order PGA Tour 2K23? PGA Tour 2K23 comes with several pre-order bonuses. There are four editions of the game in total and each of them offers some unique items if you pre-order them. If these bonuses have left you excited and you want to pre-order the game, here are some simple steps that you can follow: Go to PGA Tour 2K23’s official website. – Click on the “Pre-order” button just below Tiger Wood’s picture. – Once the page loads, select the Edition you want to buy from the menu on the left. – Then, select the platform on which you want to play the game and hit the Pre-order button. – Scroll down a little until you come across the “Compare Editions” section. – Choose your desired Edition and hit the Pre-order button. – Enter your details and complete the payment. – That’s it – you now have successfully pre-ordered a copy of PGA Tour 2K23. – The game releases on almost every platform including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. So, there you have it – that’s everything you need to know about the elite roster of playable pros in PGA Tour 2K23. If you want to know more about the game, including release dates, editions, and more, our PGA Tour 2K23 hub has got all the information you need.

PewDiePie revisits Amnesia 10 years later & instantly gets jumpscared YouTube: PewDiePie / Fictional GamesYouTube king Felix ‘PewDiePie’ Kjellberg hilariously got startled while playing Amnesia’s sequel, Rebirth. The personality revisited the popular horror franchise 10 years later after it jump-started his career a decade ago. [jwplayer IX7jLp7f] While many know PewDiePie as the face of YouTube, this wasn’t always the case for the content creator. In 2010, he began his humble roots playing titles like Amnesia: The Dark Descent in his small apartment in Sweden. The star revisited the popular horror franchise a decade later on October 19 when he played the game’s much-hyped sequel, Rebirth. However, Kjellberg’s dive into the new release hilariously left him startled just minutes into the story. PewDiePie gets jumpscared The popular YouTuber opened up his latest video by reflecting on the history his channel has had with the Amnesia series. “Here we are, 10 years later. Amnesia Rebirth is here. Obviously a lot of people know already, Amnesia was the birth of my channel,” he said. The star then pointed out that after a decade of waiting, he was now finally able to play a sequel by the original team that made Dark Descent: “It’s just really cool be playing a sequel made by the original team. Alright, let’s begin!” To match the ambiance of how he played the horror title in 2010, PewDiePie turned the lights down. However, a few minutes in to the story, a jumpscare startled him.”Are you f**king serious!?” he shouted, before putting his head into his hands and laughing. When another image flashed on the screen, he exclaimed, “Stop!” (Topic starts at 4:23) In April, Pewds explained to viewers that he genuinely gets scared easily. “I’m so easily startled. It’s so funny, because when I used to do horror games, everyone would accuse me “he’s faking it! he’s faking it!”… I get scared easily!” he said. Jumpscares aside, the 30-year-old’s return to the series was a treat for fans, with many nostalgic moments sprinkled throughout. The entertainer had callbacks to his 2012 Let’s Plays, such as carrying mundane items around as if his life depended on it. PewDiePie shouldn’t feel too bad about getting scared so early on though, as he was wearing headphones – making the jumpscare all the more startling for him.

PewDiePie owns “annoying” Fall Guys stream sniper in first time playing Devolver Digital / YouTube: PewDiePie[jwplayer IX7jLp7f]During his August 13 livestream, YouTube king Felix ‘PewDiePie’ Kjellberg hilariously owned a stream sniper trying to ruin his match in Fall Guys. The Swedish star took down the troll in the most perfect way possible. Fall Guys has exploded in popularity since its debut in early August. The physics-based party title has taken the streaming world by storm, as viewers flock to see their favorite personalities wipe out in epic fashion. YouTube’s biggest star PewDiePie has also been bitten by the bug, and during his first major broadcast of the game, faced off against a stream sniper trying to ruin the match. However, his swift moves hilariously stopped the troll in their tracks. PewDiePie owns Fall Guys stream sniper Over 125k viewers tuned in to watch the YouTuber stream Fall Guys. During his second match, he encountered a stream sniping troll trying to ruin his session by constantly grabbing onto him. “Stop touching me!” he told the user, before exclaiming, “This f**king pineapple b**ch knows who I am! F**k off, pineapple. Stop! You are super annoying and I don’t like you. God, stop. Just stop. No one likes you.” The pesky player continued to hold on to PewDiePie, dragging him back and forth, before the 30-year-old outmaneuvered them, causing the troll to fall off the level and be eliminated. “Hahaha, eat a**, pineapple! F**k off. Try to stream snipe me! F**k you a**hole!” he said, before breaking into laughter. However, the star wasn’t as lucky during his first match, where he was eliminated after being grabbed by another random player. “Stop touching me!” he yelled, before being falling behind the crowd. He took the loss in his stride, though, and laughed at how fun the game is regardless of whether you win or not. PewDiePie continues to crush it in 2020, amassing over 106 million subscribers to his channel. In May, the entertainer revealed he had signed a major deal with YouTube to livestream exclusively on their platform. The creator’s move to streaming has paid off massively for him, as he regularly pulls in 60-70k viewers each time he goes live. The star even peaked at over 220k during his The Last of Us Part 2 and Ghost of Tsushima broadcasts.

PewDiePie makes rookie mistake in Demon’s Souls and it’s hilarious PewDiePie, Sony Computer EntertainmentPewDiePie has become iconic in the YouTube space for his gameplay videos. The father of Let’s Plays, Pewds has discovered one of Demon Souls’ most frustrating features during a livestream. PewDiePie is simply a YouTube gaming phenomenon. The self-professed zero death king has played everything from Amnesia to Minecraft, and has recently tried his hand at the remake of Demon Souls, the precursor to the infamous Dark Souls. The remake of the iconic title has left critics pretty pleased, and we’ve ranked it on our ‘Best PS5 games to play’ list. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense that the YouTube sensation has decided to try his hand at the game. However, barely 1o minutes into a livestream, PewDiePie made a mistake that managed to cost him a lot more than he bargained for. Dying in Demon’s Souls makes you lose your souls Just as the Swedish gaming king started to make his way up a narrow pathway, he was knocked off into the abyss during a battle with one of the game’s many monsters. Head in his hands, Pewds continued to joke around but he knows in his heart that the unthinkable has happened: he’s lost all of his souls because of one simple slip. This has been confirmed by a Reddit post discussing whether or not players lose their souls when they are killed by the environment. Although the fix is simple – return to where you fell and click on your recently deceased remains, PewDiePie being typical PewDiePie opted not to do this and soldiered on regardless. The entire situation is hilarious and so stereotypically PewDiePie that it’s worth a watch – after all, how will the zero death king manage to navigate one of history’s most difficult games?

PewDiePie in hysterics after accidentally sabotaging KSI’s Among Us run YouTube: PewDiePie / JJ Olatunji / InnerSloth[jwplayer IX7jLp7f]Popular YouTube star Felix ‘PewDiePie’ Kjellberg was left in tears of laughter after he ruined JJ ‘KSI’ Olatunji’s Among Us game. The personality accidentally sabotaged the British content creator’s imposter run in the most hilarious way. Despite releasing back in 2018, Among Us has become an absolute cultural phenomena in 2020. The indie-developed title has taken streaming sites like Twitch by storm as its intense gameplay is perfect entertainment for viewers. Two of YouTube’s biggest stars, PewDiePie and KSI, teamed up to stream the game, however the Swede ended up in hysterics after he accidentally sabotaged the other’s attempt at being an imposter. PewDiePie sabotages KSI’s Among Us imposter run During a round of their collaboration broadcast, PewDiePie became suspicious of the the 27-year-old and thought that he might be the imposter. “The pressure’s on. Do your f**cking best, KSI. Do your f**cking best,” he said. Not long after, he turned a corner and actually ran into KSI just as he was killing another player. After catching the content creator as the imposter, the star broke down into hysterics of laughter as he reported the body. Trying to flip it on Pewds, the YouTuber screamed “IT WAS PEWDIEPIE!” Laughing, he responded, “It was KSI!” “WHAT! How is it me?! Did you see me kill?” JJ exclaimed. “Yeah, I saw you kill,” the 30-year-old replied as the whole room began to breaking into laughter. “Lies! It’s lies!” the musician said as a last ditch effort. (Topic starts at 13:02) Unfortunately for KSI, the whole room wasn’t buying his defense and ejected him from the game, giving the group a victory. The moment was entertaining to say the least, and a prime example of an imposter run gone wrong. The star shouldn’t feel too bad though, as imposters being caught in the act is fairly common and happens to the best of them. Popular YouTuber Grumbae created a hilarious compilation example of this that went viral. (Topic starts at 4:32) Among Us continues to dominate on Twitch and YouTube, as viewers can’t get enough of its tense gameplay and hilarious moments like PewDiePie catching KSI as the imposter. The title originally made its debut in 2018, however has found a major revival in success this year after taking off on social media and streaming platforms.

PewDiePie explains why Ghost of Tsushima is better than The Last of Us 2 YouTube: PewDiePie / Sucker Punch[jwplayer IX7jLp7f]YouTube king Felix ‘PewDiePie’ Kjellberg gave his final thoughts on Ghost of Tsushima after beating the PS4 title during a livestream. The Swede explained to his viewers why the samurai title was better than “dreary” The Last of Us Part 2. Ghost of Tsushima made its debut on the PlayStation 4 on July 17, and was met with overwhelming praise from critics and players. During his August 2 stream, YouTube’s biggest star PewDiePie praised the release as being “beautiful.” While giving his overall review of the Sucker Punch creation, the Swede explained to viewers why he believed the game was better than Naughty Dog’s The Last of Part 2 which he critiqued in June as being “a mess.” PewDiePie recommends Ghost of Tsushima over The Last of Us 2 The popular YouTuber opened up about his feelings on Ghost of Tsushima after beating it during his August 2 broadcast. The Swedish star praised the game for its beautiful visuals, and explained why the graphics made him want to play it more. “I don’t know how they made a game so pretty. I don’t know how they did it. It’s so good! It’s crazy how just a game looking nice makes you want to play it. Just graphically, it’s like ‘wow I love this, I want to be a part of this world,’” he said. When a viewer asked him if he would recommend the samurai release over The Last of Us sequel, he replied, “There’s no doubt. This is a game you can have so much more fun with. The Last of Us was just dreary and annoying. Comparing it to this, my God, why was it so… Ugh. Looking back on it, ugh, it makes me angry, it makes me sad.” The content creator loved the game so much, he said he plans to continue to play it off stream and complete it 100%. When asked what he would score it, he exclaimed, “It’s so fun. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a game like that. I loved it. I would probably give it a 8.9, very close to a 9!” When a viewer joked that Ghost of Tsushima was an eight but still game of the year, PewDiePie agreed and said, “I could see that.” Despite his praise, the popular YouTuber said the game could have done some things better, but stated he was “excited” for a sequel. While Pewds continued to to be critical of The Last of Us Part 2, he did reiterate that he still had fun playing parts of it. However, he stated that Sucker Punch had made a much more enjoyable game that he loved to get lost in. The 30-year-old also called the PS4 title’s ending “beautiful.”

PewDiePie and Jacksepticeye give their verdict on Cyberpunk 2077 PewDiePie/CDProjekt RedYouTube stars ‘PewDiePie’ and ‘Jacksepticeye’ have shared their opinions on Cyberpunk 2077 amid all of the backlash and memes – and they don’t really think that all the hate is necessarily warranted. CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 was easily the most controversial game of 2020, with many players complaining the title was “broken” or “buggy” even after being delayed. A few weeks after release, PewDiePie and Jacksepticeye sat down to give their post-mortem on Cyberpunk – and despite all of its glitches, they still didn’t agree with the vast amount of hate it’s gotten. Ever since the game came out, it’s been crucified online by players and critics alike, with many demanding refunds and Sony even removing it from the PlayStation store, – although it can still be purchased elsewhere. “No, you can’t enjoy the game,” Pewds joked after watching clips of some disastrous and hilarious glitches during a December 24 YouTube video. “People hate it.” Read More: How to fly in Cyberpunk 2077 – The thing that got most people, the pair claimed, was the fact the game was so hyped; so naturally, it was going to be a letdown for some. “I still like the game. I got a good kick out of it, I enjoyed what it was,” Jack explained. “It was never going to meet the hype anyways.” Timestamp at 17:00 in video below for mobile viewers. While they might not necessarily hate the game, the bugs are still an issue, with Pewds even admitting it had way more problems than he expected. Other games have had rough launches and gone on to play just fine, though. Take, for example, Assasin’s Creed Unity, which had a similar tale to Cyberpunk at release, but is a solid game to play now. “This is the thing: Assassin’s Creed Unity runs really well now on Xbox Series X and is amazing,” Jack told Pewds. “Just give it six years and Cyberpunk will be right there.” In its current state, CDPR’s ambitious new RPG has become more of a meme than a good example of the next generation of gaming, but Pewds and Jack might be on to something when they suggest just giving it (hopefully) just a little time.

Petition to save Team Fortress 2 from bots hits over 100,000 signatures ValveThousands have rallied behind a petition in an attempt to gain attention from Valve to fix their favorite game and it has reached over 100,000 signatures. The Valve war-based hat simulator Team Fortress 2 has entertained fans with team-based action since 2007. Becoming the source of countless memes, Garry’s Mod, and Source Filmmaker shorts, after 15 years, the community has shown no sign of slowing down for this classic shooter. While the gameplay is still fun and balance holds up, the swarm of sniper bots invading servers has rendered the game virtually unplayable. Players tired of the bots are coming together in a community-led event on social media titled “#FixTF2.” At the time of writing, nearly 140,000 signatures have been signed for the “Save TF2” petition, which players can complete and submit through their Save TF2 site. The campaign has led to a surge of players filling out the campaign, and this has caused a backlog of signatures to be verified. Nearly 53,000 signatures have so far been confirmed, with over 85,000 still awaiting confirmation. A similar campaign took place in 2022, called “Save TF2,” where fans praised the game and mentioned why it is worth saving. Valve did respond to the community, but outside of the Summer 2023 update, more needs to be done to quell the swarm of bots. On June 3, 2024, the community has planned a mass call-out event on X (formerly Twitter). Fans plan to post what the bots are doing to the game rather than praise it and why it should be saved, calling out the problems TF2 faces with evidence captured in-game. Team Fortress 2 YouTubers Weezy and Shork, the person behind the live-action “meet the team” videos starring the voice actors of the TF2 characters, are frontlining this movement. While the game suffers from head-shooting sniper bots spamming obscenities over the in-game chat, Valve has turned its attention to other ventures. TF2 remains extremely popular with a very active fanbase, including its own cast being big supporters of the game. On the “Save.tf” website, the hosts call out the risk that the bots present, not just to TF2 but also to other titles using Valve Anti-Cheat, such as Counter-Strike 2, which can make them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. “Cheating and abusive behavior affects more than TF2. Games such as Counter-Strike 2 suffer from flaws in VAC. Cheating and botting are large issues not only with Valve games but the industry as a whole. Something must be done.” The petition has received so many visitors that the traffic made the website temporarily crash and the petition put a hold on sign-ups so it can officially verify signatures. Now fans can log in with Google to instantly sign it.

PETA calls for God of War Ragnarok mode that removes violence against animals SonyAnimal rights organization PETA wants Santa Monica Studio to create a God of War Ragnarok mode that removes violence against animals. In recent years, PETA has entreated developers and gamers to reduce the level of violence committed against animals in video games. Following the release of Far Cry 5 in 2018, the German arm of the animal rights organization pled with Ubisoft to no longer market games in Germany that glorified hunting and fishing. PETA publicly pondered whether vegans could ethically enjoy Animal Crossing: New Horizons just a couple of years later. The organization even created a “vegan guide” for the game to help answer “tough ethical questions.” PETA wants a new mode added to God of War Ragnarok It hardly comes as a surprise that the latest God of War adventure hasn’t escaped the nonprofit’s notice. In a recent Twitter post, PETA shared gameplay footage of Kratos’ and Atreus’ battle with a giant wolf named Garm. The video notes that the father and son duo found the creature surviving in “deplorable conditions.” Meanwhile, the caption accompanying the post asks the crew at Santa Monica Studio to design a “PETA mode,” so Ragnarok “can be played without violence to animals.” Yes, sad and somber music plays over the above gameplay footage. And, no, this isn’t a parody account pretending to speak on behalf of PETA. At the very least, the clip does seem a bit tongue-in-cheek. The development team hasn’t responded to PETA’s God of War Ragnarok request at the time of writing. But a response seems unlikely, given the nonprofit organization’s track record with such matters. Either way, the rave reviews and high praise from players suggest many are enjoying the title, regardless of who Kratos and Atreus bring down along the way. God of War Ragnarok is out now on PS4 and PS5.

PES renamed to eFootball and goes free-to-play YouTube: eFootballGame developers Konami have made major changes to their legacy football game Pro Evolution Soccer, often referred to as PES, including a brand new name and release strategy. eFootball, the new title from the Japanese company, will be released later in 2021 as a free-to-play, digital-only game that supports cross-play — scrapping the annual release cycle. Built on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, eFootball is a fresh start for a franchise that has notoriously lost in the ongoing battle to the FIFA game series. The new title will be available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X & S and Xbox One, and Windows 10 via Steam. A mobile version will be available on Android and iOS at a later date. The change in name is emblematic of a change of internal perception around the game Konami have built. On their official website, they had “decided to create a new football engine” and the final result “was even more impressive” than they had anticipated. They believe they have “gone beyond the border of PES, into a new realm of virtual football.” The game’s competitive scene has been using the eFootball name for some time, with eFootball.Pro serving as their flagship competition. Major clubs like Barcelona, Manchester United, Juventus, Arsenal, Roma, and Bayern Munich compete in the league. With eFootball, Konami are aiming to improve upon the gaming experience from top to bottom with a new engine. They’ve overhauled the animation system and game controls, with specific gameplay details being released in August. Post-release content and game modes will be introduced to the game, adding upon the standard features such as local matches involving the aforementioned football clubs.

Persona insider claims P4 & P2 remakes “both exist” and could be coming next AtlusA Persona insider has claimed that Persona 4 and 2 remakes “both exist at Atlus” and could be coming next after P3 Reload. JRPG Persona 3’s remake has been nothing but an absolute success. The remake saw the complete recreation of the title, with updated graphics in the style of the most recent game. The entry saw acclaim both critically and socially, with new players jumping into the story while older ones refamiliarized themselves with the world. With the success of Persona 3 Reload, many are wondering if other entries in the franchise will receive a similar treatment. Especially with some of the older titles being so old, fans are keen to see what Atlus may have in store. Now, it seems good news may be heading fans’ way shortly, as an insider has claimed that Persona 4 and Persona 2 remasters “both exist at Atlus” and could be coming soon. Leak claims P4 remake and P2 remaster exist at Atlus According to leaker Im A Hero Too on Twitter, Persona 2 is currently being remastered for a newer player base. Titled Persona 2 Redemption, the remaster will include quality-of-life changes and a new translation. Redemption will be released on all platforms, including the Switch 2 and the next generation of Xbox. Due to the remaster being a smaller undertaking, it’s also rumored that it will be released either before Persona 6 or the year afterward. However, fans of Persona 4 may need to wait a bit longer before that game’s remake. According to the leak, Persona 4’s remake is a larger undertaking, and is “years away” from now, having not yet entered production as of writing. Despite the long wait for these remakes, the fact they’re in the works is a fantastic sign, with older players being able to indulge in the franchise once more while attracting new ones to the series.

Persona director reveals Persona 3 saved Atlus from “collapse” almost 20 years ago AtlusPersona 3’s director, Katsura Hashino, recently detailed how the game’s departure from tradition and new features saved Atlus from “collapse” nearly 20 years ago. The Japanese video game developer and publisher Atlus has been around for some time, and is most well known for its Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series. The Persona series in particular has garnered a large following among Western audiences, with 2017’s Persona 5 becoming a breakout hit overseas. However, the studio didn’t always enjoy this level of success as the Director of Persona 3, 4, and 5, Katsura Hashino, highlighted in a recent interview where he detailed how Persona 3 saved the company from “collapse.” Persona 3 director reveals how the game saved Atlus Hashino shared the story on a Japanese radio program called J-Wave Radio, as relayed by Genki_JPN on Twitter. According to Hashino, when Atlus was working on Persona 3 for the PlayStation 2 the studio was about to collapse and was told it may be their last game. Hoshino urged the development team to broaden the series’ appeal starting with Persona 3 to try and save the company. As most dedicated Persona fans know, Persona 3 marked a shift in the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona series. The game introduced the popular Social Link mechanic, the Calendar system, and a central dungeon area that centered around the combat system. However, Hashino struggled to convince senior members of the staff about these new changes but argued, “If we make a game that just makes the intense fans happy, how will it attract new people? the company will disappear.” During the radio segment, Hashino said he made an effort to analyze and break down the previous Persona titles’ systems, settings, and themes when proposing the new direction for the series. Ultimately, the development team accepted these new changes and Persona 3 was a hit among fans. Now, the series has continued with two major installments in Persona 4 and Persona 5. Fans of Persona 5 who have not had a chance to play the previous games can do so readily, as Persona 4 Golden is now available on all modern platforms. Additionally, a ground-up remake of Persona 3, called Persona 3 Reload, is set to release on February 2, 2024.

Persona 6 leaks claim game won’t release until after 2024 AtlusAccording to recent leaks, it seems that the next mainline entry in the Persona series developed by Atlus — Persona 6 — won’t release until after 2024. The Persona series experienced a major boost in interest among Western fans thanks to the release of Persona 5 back in April 2017. Since then, Persona has found success overseas with Atlus releasing updated ports and remasters on modern platforms like PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. With many contemporary Persona games now easier to access than ever, fans are hungry to see what’s next. Unfortunately, it seems as though it may be some time before players can get their hands on Persona 6, as a recent leak claimed it won’t be ready to release until after 2024. Leaker claims Persona 6 won’t make 2024 The leak in question comes from the Resetera forums, where a user going by the name Angie relayed information from a supposedly reliable leaker named I’m a Hero Too. According to their info surrounding Persona 6, they claim that it’s “a bit further away” than the last time they updated fans about the game, and claimed they “don’t think it’s making 2024.” Apparently, previous leaks originally estimated Persona 6 would have been revealed in Winter 2022, but that did not come to fruition. There were some other noteworthy details in this leak, as well. The leaker claimed the main theme of the game would be “black and white” and that the game still looked early in development when they saw it. Finally, they claimed that another unannounced Persona game is also in development and that it’s apparently a “party game.” As with every unconfirmed leak, it’s important to take all of this information with a healthy bit of skepticism. Still, it would certainly make sense for Persona 6 to miss 2024 for a variety of different reasons. With Persona 5 Tactica, Persona 3 Reload, and Metaphor ReFantazio set to release over the next several months and into 2024, it would make sense to give Persona 6 a bit of breathing room. Atlus also likely wants to make sure Persona 6 is as polished as possible before announcing the title, as Persona 5 raised expectations for the series quite a bit. Still, it’s possible the game could still be fully revealed in 2024 even if it’s not released that same year. For now, Persona fans should keep their eyes peeled for any official announcement from Atlus.

Persona 5X: Phantom of the Night: Trailers, platforms, gameplay & more Perfect World / AtlusA brand new Persona spinoff title, Persona 5X: Phantom of the Night, has just been revealed. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming title so far, including trailers, platforms, and gameplay details. The latest mainline entry in the Persona franchise, Persona 5, has already had a very celebrated and expansive lifecycle thanks to the success of both its vanilla release and enhanced edition, Persona 5 Royal. A Dynasty Warriors-inspired title, Persona 5 Strikers was also released in 2020, and now fans are getting even more Phantom Thief action in the form of the recently announced Persona 5X: Phantom of the Night mobile spinoff. So, here’s everything we know about Persona 5X: Phantom of the Night so far, including its official trailer, platforms, and gameplay details. Contents Is there a release date for Persona 5X: Phantom of the Night? – What platforms will Persona 5X be on? – Will Persona 5X be free-to-play? – Trailers – Are there any gameplay details? – Is there a release date for Persona 5X: Phantom of the Night? Currently, there is no confirmed release date for Persona 5X: Phantom of the Night. As soon as an official date is confirmed, we’ll be sure to update this page. A playtest is available for players in China to sign-up for, however, which will begin on March 29, 2023. What platforms will Persona 5X be on? Persona 5X will be available exclusively on mobile for iOS and Android users. The game’s style and gameplay will be very similar to the console editions of Persona 5 but its user experience will be tailored for mobile players. Will Persona 5X be free-to-play? Unlike other games in the Persona franchise, Persona 5X will be free-to-play but will feature microtransactions. At the time of writing, there are no confirmed details about what microtransactions the game will include but given the nature of the gameplay, our best guess is that these could potentially involve Persona that can be equipped in combat or cosmetic items to change the look of your party members. As soon as more details are announced regarding the game’s in-app purchases, we’ll be sure to update this page. Trailers Persona 5X was announced alongside official concept and gameplay trailers that showcased a new group of Phantom Thieves, as well as an Owl-inspired mascot who will likely fill the advisor role that the black cat Morgana did in the original game. You can check out both trailers below: Are there any gameplay details? As displayed in the gameplay trailer, much like Persona 5 on console, the mobile game will split players’ time between a normal high-school life and exploring palaces with the Phantom Thieves where you’ll engage in turn-based combat. Outside of combat and exploration, players will be able to spend their free time participating in various activities including visiting the batting cages, going to the gym, studying, or watching movies. Both style and gameplay-wise, it looks to be extremely similar to the original games, with a number of fresh faces for players to interact with. That’s everything we know about Persona 5X: Phantom of the Night so far! For more content about the latest upcoming titles, check out our hubs below: The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 4 | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | Assassin’s Creed Infinity | Wolverine | Spider-Man 2 | Wonder Woman | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Sonic Frontiers | Dragon Age 4 | Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Hades 2

Persona 5 Royal review: Phantom Thieves steal the spotlight on Switch AtlusPersona 5 Royal is finally being released for current-gen consoles, including the highly anticipated Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch versions. With all the enhancements and additional content in Royal, there’s truly no better time for new players to get their hands on one of the most engaging JRPGs of all time. The success of Persona 5’s original worldwide release back in 2017 did wonders for the IP in the West. As a result, what was once a niche spin-off of another niche series, now stands alongside the likes of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts as one of the most celebrated JRPG franchises in the world. An enhanced edition of the game, Persona 5 Royal, soon followed in 2020. Royal features an abundance of new content, as well as quality-of-life improvements that make it the definitive Persona 5 experience. In coincidence with the franchise‘s 25th-anniversary, P5R has finally made its way to Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC – meaning that one of the most stylish and captivating JRPGs of the modern age is now more accessible than ever. Personal 5 Royal key details Price: £54.99 / $59.99 – Developer: Atlus – Release date: October 21, 2022 – Platforms: Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. – Persona 5 Royal trailer A royally captivating story Persona 5 Royal kicks off much in the same way as the original game – with the protagonist, Joker, recounting the events that led to his involvement with the notorious Phantom Thieves, and his subsequent arrest. As the clock winds back the player begins to experience the events of the past six months through a dense introduction that gradually eases you into the gameplay staples of the franchise. In this initial flashback, we learn the Phantom Thieves aren’t quite as villainous as they sound – in fact, they’re simply a group of students that Joker met after he was charged with an unjust crime and sent to Tokyo’s Shujin Academy. The teens soon discover that they have the ability to enter the Metaverse (no, not that one) – a place where a person’s distorted desires are realized in the form of a Palace – and vow to use this to change the hearts of the corrupt adults in society. With an ensemble cast of ten, it’s perhaps a small miracle that every member of the Phantom Thieves is wonderfully fleshed out with a distinct personality. From your best bro Ryuuji to the analytical Makoto, the mysterious Morgana, and the athletic Kasumi (a new character exclusive to Royal) each member has a heartwrenching backstory that reaffirms their reason for joining the group. Altogether, the Phantom Thieves are an extremely likable and human (aside from the cat-like Morgana… but don’t tell him we said that) cast that is a joy to spend time with. Take your time Taking your time in Persona 5 Royal is actively encouraged, by both the core gameplay and the “Take your time” message Joker displays during loading screens. The most unique element of the Persona games is the calendar and social link systems. You’re left to your own devices every day once school ends and the majority of that time can be used to further your relationships with your party members and important NPCs alike. Each social link has unique confidant abilities that are rewarded to the player whenever their bonds strengthen, and these skills will often benefit Joker in combat. Battles take place during Heist segments when the Phantom Thieves explore their target’s Palace, steal the treasure within, and ultimately change their heart. Persona uses a traditional JRPG turn-based combat system where players control up to four party members. By calling on the power of their Personas, the Phantom Thieves can execute magic-based abilities during battle. You can also perform melee attacks, use slingshots and guns, and hold up enemies with the threat of an “all-out attack” – a powerful group finishing move. Joker also has the ability to recruit brand new Personas which can be fused together to create even more powerful creatures. Recruiting becomes available in combat once you hold up an enemy, you’ll be given the option to negotiate with them, and if they like what you have to say they may join you. Fights are swift, stylish, and fun overall, and P5R is able to deliver a refreshing spin on turn-based combat. Outside of infiltrating palaces, battling shadows, and bonding with your teammates, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Whether you want to commit to studying in the school library, catch a movie at the local theatre, or spend some time at the batting cages, there’s more than enough to keep players entertained. Style and substance Combat isn’t the only thing that looks stylish because the entirety of Persona 5 Royal is graphically stunning. Everything from the loading screens to menus oozes with style, and the vibrant color palette, creative Palace themes, and unique character designs all combine to make the world of Royal pop off the screen. The Nintendo Switch version of Royal, which I played for this review, looks fantastic and runs very well. Performance-wise, the game runs at a solid 30 FPS and the loading times are next to none, you’ll never be waiting for more than a few seconds in-between areas. Textures do feel slightly muddier and less refined than the previous PlayStation 4 release due to the Switch’s limited capabilities but the game is still a visual treat whether you’ve got it docked on the big screen or at your fingertips in handheld mode. Bound to steal your heart Overall, Persona 5 Royal is one of the best JRPGs of the decade. Its unique and compelling gameplay loop alongside stunning anime-inspired visuals and a killer soundtrack all combine to make Altus’ greatest triumph yet. Royal is still the definitive Persona 5 experience. The novelty of being able to pick up and play it anywhere due to the portability of the Nintendo Switch is a huge comfort. Verdict – 10/10 Persona 5 Royal is simply a must-play for any JRPG fan, and couldn’t be a better place to start for those who have yet to delve into the genre. If you’re a fan of lengthy RPGs full of interlinking systems and somehow haven’t played yet, we implore you to join the Phantom Thieves — they’re bound to steal your heart. Reviewed on Nintendo Switch

Is there a Persona 5: The Phantom X mobile game beta? Atlus/Perfect World GamesWondering whether the Persona 5 mobile game will be getting a beta release date? Well, our handy hub has outlined everything you need to know. The Persona mobile game, otherwise known as Persona 5: The Phantom X is the latest JRPG that has fans excited. While Atlus has recently released Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden to PC and consoles, there has been very little news when it comes to the sixth entry in the beloved series. While Persona 5: The Phantom X isn’t the next mainline installment in the ever-growing saga, it has captured the attention of Phantom Thieves fans from around the world. However, unlike the original Persona 5, Phantom X is a mobile title and features a new cast of characters. So, here’s everything you need to know about whether Persona 5: The Phantom X mobile game will get a beta. Is there a Persona 5 mobile beta? The Persona 5 mobile beta began in China on March 29, 2023. However, the game’s first public test is not currently available to play in other regions. It’s currently unknown whether Persona 5: The Phantom X will see a Western or Japanese release. This is frustrating news for fans who are looking to delve into a new Persona adventure, but while the beta isn’t currently available outside of China, that doesn’t mean the game won’t get localized in the future. After all, it’s still very early days. It’s also important to note, that Atlus has been keen to expand its audience for a number of its titles, with both Shin Megami Tensei and Persona receiving more attention than ever in the West. For now, though, those looking to play the Persona 5 Mobile beta will need need to jump through some hoops to play it or simply wait for an official EU and US release. Of course, we’ll be sure to update this piece as soon as we receive further updates.

Persona 4 Golden review in progress – The gold standard of gaming Over a decade since its original release, Persona 4 Golden is finally coming to modern consoles, giving players the opportunity to experience the title that cemented a once-niche franchise into one of the JRPG greats. With an unforgettable story and a handful of quality-of-life improvements, there’s no time like the present to tune into the Midnight Channel. Fans of the Persona franchise have been clambering for Atlus to make the older titles more accessible for years, especially after the roaring success of Persona 5, and its enhanced edition, Persona 5 Royal. Fast forward to the summer of 2022 and the fanbases’ collective prayers were answered when Atlus revealed that Royal, Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable would finally be coming to modern consoles. With even more enhancements made to these ports, there’s no better time to be a fan of – or a newcomer to – this mammoth JRPG franchise, and entry points don’t come much stronger than Persona 4 Golden. Persona 4 Golden key details Price: £17.99 / $19.99 – Developer: Atlus – Release date: January 19, 2023 – Platforms: Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. – Persona 4 Golden trailer Small Town Living Perhaps the most striking thing players will notice upon booting up Persona 4 Golden for the first time (aside from an eye-catching opening movie) is the stark contrast of its setting compared to the rest of the series. P4G trades in the vibrant environments of previous (and future) entries and instead chooses to immerse the player in a quaint countryside adventure. The game begins with the teenage protagonist arriving in the rural town of Inaba, where he’s due to stay with his uncle Dojima and younger cousin Nanako for one calendar year. Inaba is a far cry from the bright lights of the big city, and in the game’s opening hours, the small-town mentality and lifestyle are painted clear as you meet various residents. In fact, there is clearly so little going on in the town that its Inn is considered by many to be the biggest tourist attraction for outsiders. The small town routine that acts as a backdrop to the story only makes the sinister events that begin to unfold all the more unsettling – because suddenly in the town where nothing happens, people start disappearing and a murder case is opened. Although your uncle is the lead detective of the ongoing investigation, it’s you and your friends who end up discovering the true nature of the crimes after stumbling into the mysterious TV World. TV Detectives During the events of P4G, you’ll be joined by a main party made up of fellow high school students, and together you resolve to help those who have been trapped in the TV World – a bizarre supernatural phenomenon that’s directly connected to Inaba. The core cast of Persona 4 Golden are some of the best-written characters in any JRPG. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your peers thanks to the game’s social link mechanics, which is a delightful experience due to how distinct, fully realized, and endlessly charming they all are. From the feisty Ku Fung-loving Chie, the brash but misunderstood Kanji, and the clumsy but deductive Yosuke (to name just a few) every party member is a joy to bond with. Maintaining relationships is just as crucial as battling your way through dungeons in Persona 4 Golden and the more you bond with your fellow students during the game’s slice-of-life segments, the more your social link will increase and grant you additional buffs in combat. Play your cards right Combat is the other shining aspect of P4G’s gameplay. The TV World is made up of dungeons that you’ll have to explore while battling against dangerous shadows in traditional turn-based battles where up to four characters can be controlled. Each party member wields their Persona (powerful creatures that represent one’s true self) to fight but what makes the protagonist unique is his ability to collect new Personas, as well as fuse them together to create even stronger creatures. As you progress through the game, you’ll want constantly collect and fuse Persona to increase your strength. After successful battles, the player will be rewarded with a handful of cards to choose from – these cards can contain everything from a new Persona, to treasure chest keys, and healing buffs – so you’ll need to choose your cards carefully depending on your circumstances. Combat relies heavily on exploiting the enemy’s weakness – knocking a shadow back by hitting their weakness will provide you with an additional attack, and this can often turn into a devasting ‘all-out attack’ where all your party members will strike at once. Gameplay in Persona 4 Golden provides an excellent balance between an engaging day-to-day life simulator and challenging tactical turn-based combat – which results in a thoroughly enjoyable loop that will have players hooked for hours on end. A definitive JRPG experience PG4 was already the definitive version of Persona 4 when it was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and it quickly became the crown jewel of the portable console. Thanks to further enhancements that come with this modern port – including high-resolution graphics, a handy quick save function, and an adjustable difficulty that’s available from the very beginning – this is truly the most complete edition of the game yet. Verdict – 5/5 With an extremely gripping narrative, a fantastic gameplay loop, and a host of lovable characters – even just a dozen hours into what can easily become an 80+ hour experience – it’s abundantly clear that Persona 4 Golden is one of the best JRPGs of all time. Reviewed on Nintendo Switch

Persona 3 Reloaded gets beautifully detailed statue A new Persona 3 Reloaded statue of the protagonist has launched for pre-orders and it is intrinsically detailed in some excellent ways. Persona 3 Reloaded is finally here, and so is the merch. The remake has been getting some incredible reviews, with our own scoring it top marks. It doesn’t just stop there though, as Kotobukiya has put one of its trademark detailed figures up for pre-order. Now available at stores like Hobby Link Japan, the Persona 3 Reloaded statue of the protagonist will cost you around $140. Currently, HLJ has it for $132, with a nearly $10 saving during the pre-order period. Persona 3 Reloaded protagonist gets killer new figure The entire piece screams Persona’s aesthetic, with the protagonist standing on a splintering blue stand. You not only get the impressive look, but the details – while minimal – bring the whole thing together. There’s a gun, holster, and S.E.E.S sleeve, as well as the voluminous blue hair captured in all its anime-ness. As the protagonist is supposed to look windswept, even the tassels around his collar are “blowing” – so to speak. His jacket is lined with zips and clasps, encapsulating the entire M.O. of the series’ look down to the shoes. The figure itself is set to launch in July 2024, if you pre-order, you won’t be charged until the shipment is complete. Persona 3 Reloaded should see a new wave of merchandise hit stores soon, but it didn’t take long for Hyte to get in front of it. The PC case maker has had its Persona 3-themed PC case up on its store for some time now and it too, looks fantastic. Anything that has a moody anime boy with black and blue color schemes just looks cool regardless. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Persona 3 Reload: What is the protagonist’s real name? AtlusYou play as the male protagonist in the new Persona 3 remake, Persona 3 Reload, but what is the character’s name? Persona 3 Reload is a long-awaited ground-up remake of Persona 3, one of the most beloved and dark entries in the JRPG franchise. Reload takes the narrative and characters from the original release and injects a stylish visual overhaul to them that makes the presentation similar to the flare of Persona 5 Royal. Throughout your time in Reload, you’ll be interacting with a lovable cast of characters including your fellow S.E.E.S members and many unique NPC’s you can increase your social links with. You play as a male protagonist who you can name anything you want but you may be curious as to what his canon name is in the game. So, here’s everything you need to know about the protagonist’s name in P3R. What is Persona 3 Reload’s protagonist called? The canon name of Persona 3 Reload’s main character is Makoto Yuki. This name had previously been used in different media including the Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight spin-off, and the game’s film adaptions, before being confirmed as canon in the 2023 re-release of Persona 3 Portable, and carrying over as the official name in Reload. There are two other names the character has had, however. In the official manga adaption of the game, he’s called Minato Arisato, and he’s also known as Sakuya Shiomi in the stage musical The Weird Masquerade. What should I call the protagonist in P3R? Ultimately, the protagonist’s name doesn’t impact the story at all in Persona 3 Reload, so you can call him whatever you want! If you’d prefer to stick to the canon go with Makoto Yuki but if you’d like to feel a bit more personally connected to the game’s world you could use your own name. Persona 3 Reload: What are Twilight Fragments & how to get them | How long is Persona 3 Reload | Persona 3 Reload PC requirements | Is Persona 3 Reload coming to Nintendo Switch? | Is Persona 3 Reload coming to Steam Deck? | Is Persona 3 Reload coming to Xbox Game Pass?

Persona 3 Reload voice actors: English and Japanese cast AtlusPersona 3 Reload features a new cast of voice actors who will bring beloved characters to life for the remake. Here’s every confirmed English and Japanese voice actor in the game. Persona 3 Reload is a ground-up remake of the original Persona 3 coming to PlayStation, Xbox and PC on February 2, 2024. The third installment in the beloved JRPG franchise was the turning point for the modern Persona games, as it introduced several features including the calendar system and social links, which have since become iconic staples of the series. Persona 3 Reload will modernize the game for current-gen consoles, with a visual overhaul that’s clearly inspired by Persona 5 Royal — including stylish menus, and updated character models. Alongside this fresh coat of paint, a brand new set of voice actors will be bringing the cast of Persona 3 Reload to life. Here are the main English and Japanese voice actors you’ll hear int he game, as well as examples of their previous work. English Persona 3 Reload main voice cast All the English voice actors in Persona 3 Reload, as well as examples of their previous roles, can be found below: Japanese voice actors All the Japanese voice actors in Persona 3 Reload, as well as examples of their previous roles, can be found below. While the English cast is entirely new, most of the Japanese cast returns from the original (including all of the main characters) with newly recorded lines. So, there you have it, that’s all the Persona 3 Reload voice actors for both the English and Japanese cast. Make sure you check out our Persona page for all the latest news and information.

Persona 3 Reload on Steam Deck: Best performance improvements Atlus/ValvePersona 3 Reload has been making waves in the gaming community, sparking joy and nostalgia among fans. Now that the remake is here, a question looms large: Is Persona 3 Reload on the Steam Deck? The Persona game series is known for being a visual feast for the eyes, and Persona 3 Reload is no exception. The beloved RPG has come back with a vengeance, being remade from the ground up and bringing with it stylishly updated graphics and even a new cast of voice actors. The release of Persona 3 Reload marks a significant moment for both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers to the series. As players eagerly get stuck in, the compatibility with various gaming platforms, especially the Steam Deck, remains a topic of great interest. With that in mind, here’s everything we know about whether Persona 3 Reload is playable on the Steam Deck. Is Persona 3 Reload on the Steam Deck? Persona 3 Reload is playable on the Steam Deck and has received the top commendation from Valve. With the Persona 3 Reload launch finally upon us, the highly-anticipated remake has achieved the highest acclamation by Valve. According to its Steam page, the game is ‘fully verified’ for the Steam Deck, meaning there shouldn’t be any performance issues playing the Atlus RPG straight out of the box. This includes full support for the handheld device’s controls, display, and system functionalities. While its verification status should mean you can look forward to an uninterrupted and optimal playing experience with Persona 3 Reload, that wasn’t the case at launch. The r/Steam Deck Subreddit was full of reports of significantly low frame rates in certain areas of the game. How to change Proton on Steam Deck According to GamingOnLinux, a brand-new Proton Hotfix update has been released by Valve to rectify the issue. All it requires is changing the Persona 3 Reload Proton version on the Steam Deck. Here are the steps: Select Persona 3 Reload – Press the ‘Options’ button – Navigate to ‘Properties’ – Select ‘Compatibility’ – Pick ‘Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool’ – Select ‘Proton Hotfix’ from the list – The Persona 3 PC specs only call for 30GB of storage space before you can dive into the dark hour and awaken your heart. Picking up one of the best microSD cards for Steam Deck will ensure you have plenty of space to install Persona 3 Reload and more. Especially if you haven’t yet picked up the 1TB Steam Deck OLED or upgraded the SSD.

Persona 3 Reload review: A fresh and faithful return to S.E.E.S. Persona 3 Reload is bringing a JRPG classic from the PlayStation 2 era to modern audiences, but does it offer enough to justify its $70 price point? A lot has changed in the gaming world in the nearly 20 years since Persona 3 first launched. In that time, the series has exploded in popularity, with Persona 5 in particular expanding the audience for the once-niche JRPG franchise. Now, Atlus is revisiting the game that most would agree turned Persona into what it is today. Persona 3 Reload is a ground-up remake of the 2006 classic that modernizes the game’s visuals, audio and mechanics while delivering the same tragic and powerful story of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad. It would be easy to sum up Persona 3 Reload as the original with a coat of Persona 5 paint, but that would undersell how much has really been modernized and improved. Persona 3 Reload manages to balance faithfulness to the original with new mechanics, story content, and quality-of-life changes that really feel like they were always meant to be part of the experience. Persona 3 Reload – Key Details Price: £59.99 / $69.99 / €69.99 – Developer: P-Studio (Atlus) – Release Date: 2 February 2024 – Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC – S.E.E.S. the Day Persona 3 Reload, once again, tells the story of a high school student who, after transferring to Gekkoukan High School, becomes wrapped up in a mystery surrounding the Dark Hour. Players quickly become the leader of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (or S.E.E.S.) as the group tries to defeat Shadows and uncover the truth behind this strange and dangerous phenomenon. It’s a dark story – one that centers on the inevitability of death and features characters literally shooting themselves to summon their Personas. Still, Persona 3 is full of so much life and joy that the game is just as much about living as it is about dying. Making that theme even more clear are all the new scenes Reload adds. In addition to the returning Social Links, which are mostly identical to the original, the remake adds plenty of new opportunities to interact with major characters like the other members of S.E.E.S. and even some side characters (including one important figure I won’t mention for spoiler reasons). The original Persona 3 gave players few opportunities to interact with the male members of S.E.E.S., with only the female party members having Social Links. Persona 3 Portable changed things for the female protagonist’s route, but Reload introduces a different approach. Persona 3 Reload’s new hangouts add so much to the main cast, allowing the protagonist and players to bond with all of their party members outside of the main story. Activities like cooking or watching TV together let players get to know the rest of S.E.E.S., which also leads to new combat abilities and stat improvements. There are even extra opportunities to spend time with the guys (best boy Koromaru included) that serve as a compromise for the lack of Social Links. On that front, Reload also improves things by making romances optional rather than automatically occurring when reaching a certain point in a Social Link. Building on The Journey Beyond the additional story content, there’s still quite a bit that’s new in Reload. Many of these are simple quality-of-life improvements, such as direct control of party members in combat and UI improvements across the board. Other changes are pretty much lifted from Persona 5, such as the new All-Out Attack ending screens and Shift mechanic (Persona 3 Reload’s version of Baton Pass). Also notable is the way Reload enhances the Navigator role. Fuuka has various abilities that help you navigate Tartarus in and out of combat at the cost of her SP. This is one thing I really hope future Persona games take from Reload, as it lets Fuuka take an active role in gameplay. On top of all this is the Therugy mechanic. I talked quite a bit about this in my preview of Persona 3 Reload, but after spending more time with the game, I feel confident in saying Theurgies are the best addition to the remake. Theurgies are signature attacks that can be used once a character has filled a gauge. This increases automatically in battle, but you can speed things up by taking certain actions based on the character’s personality. For example, Yukari wants to keep her friends alive and gets motivated by using healing skills, while Akihiko’s fighting spirit is enhanced after using a support skill on himself. These conditions are the mechanic’s greatest benefit and flaw. On the one hand, I’ll always appreciate when an RPG incentivizes me to think and act like a character. However, while the special conditions all make sense from a character perspective, in combat, they are far from equal. Using the two examples previously mentioned, Yukari’s Theurgy gauge is pretty easy to fill, as she has many healing abilities and already serves as a great support character. But in contrast, Akihiko doesn’t have many support skills, so you probably won’t be having him buff himself all that often. The fact that the gauge increases automatically means these conditions don’t make certain characters unplayable, but if Theurgy returns in the future, I would like to see some more balance here. Looking for The Answer Last year’s announcement of Persona 3 Reload was met with both excitement and skepticism. While the prospect of a modern version of the game that set the stage for modern Persona and literally saved developer Atlus from “collapse” was an intriguing one, fans raised some understandable concerns. For one, Reload was revealed just months after the release of a Persona 3 Portable port that made a version of the game accessible to modern audiences. Beyond that, it was made clear early on that certain aspects of previous Persona 3 releases would not be part of the remake, including FES’ epilogue “The Answer” and P3P’s female protagonist. Those exclusions left many fans disappointed that Reload would not be the definitive, all-encompassing version of Persona 3 they had hoped, especially considering that this is a full-price AAA game. But while that disappointment is legitimate, it would be a shame to let that overshadow what’s actually here. An update or DLC with “The Answer” and the female protagonist would be great, but Persona 3 Reload gets a lot right, bringing the game to a new generation in a stylish way. Verdict – 5/5 If the goal of Persona 3 Reload is to modernize a classic JRPG from the PlayStation 2 era for a new generation of players, then it is undeniably a success. While there may be some legitimate disappointment over the lack of content from Persona 3 FES and Portable, what is here is more than enough to cement Reload’s status as a solid remake that delivers the now definitive version of Persona 3. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Persona 3 Reload producer confirms there’s “no possibility” of FeMC being added AtlusRecent comments from Persona 3 Reload producer, Kazuhisa Wada, confirm the female protagonist from P3 Portable will not be added to Persona 3 Reload. Persona 3 Reload has been a huge success for Atlus. Old fans have celebrated it as a faithful adaptation of the original, while newcomers to the series have been charmed by its unique gameplay and charismatic characters. With the devs recently announcing Episode Aegis — the remake of Persona 3 FES — is arriving in September, fans were hopeful another favorite feature from earlier installments would be making its way to P3R. The female protagonist, also known as FeMC, is a playable character added to Persona 3 Portable. Known as Kotone Shiomi in the game’s canon, the character was a huge hit with fans when P3P was released and many fans were eager to see her added to P3R at some point. However, according to recent comments from Persona 3 Reload’s producer, Kazuhisa Wada, “unfortunately, there is no possibility of that.” Wada made the comments in a recent interview with Famitsu, discussing the development of Episode Aegis and going on to explain why FeMC won’t be making an appearance. According to Wada, despite initially planning to include a female protagonist for Persona 3 Reload, development time and costs encouraged them to switch focus to Episode Aegis instead. Another factor that he says influenced their decision, was their “mission to work not only on remakes, but also on completely new works.” Despite the news that FeMC won’t be joining her male counterpart in Persona 3 Reload, The Answer storyline from FES will give fans plenty to sink their teeth into. Wada promises the remake will feature a more “compact” playtime than the original. Episode Aegis, the new DLC for Persona 3 Reload is set to drop in September 2024.

Persona 3 Reload preview: A stylish return to Tartarus AtlusPersona 3 Reload is set to breathe new life into a beloved JRPG, and Dexerto was able to go hands-on with the game ahead of its release next month. Persona 3 Reload is set to bring a classic JRPG, one that literally saved developer Atlus from “collapse” almost two decades ago, to new audiences. As Atlus is quick to remind you, the game is a ground-up remake – not a remaster – that modernizes the look and adds to the gameplay while staying faithful to the original. Recently, I was able to go hands-on with Persona 3 Reload. While I only played about an hour of it (which Persona fans will know is next to nothing considering how long these games are), I was struck by just how well it balances the beloved original and fresh modernizations. It’s Going Down Now My preview consisted of a week in between major story moments, providing a good feel for the day-to-day gameplay that makes up most of a Persona game. Those familiar with Persona 3 will know the drill: The protagonist and company are members of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (or SEES), an after-school club of Persona users tasked with eliminating Shadows and investigating Tartarus during the mysterious Dark Hour. The story itself remains intact, but Reload provides far more opportunities to get to know your classmates and other major characters. There are plenty of new hangouts and activities to enjoy, such as spending time at an arcade with Junpei and meeting Akihiko in town (and, of course, jogging home). Opportunities like these really helped me bond with these characters. Even as someone who has played Persona 3 before, it’s nice to see new sides to the members of SEES. Completing these new side stories also improves the player and their party members’ Persona stats, making them well worth the time. Locked and (Re)loaded It’s largely considered cliche among fans to compare other Persona, Shin Megami Tensei and other Atlus titles to Persona 5. But in this case, it’s unavoidable by design. The simplest way to describe Persona 3 Reload is “Persona 3 with a Persona 5 coat of paint,” but that really doesn’t do either game justice. Persona 3 Reload, from all the previews released so far and my hands-on time with the game, does borrow a lot from Persona 5. The UI, for instance, will be incredibly familiar to those who played the Phantom Thieves’ adventure, as will the stylish All-Out Attack finisher screens. Even with these, though, it still feels distinctly Persona 3. This is largely helped by the music, including the new songs composed for Reload. I’ll admit hearing some of the returning songs performed by new vocalist Azumi Takahashi was a little jarring at first, but the new arrangements are solid, and the brand-new songs fit right in. There are also brand-new features like Theurgy attacks. These are essentially signature moves unique to each character that represents their heightened emotions in battle. I definitely don’t want to spoil the way they are introduced, but I was struck by how well the game blends the first use of Theurgy with its storytelling and character development. What I will say is that the Protagonist actually isn’t the first one to use Theurgy, and the moment does an excellent job of shining a spotlight on another party member who absolutely deserves it. All in all, my time with Persona 3 Reload has me excited for more. Whether you’ve played the original (or one of its rereleases) or not, the game looks to be a solid remake of an excellent JRPG that gives returning players more than enough reasons to dive back into Tartarus when the game releases on February 2, 2024. If you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Persona 3 Reload: How to unlock every Theurgy Skill & Fusion Spell AtlusPersona 3 Reload has a handful of new features including Theurgy Skills and Fusion Spells that can be used in combat. Here are all the Theurgy Skills in the game, how you can charge them, and a ranking of the best ones to use. Persona 3 Reload has finally arrived, and alongside its iconic art style and addictive turn-based gameplay comes a handful of new features including new collectibles Twilight Fragments, changes to Tartarus, and the Theurgy Mechanic. Players build up their Theurgy gauge to release a devastating attack for a cost of zero SP. However, each character’s Theurgy gauge builds energy differently. Meaning players need to utilize some strategy if they want to make the most of them in the game. So, here’s a complete rundown of everything you need to know about Theurgy skills in Persona 3 Reload. Contents What are Theurgy skills? – How do you charge the Theury skill gauge? – Every character’s Theurgy attack in Persona 3 Reload – Best Fusion Spells in Persona 3 Reload – What are Theurgy skills? Theurgy is the new mechanic in Persona 3 Reload, which is unlocked on June 13. A powerful skill exclusive to each party member, Theurgy is activated by loading a special cartridge into a character’s Evoker and then summoning their personas. To unleash these epic ultimates, players need to charge up each character’s Theurgy attack gauge. How do you charge the Theurgy skill gauge? The Theurgy attack gauge appears right next to each character’s face and health in the battle’s UI. Once a gauge is charged, players need to access the Theurgy menu by pressing R2 / RT on the controller. Each character gets access to their own unique Theurgy spell, and each character’s Theurgy attack gauge charges differently. Plus, the protagonist gains access to a wide range of Theurgy skills called Theurgy Fusions. These fuse two personas, allowing them to act together and deliver a formidable ultimate attack. Players can access different fusion options from The Velvet Room, which they’ll unlock once they officially start their adventures in Tartarus. There’s a lot to take in with this new mechanic, but here’s everything to know about each character’s Theurgy attack and the Protagonist’s Fusion Spells. Every character’s Theurgy skill in Persona 3 Reload Here’s every character’s Theurgy attack, and how to charge each of them. Best Fusion Spells in Persona 3 Reload The main character’s Theurgy gauge will charge whenever they use their Persona skills. Unlike other characters, the Protagonist has access to Fusion Spells which are granted by fusing personas together. What each spell does is based on what personas have been fused. With so many personas to fuse, there’s the possibility for a huge number of combinations for Fusion Spells. Here are the best Fusion Spells to unlock by the community so far: While all the above Fusion Spells are powerful, Armageddon arguably packs the biggest punch and is also a requirement for players intent on taking down Elizabeth, the game’s secret boss fight. For more Persona content, check out our guides below: Persona 3 Reload PC requirements | Persona 3 Reload voice actors: English and Japanese cast | How long is Persona 3 Reload? | How many copies has Persona 3 Reload sold? | Every classroom & exam answer | How to fuse Satan | How to fuse Messiah

Persona 3 Reload: How to save every missing person – all dates & locations AtlusInnocent souls can get lost in Tartarus, it’s up to the protagonist to track down each missing person and save them. Here’s the dates & locations for every missing person in Persona 3 Reload. Persona 3 Reload has not disappointed fans of the original game, the socially-focused JRPG still has all the ingredients that made it a hit — including its deep and sometimes thorny Social Link system. Social Links boil down to the relationship between the protagonist and other characters in the game. Different actions and events can affect Social Links in different ways. In fact, depending on the choices they make in their playthrough, they may even have to save some characters from Tartarus to complete their Social Links. Starting from June, Elizabeth will notify players about lost souls who’ve accidentally wandered into Tartarus during the dark hour. Each soul has a deadline they need to be saved by, or they’ll be lost forever. Persona 3 Reload: All Missing Person Dates & Locations Here’s every missing person location in Persona 3 Reload. Plus their dates, deadlines, and rewards. There’s a total of 20 missing persons overall, so devising a plan and trying to rescue multiple wanderers on each trip is the best option.

Persona 3 Reload: How to increase every Social Stat AtlusSocial Stats have always been an integral part of the Persona series. While there’s only three Social Stats to worry about in Persona 3 Reload, they’re still important to game play. Here’s how to increase Social Stats in Persona 3 Reload. Social Stats were a huge part of previous Persona games, with five Social Stats the norm in both Persona 4 and 5. But in Persona 3, there were less stats to juggle, with only three for players to worry about. Persona 3 Reloaded has kept the same format, with three Social Stats players can max out: Academics, Charm and Courage. How to raise all Social Stats in Persona 3 Reload While players can raise their Social Stats through gameplay, there are also activities in the game’s downtime periods which will give them a boost. Maxing out Social Stats early can help players overcome stat checks necessary to achieve Exam scores, unlock Special Menu items, and there are even some Social Links locked behind stat checks too. To make sure you get the most out of the game’s story and deep character building, it’s worth spending some time to max them all out early on. To max out each Social Stat players will need to earn 230 Academic points, 100 Charm points, and 80 Courage points. Here’s how to increase every Social Stat in Persona 3 Reload. How to increase Academics in Persona 3 Reload Academics is an important Social Stat in Persona 3 Reload, for both Exam scores and Social Links. There are a few different ways players can increase their Academics, including eating at Wakatsu, using the net café, and studying. Activities for raising the Academic Social Stat How to increase Charm in Persona 3 Reload Charm is the easiest Social Stat to raise in Persona 3 Reload. Much like the other Stats, players can undertake activities in their free time to help them quickly level their Charm stat. Eating at the right restaurants, answering questions in class, and playing Arcade Games are all easy ways to increase the Charm Social Stat. Activities for raising the Charm Social Stat How to increase Courage in Persona 3 Reload Unlike Charm and Academics, Courage is a much harder Social Stat to increase. However, there are some activities that will help raise it. Working at the Chagall Cafe is one of the best ways for players to increase the Courage Social Stat. Activities for raising the Courage Social Stat Players can also hang out with SEES members in the Evening in the Iwatodai Dorm Room. Certain activities with SEES members can increase Social Stat Points. Whenever an activity with SEES raises a Social Stat, it’ll be indicated in the activity’s description. Reload Social Links With Stat Locks in Persona 3 Reload As mentioned, the Social Links for some characters in Persona 3 Reload are locked behind stat checks. Some key characters, like Mitsuru, Yukari, Mamoru, and Fuuka will require players to have their Social Stats at higher levels to pass their Social Link lock.

Persona 3 Reload has Atlus’ biggest Steam launch AtlusThe members of S.E.E.S have outdone the Phantom Thieves of Heart, as Persona 3 Reload has Atlus’ biggest-ever launch on Steam within the space of a day. It’s strange to think that Atlus & Sega were reticent to put the Persona series on multiple platforms. For years, they were restricted to PlayStation consoles, save for the occasional spin-off on Nintendo handheld systems. Everything changed when Persona 4 Golden was ported to Steam and quickly became a huge hit on the platform. This prompted a series of Persona re-releases on modern systems, with Persona 3 – 5 becoming readily accessible to gamers across the world. Rather than being a rerelease, the newly-released Persona 3 Reload is a full remake of the original, with new features and revamped visuals. And while it’s not coming to Nintendo Switch (at least not yet), it’s available on PC and other consoles. Persona 3 Reload is Atlus’ biggest launch on Steam Persona 3 Reload has had an incredible start on Steam. According to SteamDB, the game has had Atlus’ biggest launch ever on the platform, beating out the highly acclaimed Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster. Within the space of a day, the game hit a peak player count of 42,112 and an online count of 39,842. These beat out Persona 5 Royal, which has a peak player count of 35,474 and an online count of 9,064. Persona 3 Reload may have had such an amazing start because it’s the closest thing to a new mainline entry Steam has received. The other Persona titles are ports of existing games that are available on other platforms, while Persona 3 Reload is launching on PC at the same time as consoles. Persona 3 Reload is verified for the Steam Deck, and the fact that it’s such a long game means that it’s ideal for portable play, which may have factored into the decision for people to purchase it on Steam rather than getting it through PC Game Pass. It’s incredible to see the Persona series embraced outside of the console sphere. The franchise has produced some incredible RPGs, but many were locked to older systems for years. Thankfully, those days are over, and all can visit the revamped Velvet Room… except for Switch owners.

Persona 3 Reload players blown away by fully functional FeMC mod AtlusPersona 3 Reload fans seem impressed by a brand-new mod that introduces beloved protagonist FeMC to the game. Female protagonist Kotone Shiomi, otherwise known as FeMC, first joined the franchise in 2009’s Persona 3 Portable for PSP. She quickly became a fan-favorite character who many hoped would return for the recently released Persona 3 Reload. As such, there was much consternation among community members when news circulated that Reload wouldn’t include Portable content or FeMC. One group of fans made it their mission to rectify this wrong, specifically by designing a mod that added FeMC as a playable character. Dubbed ‘Femc-Reloaded-Project,’ the mod in question is now available for download on GitHub. Needless to say, Persona faithful couldn’t be more ecstatic. Persona 3 Reload fans applaud new FeMC mod YouTuber Faz has shared footage of the FeMC mod in action, showcasing the astonishing amount of detail that went into making her a fully realized character. The PC mod completely revamps Persona 3 Reload‘s standard blue color scheme, changing to the color most associated with Kotone Shiomi – pink. As some fans have pointed out, the modding team even went the extra mile to add in skirt physics. Notably, the mod’s user interface still boasts imagery of Reload protagonist Makoto, but players seem pleased with the changes nonetheless. One happy fan replied to the post from Faz saying the following, “It’s amazing how fast they were able to mod FeMC into the game. Now I wish ATLUS would actually release a version of P3R with her one day…” Someone else in the thread added, “Is a sick mod, I really do feel bad for people who wanted the FemC in Reload…” This fan-made FeMC mod may serve as the only way that Persona 3 Reload players can experience the game from Kotone’s perspective.

Persona 3 Reload fans love “insane” feature that’s easy to miss AtlusPersona 3 Reload players have noticed a small but impactful UI feature that they can’t help but love and it’s surprisingly easy to miss. Atlus’ remake of Persona 3, a fan-favorite JRPG from 2006, launched on February 2 to an overwhelmingly positive reception. Though it is a faithful remake, Persona 3 Reload adds a variety of new features including Theurgy Skills and Twilight Fragments giving new life to a classic title. However, it isn’t one of these more obvious new features that have impressed fans but instead a subtle aspect of the UI design that players can’t help but love. Persona 3 Reload UI trick proves fan favorite Impressed by one of the UI features in Persona 3 Reload, a fan shared the addition on X/Twitter in a post that has gone on to receive over 5,000 likes. The post states, “I’m sure most people have realized this by now, but it’s genuinely so insane that the battle UI uses the costume you have currently equipped,” showing the feature in action with Mitsuru’s Maid Outfit appearing in her skills menu. Equally impressed by the feature, another fan replied, “Yeah the filters they’ve cooked up for the menus and ui are so cool. I really appreciate the persona teams committing to amazing menus and UI I’m really looking forward to when persona 6 becomes a thing because I feel like that games UI will make love to you.” Others expressed similar praise responding, “Literally screeched when I saw this in game it’s so damn cool,” and “THEY COOKED SO HARD WITH THE STYLE OF THIS GAME.” Though it’s obvious when you see it, it can be easy to miss as another player admitted, “WAIT THEY DO??? IVE HAD AKI IN BUTLER MODE FOR MONTHS AND NEVER NOTICED HUHHHH.” Looking to explain how it potentially works, the most liked reply theorized, “I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the 3d model with a special shader trick,” with the custom shader automatically being applied over the relevant model.

Persona 3 Reload: Every classroom & exam answer AtlusLike other games in the series, Persona 3 Reload asks players to answer various trivia questions as they attend school and take exams. Here are all of the correct answers. In Persona 3 Reload, players take on the role of a second-year student at Gekkoukan High School. While by night you’ll be exploring Tarturus and attempting to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Dark Hour, by day, you’ll have to attend school like any other student. This sometimes means answering questions when teachers ask you or one of your friends to prove you’re paying attention in class. Whether you’re stumped by a question or simply trying to make it through the school day so you can get back to fighting Shadows, here is every classroom and exam answer in Persona 3 Reload. Every classroom and exam answer in Persona 3 Reload While many of Persona 3 Reload’s classroom questions can be answered by simply looking back at the lecture, some require a little more logic (or outside knowledge) to solve. It’s also worth noting that, you’ll get points in Charm for answering questions correctly in Persona 3 Reload. While other Persona games typically give you an Academics boost, in this game, it’s your classmates who will take notice. Here is every classroom and exam answer in Persona 3 Reload: That’s everything to know about Persona 3 Reload’s classroom answers and exams. If you found this helpful, be sure to check out the rest of our guides and other coverage on the game: Persona 3 Reload review | Persona 3 Reload PC requirements | Persona 3 Reload English and Japanese cast | Persona 3 Reload: What are Twilight Fragments & how to get them | What is the protagonist’s real name | How long is Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3 Reload: Every arcade game schedule & stat boost AtlusThe arcade games in Persona 3 Reload are one of the fastest ways for players to boost their Social Stats. Here’s the schedule and stat effect for every arcade game. Stats are an essential part of every mechanic in Persona 3 Reload, the intricate system of Character, Persona, and Social Stats and the webs they weave through story and gameplay are a defining part of the Persona series. And Persona 3 Reload is no different. While player’s stats level up passively as they play through the story, there are also activities available during the protagonist’s free time which can provide many stats with a solid boost. One of the quickest and easiest of which is playing the arcade games available at Game Parade, in the Paulownia Mall. Although, it does cost yen to play them. Arcade games can provide players with boosts to both their Social Stats; Academics, Charm, and Courage, and to three of their Persona Stats too. Agility, Magic, and Strength. The only game that won’t help with increasing stat levels is the Crane Game located outside the arcade. While playing this arcade game isn’t going to raise any Social or Persona Stats, players can win useful prizes from it. Plus, time won’t pass while playing the Crane Game, so it’s worth knocking out a few rounds when visiting the arcade. Game Parade is open every day, and every evening, too. Here’s every arcade game’s schedule at Game Parade, as well as which stats they’ll help raise. Every arcade game schedule & affected stat Each arcade game is available twice a week, playing them will raise a different Social or Persona stat. Crane Game Prizes The Crane Game is available to play during free time on any day. But what prizes players receive depends on the day of the week it is. And, there’s no guarantee players will get the prize they’re chasing the first time. Luckily, the Crane Game only costs ¥200 to play. Here are all the Crane Game prizes and their schedule.

Persona 3 Reload: All Trophies & Achievements AtlusThere are a lot of Trophies & Achievements you can pick up during your playthrough of Persona 3 Reload, and here’s a rundown of all of them in the long-awaited remake. Persona 3 Reload is finally here and the highly anticipated remake delivers the dark story from Persona 3 and the lovable members of the S.E.E.S squad to fans in a stylish new package with graphics and flare that are similar to Persona 5 Royal. Throughout the game, you’ll be navigating the hostile tower of Tartarus which is home to hordes of dangerous shadows during the Dark Hour, a mysterious extra hour between one day and the next. Outside of dungeon-crawling and attending high school classes, you’ll also have to develop your social links with party members and NPCs alike in your free time. For completionists out there, there are plenty of Trophies and Achievements up for grabs in Persona 3 Reload, so here’s everything you need to know about them. Persona 3 Reload Trophies & Achievements There are a total of 49 Trophies & Achievements you can unlock in the game, including the Platinum Trophy that’s exclusive to the PS4 and PS5 editions of P3R. You can find a full list of them below: A Most Remarkable Guest – Obtained all Trophies (Platinum) – The Fool’s Journey – Obtained 10 Major Arcana during Shuffle Time – Distinguished Visitor – Obtained 10 Major Arcana during Shuffle Time – Top of the Class – Aced an exam – A Legacy of Friendships – Maxed out all social links – People Person – Unlocked all Social Links – That Special Someone – Natured a Romance – Unbreakable Link – Maxed out one Social Link – The Power of Choice – Obtained 10 Personas during Shuffle Time – There’s No “I” in Team – Performed a Shift – The Strength of Our Hearts – Used all teammates’ Theurgy – Extracurricular Excellence – Rescued a missing person – Get a Load of Those Numbers! – Dealt over 999 damage in a single attack (All-Out Attacks excluded) – Shrouded Assassin – Initiated 50 Chance Encounters – The Thrill of the Hunt – Defeated a rare, golden enemy – Making the Dream Work – Performed 50 All-Out Attacks – Glimpse of the Depths – Discovered and conquered 10 Monad doors – Briefcase Buglar – Opened 50 treasure chests – Shattered Plumes – Used a total of 50 Twilight Fragments – The Horror of the Shade – Encountered a Dark Zone in Tartarus – Reaper Reaped – Defeated the Reaper – The First of Many – Performed a Dyad Fusion – Fusion Artisan – Performed a fusion with three or more Personas – Birthday Present – Obtained all items from a Persona Conception – Path to Salvation – Fused Messiah – Tempting Fate – Triggered a skill change during fusion – Eat Your Veggies, Peas! – Harvested a crop that you grew with a teammate. – The Grindset Mindset – Earned over a total of 50,000 yen from part-time jobs – Specialist – Maxed out one Social Stat – Peak Performance – Maxed out all Social Stats – Dorm Life – Spent an evening in the dorm with a teammate – Goumond – Ordered from a secret menu at the Iwatodai strip mall at night – Benevolent Purr-tector – Nursed a cat back to full health – In High Demand – Accepted an invitation to hang out five times – Beyond the Darkness – Unlocked access to the remaining Major Arcana – Through Thick & Thin – Unlocked a teammate’s Combat Characteristic – Eagle Eye – Acquired every Twilight Fragment in town – Awakended Power – Obtained Orpheus – SEES the Day – Joined the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad – Armor Disarmed – Defeated the Arcana Chariot and Arcana Justice – Back on Track – Defeated the Preistess – Empowered Protector – Defeated the Empress and Emperor – Never Toy With Mattes of the Heart – Defeated the Hierophant and the Lovers. – Amor Disarmed – Defeated the Chariot and Justice. – Dodging Lightning – Defeated the Hermit – Twist of Fate – Defeated the Hanged Man – The Great Seal – Sealed Nyx – From Shadows into Light – Watched the good ending – A Newfound Strength – Awakened all teammates’ ultimate Personas – For more Persona content, check out our guides below: Persona 3 Reload: What are Twilight Fragments & how to get them | What is the protagonist’s real name | How long is Persona 3 Reload | Persona 3 Reload PC requirements | Is Persona 3 Reload coming to Nintendo Switch? | Is Persona 3 Reload coming to Steam Deck? | Is Persona 3 Reload coming to Xbox Game Pass?

Persona 3 Portable vs Persona 3 FES: What are the main differences between the games? AtlusWhen Atlus announced they would finally be bringing the majority of the Persona franchise to modern consoles, the reveal that Persona 3 Portable would be ported was met with controversy from fans of the much beloved Persona 3 FES. There are some major differences between Portable and FES, so here’s everything you need to know about both versions of the game. The third entry in the Persona franchise has had quite an impressive history. It was originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006, followed by an enhanced edition, Persona 3 FES, in 2007. In 2010 another version of the game, Persona 3 Portable, was released worldwide. Persona 3 Portable was created exclusively for the PlayStation Portable and due to the nature of the console, there were significant differences between Portable and FES – which had previously been regarded as the definitive version of the game. If you’re new to the series and are wondering what the key differences between the recently re-released Persona 3 Portable, and the much-loved Persona 3 FES are, then we’ve got you covered. Contents What are the differences between Persona 3 Portable & Persona 3 FES? – Additional content – What version of Persona 3 is best to play in 2023? – What are the differences between Persona 3 Portable & Persona 3 FES? Initially, the most noticeable difference between the two versions of Persona 3 is their presentation. Persona 3 FES contains full overworld navigation in an explorable 3D world, allowing players to move around outside of dungeons in a third-person perspective. Persona 3 Portable streamlines this navigation for point-and-click gameplay, where instead of moving your character around each area, you simply use a cursor to interact with people and objects. Portable also has a lack of anime cutscenes compared to FES, with many of the impactful moments being played out through in-game dialogue and static images. Combat was enhanced for Portable and players were given the option to control their entire party, whereas you could only give direct commands to the protagonist in FES. Some combat mechanics from Persona 4 were also carried over to P3P, particularly the ‘one more’ weakness system where if an enemy is knocked back in battle, the player will be rewarded with an additional turn. The new port of P3P also offers more difficultly settings than FES, as well as the ability to quickly save at any point in or outside of dungeons. What additional content do Persona 3 Portable & Persona 3 FES have? Aside from the presentation and gameplay differences mentioned above, the other core distinction between these two versions of Persona 3 is the additional content they have to offer. In Persona 3 Portable you have the choice of a male and female protagonist – each containing unique dialogue options and social links that effectively provide enough new material to warrant a second playthrough. When first booting up the game, newcomers are encouraged to play the male protagonist route first while veterans who have played FES are recommended the female protagonist. While Persona 3 FES only has a male protagonist, it includes an endgame chapter called ‘The Aftermath’ – this is an additional story campaign that picks up from where FES ends and is highly recommended for those who want to experience the entire story in full. Unfortunately, this content was omitted from Persona 3 Portable. Which version of Persona 3 is best to play in 2023? There are advantages and disadvantages to both versions of Persona 3 and the pros and cons of both will differ depending on the individual player. In terms of accessibility however, anyone looking to play Persona 3 FES would have to find an original copy of the game for either PlayStation 2 or PlayStation 3. Persona 3 Portable is now available on all modern consoles – making it the easiest version of the game to find in 2023. That’s everything you need to know about the version differences between Persona 3 Portable and Persona 3 FES. For more JRPG content, check out our articles below: Best JRPGs of all time | Best Digimon games | Best Naruto games | Best upcoming JRPGs to play in 2023

Persona 3 Portable review in progress: Roots of modern Persona start here The Persona franchise has never been more accessible thanks to Atlus finally bringing the series to all modern consoles – including the much loved and often overlooked third entry, Persona 3 Portable but how does it hold up in 2023? Persona 3 Portable (P3P) has made its way onto modern consoles alongside Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal which means the JRPG franchise is now more accessible than ever. It was met with some controversy when Atlus announced that the Portable edition of Persona 3 would be getting a re-release instead of the much beloved Persona 3 FES, but what Portable lacks in some areas it makes up for in others. While it wasn’t quite as impactful as its successors would become, Persona 3 was fundamental in developing the series into what it is today, and the seeds of hybrid gameplay that became a staple of the franchise are firmly planted here – and that alone makes this game worth your time. Persona 3 Portable key details Price: £17.99 / $19.99 – Developer: Atlus – Release date: January 19, 2023 – Platforms: Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. – Persona 3 Portable trailer Dark times at Gekkoukan High Persona 3 Portable immediately presents the player with an air of ominous mystery when the protagonist arrives in the city of Iwatodai to find that all the lights have gone out and the streets are lined with coffins. The starry night sky has been replaced by a sickly green glow, and there are pools of blood-red liquid seeping through the pavement. This is The Dark Hour – a lost time between one day and the next where normal people are transmogrified into oblivious coffins and dangerous Shadows attempt to feed on their psyches. Enter the students of Gekkoukan High, and your new dormmates – the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES) a team who have dedicated themselves to defeating Shadows by exploring Tartarus – a mysterious tower that replaces your school during The Dark Hour. The members of SEES all have access to their Persona (a manifestation of their personalities that materialize as powerful creatures.) The protagonist soon awakens to their power too and discovers they have even more potential with the ability to wield multiple Persona’s. The formidable Mitsuru, cheerful and good-natured Yukari, and confidant Akihiko are the group’s founding members who are quickly joined in their work by yourself and your loyal pal Junpei. As far as JRPG parties go, SEES are a very likable bunch with their individual personalities being further highlighted in the game’s social link system. Persona is now known for placing just as much emphasis on its relationships as its combat and Persona 3 did a fantastic job of pioneering these mechanics. By spending time with other characters you’ll increase your social links, which will provide you with combat-related benefits. Outside of SEES, you can unlock new bonds by participating in various activities such as joining the student council, playing an online MMO, or becoming a member of a sports club. Tackling Tartarus Once you’ve adjusted to your new life, it’s time to explore Tartarus – a procedurally generated dungeon that becomes available to SEES during The Dark Hour. By ascending its floors you’re able to battle shadows, find helpful resources, and gain all-important EXP to level your Persona. Successfully defeating shadows will occasionally provide you with random rewards which can include new Persona’s – you’ll then be able to fuse these in the Velvet Room to create even stronger creatures. P3P uses a turn-based combat system where up to four party members are controlled. The key to battle relies heavily on being able to exploit a shadow’s weakness – knocking an enemy back will grant you an additional attack. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as using one character to knock down multiple enemies and then banding your whole team together to perform an ‘all out attack’ to finish things off. Outside of battle, you can command your party members to explore and defeat shadows on their own however you’ll need to keep a close eye on everyone’s well-being in between dungeon visits. If characters are tired then they won’t be able to assist you until they’ve rested for a few in-game days. A Different Perspective The controversy that Portable’s reveal was met with was bound to lead to apprehension from fans (including this writer.) I went into P3P aware of its fundamental differences to (what many consider the best version of the game) Persona 3 FES. There is a lot of content omitted from Portable, including an entire endgame chapter, but this port also features some great enhancements. Exclusive to Portable is a female protagonist with new dialogue and social links – providing enough new content to warrant a second playthrough. Another core change is the game’s presentation which is much more static due to the absence of over-world navigation outside of Tartarus. What the game lacks here, however, it makes up for with an immersive hybrid of visual novel and point-and-click gameplay. Verdict – 4/5 Persona 3 Portable’s gameplay is altogether extremely satisfying. Balancing your day-to-day school life with intense dungeon crawling is a well-crafted loop that clearly set the foundations for the franchise’s future success. In its early hours, P3P’s enticing story and characters have already resonated with and hooked me into the mystery of The Dark Hour and I can’t wait to spend more time with this brooding JRPG. Reviewed on Nintendo Switch

Persona 3 & 4 soundtracks are coming to vinyl & you can pre-order it now The classic soundtracks for Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden are heading to vinyl, with the pre-orders now live on Amazon. Since the PS2 days, Shin Megami Tensei has been filled with killer soundtracks. None more than the instantly recognizable tunes from Persona 3 and 4. Both games have this delicious combination of poppy, jazzy, and relaxing beats while you explore the world and a burning passion in battles. The albums are set to release on June 28, with a price tag of $45 for each vinyl. Persona 4 Golden’s soundtrack will come in yellow-gold vinyl. Meanwhile, Persona 3 Portable has a pink finish to it to reflect the female protagonist introduced in the game. Persona 3 Portable & 4 Golden get vinyl albums With music sung by the incredible Shihoko Hirata (Persona 4) and Yumi Kawamura (Persona 3), and the rest of the compositions from Atlus’ team, both albums are chock full of great tracks. It’s a testament to both soundtracks that despite each game lasting well over 80 hours or more for a full completionist run, they never get tired. From Persona 3’s more mid-2000s pop inspiration, to Persona 4’s more relaxed tone to match the non-city living, they fill the room with vibrancy that’s often unmatched in video game music. What songs are included on the Persona vinyls? Each album has a selection of songs from the games, which are listed below. Persona 3 Portable Side A Soul Phrase – A Way of Life – After School – Time – Side B Wiping All Out – Sun – Tender Feeling – Danger Zone – Soul Phrase -long ver.- – A Way of Life -Deep inside my mind Remix – Persona 4 Golden Side A Shadow World – Time To Make History – Let’s Hit the Beach! – Everyday Sunshine – True Story – Midnight Trivia Miracle Quiz – A Sky Full Of Stars – Side B New Year’s Shrine Visit with Everyone – Operation Steamy Vacation – SNOWFLAKES – Girl of the Hollow Forest – Memories – Never More -Welcome Home- – SNOWFLAKES -powder snow mix- – Revelations: Mitsuo – If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Persona 5, 4 & 3 on Xbox and Nintendo Switch: Release dates, trailers & everything we know AtlusThree core games in the Persona franchise are making their way to modern consoles. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming release of Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable on Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Atlus’ Persona franchise broke into the mainstream with Persona 5 in 2017, and its newfound popularity piqued the interest of many potential fans. However, not everybody could get hands-on with the game as the series had always been a Sony exclusive. Fortunately, starting in October 2022, three entries in the Persona franchise – Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable – are being released on new platforms. Xbox and Nintendo Switch owners will soon get to experience the beloved games. Here’s everything we know about the releases so far. Contents Do the Persona games have a release date for Xbox and Nintendo Switch? Persona 5 Royal will launch worldwide for all platforms on October 21, 2022. Person 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable’s release dates have finally been confirmed by Atlus. In an October tweet, they revealed that both will release on “modern platforms” on January 19, 2023. Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable will all be coming to the Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. During the Xbox Showcase 2022, it was also revealed that all three games would be coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one. Persona Xbox & Nintendo Switch trailers A couple of trailers have been released so far that detail various gameplay and cinematic footage from all three Persona games. From the brief snippets shown, the gameplay looks to be remastered for modern hardware, running at a solid 60 FPS. Something that Persona 4 Golden achieved with its Steam release in 2020, and that Persona 3 Portable hasn’t had before. Check out both trailers below. Persona Series on Xbox – Announce Trailer Persona Series – Announce Trailer Persona Xbox & Nintendo Switch gameplay features The Persona games are turn-based JRPGs that feature a four-party battle system. Each character wields a Persona – a physical manifestation of a person’s psyche – that can be utilized in combat to unleash unique attacks and magical abilities. Alongside their Persona, party members can deal damage with basic physical attacks and use items. The protagonist is able to recruit various Personas throughout the games, each with their own skillset, and Personas can also be fused together resulting in powerful combinations. The gameplay is typically split between dungeon crawling – where players will battle various enemies, including shadows and demons – and free-roaming segments. During the time outside of dungeons, you can explore the city, and increase your social links with other characters, including but not limited to your party members. Story The majority of games in the Persona franchise take place in modern Japan and focus on a group of high-school students – who are often tasked with unraveling a mystery and solving a dilemma related to another world – in Persona 5 its the ‘Metaverse’ / in Persona 4, ‘The midnight Channel’ – that’s affecting the real one. After the Nintendo Switch ports were revealed, Atlus released an official summary of all three games, where they stated: “Save others from distorted desires by donning the mask of a Phantom Thief in the critically acclaimed, genre-defining story of Persona 5 Royal, with previously released downloadable content included. Plus, there’s an urban legend that your soulmate might appear if you stare into a Nintendo Switch console on a rainy night in Persona 4 Golden. Unfamiliar stillness swallows the city, people turn into eerie coffins and otherworldly monsters called Shadows swarm in Persona 3 Portable.” So that’s everything we currently know about the Persona 3, 4, and 5 Royal Xbox and Nintendo Switch releases. Make sure to check back often for more information as it is revealed. Be sure to check out our other hubs below, for all the latest information on upcoming video game releases: The Elder Scrolls 6 | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | Digimon Survive | GTA 6 | Overwatch 2 | Assassin’s Creed Infinity | God of War: Ragnarok | Wolverine | Spider-Man 2 | Forspoken | Wonder Woman | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Sonic Frontiers | Dragon Age 4 | Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild sequel

Peridot review: Paywalled pet sim isn’t a patch on Pokemon Go NianticIt’s hard to talk about Peridot without comparing it to Pokemon Go. The two free-to-play games, which both hail from mobile developer Niantic, rely heavily on real-world maps and augmented reality to track where you are and how you interact with other players. In both games, the primary goal is to collect ‘em all – albeit in very different ways – and you’ll spend your time caring for a roster of cute creatures by feeding them, playing with them, and helping them grow. Where Peridot differs is that it’s a totally original IP, unlike Pokemon Go which already had a globally established and beloved franchise to pull characters from. There’s also no battling or trading to be found in Peridot, with the focus solely on raising your virtual pet. Oh, and AR is a requirement, not an option – so I hope your phone’s battery is prepared. When you first open Peridot, you’ll have a choice of three eggs in different colors. After making your decision, your egg will hatch and you’ll be given a Peridot (or Dot for short) with a “unique genetic makeup” that’s essentially a mishmash of different animal features, patterns, and personality traits. My first Dot – who I named Oscar – was an adorable little thing with cat ears, a horse tail, bharal horns, and a cheetah pattern across its body. As someone with a weakness for anything cute and cuddly, I was sold immediately, and so I spent the next hour figuring out everything we could do together. I could pet my Dot, feed it snacks, throw balls for it to fetch, or teach it tricks by swiping food across the screen in a specific pattern. Dots also have desires, like eating a specific snack or looking at a flower. This is where the game gets to show off its impressive AR features, as foraging on different surfaces like concrete, soil, or water will reward you with different types of food. At one point, Oscar wanted to look at a dog or a cat, so I introduced him to my boyfriend’s dog Tyler. It took a while for the game to process this, but eventually, it worked. It’s a nice way of involving your real-world surroundings and showing off what augmented reality is capable of, even if it’s not perfect yet. If you strip away those AR features, though, Peridot is essentially a Tamagotchi for your smartphone – and one thing I remember about Tamagotchi from my childhood is that they never kept my attention for very long. You can probably see where I’m going with this. The goal with each Dot is to raise it from a baby to a teenager and finally an adult. You do this by earning XP, which can be sourced from all those activities mentioned earlier; feeding your Dot, playing with it, and fulfilling its desires. The problem is there’s just not enough variety with these actions, so what started off feeling whimsical ended up feeling quite repetitive. The game does open up a little once your Dot is an adult. You can visit a real-life landmark known as a Habitat – which is a bit like a PokeStop in Pokemon Go – and send a request to breed your Dot with any other Dots that have been put on display there. On the flip side, you can leave your own Dot on display so other players can breed their Dot with yours (but be prepared for the endless stream of notifications if you do this). It’s a cool concept that adds a nice social element to Peridot, as you’ll never quite know what you’re going to get when you merge two Dots together. The game also encourages you to discover (or ‘collect’) all of the different Peridot Archetypes that affect the design of a Dot, like a Banana or a Unicorn, so if you’re a completionist you could easily spend months unlocking everything in the game. Unfortunately, this is also where my main problem with Peridot stems from – while I haven’t got to this point yet, Niantic states that players will “need to purchase a nest in order to Hatch-a-Dot”. These Nests cost £4.99 in the UK at the time of writing, which is a pretty heft cost to perform one of the game’s key functions. There is one free Nest in the shop right now, which should be enough to give you an idea of whether this game is right for you or not, but for anyone who does continue to play Peridot in the future, those payments could easily rack up. Of course, Peridot is a free-to-play game, so there was always going to be some form of monetization involved. But while other Niantic games like Pokemon Go have typically made sure that the basic gameplay remains free, it seems as though Peridot is putting a core gameplay loop behind a paywall. It’s an unusual decision, and I’ll be interested to see how this affects the game’s longevity. Personally, I don’t see the value in spending money to repeat the same process over and over. Despite the promise of every Dot being completely unique, when I used my free Nest to hatch a second Dot, it looked almost identical to Oscar, other than the fact it had a different color scheme. Had I paid for this, I probably would’ve been pretty bummed out. The thought of raising another Dot isn’t really filling me with excitement, either, as the game doesn’t currently provide much incentive to do so. Right now, Peridot feels more like a novelty than a meaningful experience that could keep me coming back every day – especially not when I’d have to pay real money to breed more Dots. I had fun messing around with the different AR features and I did grow fond of my adorable Oscar, but after just a week with the game, I’m already losing interest. If anything, it just makes me want to play Pokemon Go even more.

Perfect Dark finally gets gameplay reveal after five years of silence XboxAfter years of silence, Perfect Dark made an appearance during the Xbox Games Showcase, showing slick visuals and gameplay. Rumors of a Perfect Dark reboot started to swirl back in 2018, and while it was formally announced in 2020, the Perfect Dark reboot took the name a little too literally, as next to nothing has been announced since. The only news in the last couple of years was the fact the game was in a fluctuating state of limbo. The wait for more information finally ended, as Perfect Dark received a new gameplay trailer during the Xbox Games Showcase, showing off elements of immersive sims, first-person, and stealth action. It follows protagonist Joanna Dark as she stalks the streets of “The Cascade” in search of her target, Daniel Carrington. Navigating through the streets, Dark is seen pulling out a device that captures an unsuspecting guard’s voice to create a “deepfake” letting her pass through a locked area. After passing by a few secured areas, there’s a brief look at some parkour elements reminiscent of Mirror’s Edge. The trailer also provides a look at combat, as Dark dismantles her foes with pinpoint accuracy via an auto-targeting feature with her firearm or goes in close for a brutal takedown. Given it’s a reboot, this new Perfect Dark has gameplay that’s way different from previous titles. In a separate Xbox blog post, the devs revealed the game’s narrative and universe will be entirely new, although it blends elements from the first and second titles. Unfortunately for Perfect Dark fans, the trailer didn’t provide an update on the game’s release date. All we know for now is it’s coming to Game Pass on Day 1, courtesy of the Xbox website.

Pentiment review: A marvelous medieval murder mystery ObsidianPentiment is a 2D medieval adventure where the player needs to solve a murder that can alter the fate of an entire town. However, is Pentiment worth around fifteen hours of your time? As Pentiment is developed by Obsidian, we went into the game expecting a story-driven RPG that could be a cross between an old-school Final Fantasy game and something like Fallout Shelter. We were wrong about this though. While Pentiment does have some RPG elements, the game actually has more in common with narrative adventure games such as As Dusk Falls or Vertigo. Like these games, Pentiment is all about the choices you make and the conversations you have with NPCs. However, unlike most narrative adventures, which are more like playable movies, Pentiment also places a lot of emphasis on exploration and investigation. You can dictate Andreas’ background and skills, but this just serves to inform his conversational choices and how well he’s equipped to deal with certain situations. Say or do the wrong thing and the consequences could be dire later. Pentiment: Key Details Price: £19.99/$19.99 (Free with Xbox Game Pass subscription) – Developer: Obsidian – Release Date: November 15, 2022 – Platforms: Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC – Pentiment Trailer Murder in the chapel The game’s plot involves a young artist named Andreas coming to Tassing to finish his masterpiece. Andreas is renting a room in the home of some local farmers and travels to a monastery every day to work on his masterpiece and help the monks with their own commissions. He will catch the eye of a visiting nobleman early on in the game and will be given the choice to befriend this character or go about his business. Soon a murderer strikes and Andreas is forced to investigate and find the killer after his friend and mentor is accused of the crime. It soon becomes apparent that there are lots of people in Tassing with a motive for this crime, but it’s up to Andreas to find out who it could be – and more importantly, why they committed such a heinous act. The game never overtly tells you who the killer is but after a full playthrough and some process of elimination, we think we have a clear idea and that will inform our second playthrough. The question is, will you reach this same conclusion? Don’t expect any big Scooby-Doo-style unmasking. The fun is in the guesswork and the trial-and-error moments that could see an innocent person condemned – and the fact that some of the narrative twists and turns are out of your control. After all, Andreas is just one man, but your detective skills will serve you well as a player. Everyone is a suspect The bulk of Pentiment’s gameplay sees Andreas walking around Tassing having (sometimes long) conversations with the town’s inhabitants. These interactions drive the game and story forward. The more you walk around and chat to NPCs, the more you learn, and the more Andreas knows, the more equipped you’ll be to deal with tense and dangerous situations where a character’s life may hang in the balance. If you’re the sort of person who can’t stand reading lots of dialogue in a game, then Pentiment is probably not for you. However, unlike most games with lots of text, in Pentiment, every interaction, conversation, and piece of dialogue matters. We were genuinely interested in what every character had to say and even the most mundane of situations (such as sharing a loaf of bread with a carpenter) held our attention. That’s because there’s always a tense feeling of unease running through Pentiment, even when the characters are engaging in moments of levity. A killer walks among you and it could be anyone – and they are going to great lengths to plot your downfall. The butterfly effect Every interaction in Pentiment causes ripples and things you do and say (or don’t do and say) will be remembered, possibly for decades as the game spans over 25 years of in-game storytelling. Do you greet a nobleman with their proper title or do you casually nod? Do you cancel your plans to dine with one family for a chance to dine with another more prosperous family? You risk offending someone either way. Do you discuss the works of the sixteenth-century monk, Martin Luther, and his Protestant ideas, potentially infuriating the Catholic Abbot? Or do you risk offending a wealthy nobleman by turning down his request to debate theology? You may end up relying on both of these characters for patronage, so it’s a tricky tightrope to walk and every action has a consequence. The art style in Pentiment is essentially a playable storybook in which each environment still is a page. Every still is itself a gorgeous work of art, brimming with details like wildlife or hints at a character’s true nature. You can run through the pages as if it was a semi-open world and you’ll soon learn your way around Tassing. The game’s art style also draws upon art from the era that the story is set, adding a layer of immersion and authenticity. The Verdict – 5/5 We found Pentiment to be utterly addictive and would compare our playthrough to reading a great novel that we could not put down, which feels apt since the game is stylized as a medieval storybook. While the game looks simple, there’s an incredible amount of depth and those who like to lose themselves in a good story will enjoy every moment. The game was a little bit too long when compared to other narrative adventure games, and this risks some players not making it to the closing credits, but we’re mostly nitpicking. Like their protagonist Andreas, Obsidian has created a masterpiece that not everyone will appreciate, but those who do will remember for years to come. Reviewed on Xbox Series S Looking for more game reviews? Check out some of these below: Immortal | V Rising Early Access | Card Shark | Sniper Elite 5 | Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course | Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes review | The Sims 4 Werewolves Game Pack review | Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak review | As Dusk Falls | Steelrising | Vertigo | Saturnalia

Pentiment ending explained: Who is the String-puller? ObsidianHave you made it to the end of Pentiment and are still confused by the ending? Here’s everything you need to know about the ending of Pentiment – be warned heavy spoilers below. Pentiment is a medieval murder mystery set in sixteenth-century Bavaria where a visiting artist called Andreas is embroiled in a conspiracy that spans decades. During his first visit to the town of Tassing, Andreas is forced to investigate the murder of a nobleman after the local authorities seem content to condemn an innocent man – who happens to be Andreas’ friend and mentor. The hard part is, nearly everyone in town has a motive to kill the nobleman, and it’s a race against time for Andreas to find the real killer. Interestingly, the game never reveals who the canonical killer is, so it’s up to the player to gather enough evidence and decide who they think it is. However, there is a ‘String-puller’ who may not necessarily be the killer, but who’s encouraged and enabled them to commit the crime – and therefore has just as much blood on their hands as the person who did the deed. Two murders in Tassing No matter who is accused and sentenced to death for the crime, the town suffers, so the player needs to choose wisely, and it may simply make sense to pick the lesser of several evils. Andreas returns to the town seven years later to pay his respects to his mentor who has now died of old age. Due to the events of his last visit, the town will be in a state of disarray and the local farmers are locked in a bitter dispute with the nearby monks in the monastery. No matter who you sent to the block for the nobleman’s murder, this will have created ripples and sown distrust between different factions. Another murder occurs, this time of a leading member of Tassing’s council, and the town starts to riot in an attempt to find the killer. After setting their sights on another innocent person, Andreas is forced to solve a second murder. Once again, there is no canonical killer, but whoever did the deed has been motivated and helped by the String-puller. Depending on who Andreas picks, the evidence gathered, and how the events play out, the accused and several townspeople can be killed in a fire, or by the local authorities when they start to riot. The monastery is also burned to the ground and Andreas is seemingly killed trying to rescue some precious books from the flames. The story then moves forward by twenty years. Twenty years after the muders For the game’s final act, players get to control Magdalene (or Magda), a young girl to who Andreas gave a book as a gift during his second visit. Now all grown up and caring for her ailing father, Magda is tasked with painting a mural for the town. She needs to decide what the mural will contain and will be given the option to either include the riot and burning of the monastery or gloss over Tassing’s troubled past. She also begins to learn secrets about the town’s Patron Saints, and how they were actually retellings of pagan myths that were simply adapted by the town’s early Christians, then repackaged to fit in with the narrative of the new religion. Magda must decide to either paint the truth or continue the Church’s propaganda for the good of the community. The String-puller resurfaces, this time with Magda in their sights. They want Magda to lie about the origins of Tassing’s Saints as well as the riot and burning of the Monastery. Regardless of what Magda chooses to paint, she comes face-to-face with the String-puller and exposes their decades-long conspiracy. Andreas is then revealed to still be alive and he and Magda learn that the String-puller’s threatening notes, which have been cropping up in Tassing for years, were all written by a character called Sister Amalie. This nun lives in solitary confinement in the church and is met by Andreas several times throughout the course of his adventure and relys on the local priest for everything. Unmasking the String-puller It’s revealed that the priest, Father Thomas is the String-puller and has been using Sister Amalie to write his notes and controlling events from the shadows. He’s also responsible for both murders indirectly, by manipulating whoever you accused into committing the act. Father Thomas wanted the nobleman killed as he was in possession of a book that revealed that stories from Tassing’s pagan past have served as inspiration for its Christian present. Therefore, he felt like the Christian faith was under threat, and acted to preserve the secret. As Father Thomas hears the town’s confessions, he knew all their secrets and used this against them. His motivation for the second murder was also to preserve the faith, as the townspeople had started flirting with Protestant ideals and were rejecting the authority of the Catholic church. Killing the councilman essentially ended this little revolt by ridding Tassing of the ringleader. Magda’s mural threatened to undo all of his “good work” which is why Father Thomas targeted her next. After being exposed, Father Thomas attempts to kill everyone in the monastery’s catacombs by caving in the roof. However, Magda, Andreas, and Sister Amalie manage to escape, leaving Thomas to be crushed to death. Magda then finishes her mural in whichever way the player decides. Andreas reveals himself to the people of Tassing and is reunited with his old friends. So that’s it, the ending of Pentiment and the person behind all the killings is finally revealed. Looking for more ending explainers? Check out some more below: Scorn ending explained | Resident Evil Village Shadows of Rose ending explained | Modern Warfare 2 ending explained | Gotham Knights ending explained | God of War Ragnarok ending explained

Pegasus’ Toon World from Yu-Gi-Oh! now has a real-life version FamitsuThe Toon World book used by Pegasus in the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime and card game finally has an official real-life equivalent that is available to buy, but only in Japan. Toon World is a spell card that conjures a magical pop-up book, transforming existing monsters into much stronger “Toon” variants. Or at least, that’s how it worked in the anime when it was used by Pegasus, as the card version of Toon World was way weaker, at least until it got support in later sets. Fans have recreated the book featured in the Toon World spell many times over the years, but it now has an official incarnation produced by DMM Factory. As reported by Famitsu, the Toon World book can be purchased for 8,500 yen (around $55 USD). While it doesn’t have pop-up flaps, it does have an LED lighting display, which shines beneath a cover depicting the castle in the book. The lights are charged via a USB connection. The Toon World book can be ordered now, but unfortunately, it’s currently a Japan-exclusive item. The item itself will be shipped in September, so there’s time for Konami to announce a version that will be available in Europe or North America. The Toon World card left an impact on those who watched the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime when it first aired, as the imagery of Japanese anime replicating American-style cartoon characters and turning them into powerful (and creepy) monsters made them some of the most memorable creatures in the series. Owning a Toon World book would be an awesome display item for your Yu-Gi-Oh! nerd stash and something that Toon players could whip out in real life when they actually manage to play the Toon World card to the field.

Is Peacemaker in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League? WB/RocksteadyWondering if DC’s Peacemaker makes an appearance in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League? We’ve got the answer right here. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is finally out and has opened to mixed reviews from both critics and longtime Rocksteady fans alike. The game has stirred up a generous amount of controversy around the storytelling and a failed looter-shooter gameplay that has lost the iconic Rocksteady charm that was last seen in the Batman Arkham trilogy. Nevertheless, fans of the Suicide Squad franchise are praising the game for its hilarious take on the characters and outstanding performances by actors which makes it worth a go. Among the four main members of the squad, certain villains from the DC rogues gallery appear as well, with some hinted to arrive in a future DLC. As fans are playing as their favorite Task Force X member, many are wondering if the Beacon of Freedom Peacemaker appears in the game or not. Here’s the answer. Does Peacemaker appear in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League? The answer to that is No. Peacemaker does not make an appearance in Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The newest member of Task Force X from James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker was all the buzz back in 2021 when the film came out, followed by a standalone HBO Max series which received critical and fan praise. WWE Superstar John Cena played the iconic role of the anti-hero who aims to achieve peace and liberty no matter what the cost. Sadly for fans of Peacemaker, he does not make an appearance in the latest Rocksteady game, and neither have the devs revealed any plans of adding him in a future DLC as of yet. However, players have spotted an easter egg of the character within the game around Metropolis. In the video above the dove symbol that can be seen on the chest of Peacemaker is spray painted on a wall inside an alleyway. This certainly assures fans that the anti-hero does exist in the Rocksteady universe. However, whenever we get any news of the character’s possible entry into the game, we’ll make sure to keep you updated right here. Check out more Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League content before you head out to Metropolis to save the day: How long is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League? | How to get Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Twitch drops | Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League file size | Is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League on Steam Deck? | Is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League coming to Nintendo Switch? | What is the max level | Does Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League have crossplay and cross-progression? | Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League voice actors | Is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League open-world?

PC Building Simulator 2 Review: The closest you’ll get to an RTX 4090 Spiral HouseWith a wacky storyline alongside a plethora of features, PC Building Simulator 2 gives gamers and PC enthusiasts alike the ability to run their own businesses from the comfort of home. It’s been over three years since the release of the original PC Building Simulator, which brought gamers and PC enthusiasts together by offering a detailed building process alongside a great tutorial for those without general PC knowledge. Although the original was great, Spiral House is back with PC Building Simulator 2, and in some way, somehow, they’ve managed to make great strides in the sequel. With over 30 hours spent being a PC repair shop entrepreneur, the game managed to keep me absolutely obsessed with making sure I brought in the most money possible each day to run a successful business. With all the new features added to PC Build Sim 2, it’s safe to say that it’s nearly perfect for any PC enthusiast or sim-game fanatic. PC Building Simulator 2: Key Details Developer: Spiral House – Price: $24.99 USD / £19.99 GBP / $37.95 AUD – Release Date: October 12, 2022 – Platforms: PC – PC Building Simulator 2 Trailer Tons of new features As I mentioned earlier, Spiral House really managed to expand PC Building Sim 2 into something phenomenal. They’ve taken the wacky storyline of having your ‘crazy’ Uncle Tim randomly taking money from your wallet and sending you potentially stolen PC parts and added even more onto the story. By that, I mean that Uncle Tim may have burned down your original shop to commit insurance fraud. But yet, that’s okay because the new shop provides so many features that you’ll forget that your favorite uncle may be on the way to prison. They’ve improved the graphics, added the ability to do visual mods to computer cases, and immerse you in CPU changes with the ability to clean off and reapply thermal paste. To make things even better, PC Building Sim 2 introduces the ability to remove the stock air cooler from your graphics card so you can replace it with its water-cooling equivalent. Spiral House has also upgraded the workbench system in PC Building Sim 2 by giving users the ability to alternate each bench between three different options: Customization, Water Cooling, and Repair. All three of them come with items specific to the task at hand, and can even be switched while holding a PC for those last-minute swaps. The game also features a variety of quality-of-life improvements like an always-available tablet that holds a temperature sensor and power meter among a dozen other apps, the ability to assign ordered parts to a customer’s PC so you can keep track, and more. Become a PC Repair Shop mogul Just looking at the game in passing, you might think that the only objective of PC Building Simulator 2 is to build and repair customers’ computers. While that is a major aspect of the franchise, the new ‘storefront’ feature gives players a way to immerse themselves into the life of a business owner. While you’re running through your list of customers you have to take care of in order to keep your business rating high, the game also allows you to buy broken PCs to repair and sell in your newly renovated storefront. Soon after reaching level 3, the game adds the ‘Spares N’ Repairs’ app to your tablet that allows you to purchase between one and four broken computers. They’re instantly delivered to your shop, and a special workbench in your storefront gives you a dedicated area to work on these spare PCs. They’re no joke when it comes to supplemental income, either. Between sales tax and parts fees to fix the computers, you can bring home the majority of the sale as profit. Which, at the beginning of the game, is anywhere from $700 to $1,200 per computer — with up to four being sold at one time. Of course, you also have the ability to order parts from the shop to build your own high-dollar PCs to sell, potentially bringing your daily income even higher. Not only is this super helpful for paying your bills for the shop, but it also gives players more ways to enjoy the game. The Verdict – 8/10 It’s safe to say that Spiral House knocked it out of the park with PC Building Simulator 2. They’ve taken an already proven successful franchise and doused it in some of the best improvements we’ve ever seen in a game. Between the freshly added storefront and all of the new features, it’s well worth the $24.99 price tag. Reviewed on PC

PC Building Simulator 2: Release date, price & more Spiral House LtdPC Building Simulator 2 finally has a release date and its price has also been revealed. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming PC building sim. PC Building Simulator was released in 2018 and the game steadily managed to grab the attention of PC-building enthusiasts. One of the primary reasons for that is it provides an experience of building a machine from scratch, either for personal use or for a client. The game brings a challenging new 30+ hour career mode, several new features to deepen the PC building experience, and steps up the realism of hardware and software simulation. Only an avid PC fan knows the feeling of building such a machine and PC Building Simulator 2 is now here to enhance it even further.If you’re wondering when the game gets released and how much is it going to cost, we’ve covered that down for you. Contents PC Building Simulator 2: release date PC Building Simulator 2 launches on October 12, 2022, via Epic Games Store. Spiral House, the developer team, has claimed that the sequel pushes the limits of virtual PC creation, rendering players’ dream machines in more detail than ever before. They now have over 1,200 licensed parts from industry giants like AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA and enthusiast brands like Thermal Grizzly. PC Building Simulator 2: price PC Building Simulator 2 is priced at £19.99 / €24.99 / $24.99 on Epic Games Store. If you want to pre-purchase the game, it can be done from Oct 5 for 10% off the regular price. As a token of acknowledgment, the devs have decided to give a rebate of 15% to players who participated in the free open beta test earlier this year. They will have the option to buy the game at a discounted price through the end of 2022. We will make sure to update our page as soon as more details are revealed. Be sure to bookmark our page to not miss out on any news. So, there you have it – that’s everything you need to know about PC Building Simulator 2. PC Building Simulator 2 isn’t the only game scheduled for 2022 or beyond, there are many more that you can see here: Assassin’s Creed Infinity | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | DokeV | Dragon Age 4 | FFXVI | Forspoken | God of War Ragnarok | GTA 6 | KOTR Remake | Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild sequel | Overwatch 2 | Sonic Frontiers | Spider-Man 2 | The Elder Scrolls 6 | The Last of Us Part 1 Remake | The Witcher 3 next-gen patch | Wolverine | Wonder Woman

PC Building Simulator 2 Preview: A promising upgrade to the popular tech sim PC Building Simulator 2PC Build Simulator 2 has taken everything that fans love from the original, and somehow found a way to make it better. It has been three years since the release of PC Building Simulator, which brought entertainment to both casual gamers as well as your biggest PC enthusiasts with highly detailed building processes and almost a dozen different DLC packs. What made PC Building Sim stand out aside from simply having a high-quality game is its ability to include parts and accessories from the top manufacturers like MSI, Gigabyte, and ASUS. This gives users the most accurate building processes, which in turn gives the franchise an educational aspect, as players will be able to build their own real-life computers after playing the game. After getting hands-on with the sequel, it’s clear developer Spiral House has taken these same aspects into consideration with their upcoming sequel: PC Building Simulator 2. PC Building Simulator 2 Career Mode In the original PC Building Sim, the protagonist ‘Uncle Tim,’ who created “Tims RED HOT Repairs” decided to go abroad, leaving the shop to the player with no money, no components to use, and customers haven’t exactly been happy with the way Tim has been treating their computers. Being a true sequel, PC Building Simulator 2 continues Uncle Tim’s sketchy actions. Right as career mode starts inside of a new, run-down, workshop, the game points to a letter that Uncle Tim left on the counter. After you pick it up, you learn that the old home of Tims’s RED HOT Repairs “mysteriously” burnt down and, yet again, the protagonist is missing in action, not only leaving you with a business to run but a new building to renovate. Outside of the story and a change of scenery, it’s very much reminiscent of the original PC Build Sim. However, Spiral House has found all the right spots to somehow, make a good game even better. PC Building Simulator 2’s tablet makes multitasking easier In the original, players had to run back and forth between their workbench and work PC to do everything regarding the business, whether it be checking emails for new customer orders or making a purchase for an incoming order. Thankfully, no longer do players have to run back and forth between the workbench and PC to make sure jobs are accepted and orders are placed. Shortly after beginning a career, a tablet gets delivered that gives you all the basic features needed to run a successful repair business. PC Building Simulator 2 lets you assign parts to specific builds Running a repair business with multiple customers can be confusing, and it was definitely an issue in the original PC Building Sim. There’s nothing worse than receiving a customer’s computer, just to place it on the workbench and realize you don’t have the right part in your inventory. Spiral House has fixed that by adding a parts tracking system to the shop. As soon as you place an item into your cart, the shop asks what customer that part belongs to. The game also warns you if you place a PC onto the workbench without the proper item in your inventory, making the feature even better. PC Building Simulator 2 Open Beta The Open Beta includes the first five levels of the 30+ hour career mode, as well as a sample of Free Build with a limited number of the over 1200 officially licensed parts. If you’re interested in checking out PC Building Simulator 2, the Open Beta is available on the Epic Games Store from June 10 to June 20. And, those who participate will get 15% off of the price of the full game that is set to release later in 2022.

Payday 3 video shows unused hacking mechanic and fans wonder why it was cut SteamNew footage has surfaced showing Payday 3 players hacking content not present in the game, and some fans are wondering why. It’s safe to say Payday 3‘s arrival was less than stellar, as the highly anticipated third entry suffered from matchmaking issues, HUD changes, and the switch to always online. Since its launch, the heist title has faced an uphill battle. Patches have been in the works with hundreds of changes, only to be delayed until further notice. The game’s forums aren’t exactly the happiest place on earth, as fans wait for fixes to come to the maligned title. That said, one player shared an interesting snippet of a hacking mechanic not found in the game. Payday 3 footage shows unused hacking mechanic The general gist of Payday 3 is players are thrown into a semi-open world sandbox. Players must figure out how to complete their missions, which range from robbing a bank to escorting vehicles. One frequently used mid-match objective is to hack a certain device. It sounds cool, but the current system forces players to stand in a circle to progress a bar until the hack completes. Not everyone’s a fan of the mechanic, and many have lobbied for changes. It seems like developer Starbreeze seemingly had a different system in mind. Shared to the Payday Subreddit, footage showcased a hacking mini-game that featured a node puzzle. Much of the feedback left was overwhelmingly positive, as the general player base does not like the current system. “I’d rather do this over standing in circles. This is pretty cool wonder why they cut it,” commented one user. Another mentioned mini-games like these are enjoyable, as it would be fun to defend a teammate in the middle of a hack. Of course, not everyone thought this would fit in-game, with divided opinions amongst players. One stated, “These kinds of minigames never do well in any game lol,” while others thought it would work, provided the levels needed to clear the hack were reduced. The user who shared this footage made it clear this was either cut or could come back in future updates. Payday 3 has plenty of content planned for the foreseeable future, so don’t be surprised if this hack finds its way in.

Payday 3 Update 1.1.1 patch notes: Unready button, controller fixes & more Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 has a new update, bringing with it a few new improvements and fixes to the co-op game including an unready button and controller deadzone fixes. Here are the patch notes for Update 1.1.1. After player frustrations led developer Starbreeze to assemble a strike team to tackle the numerous complaints, a new roadmap of improvements and fixes to Payday 3 was released earlier this month. This includes the often-requested offline mode and server browser features that were missing at release. Now, two months after the last patch to the game, Payday 3 has received the 1.1.1 update, which brings many improvements that have been on players’ wishlists since launch. Most notably, an unready button has been added, as well as DirectX 12 and DLSS support on PC. Here are the patch notes. Payday 3 Update 1.1.1 patch notes Here are the Payday 3 1.1.1 patch notes, available now on PC, Xbox and PS5, as taken from the official announcement. The update is around 3GB on consoles and 6GB on PC. UPDATE HIGHLIGHTS & NEW FEATURES Nvidia Image scaling upscaler (NIS), Nvidia DLAA(v3.5), Nvidia DLSS super resolution(v3.5). Some new tech features that let us take advantage of Nvidia’s advanced features. – – DirectX 12 Added DirectX12 as the standard graphics API, inhouse testing shows a significant performance improvement when using DX12. DX11 remains and can be manually chosen with the launch option ““. – – Hardcore “Cook Off” Challenge Reward There’s a new challenge called “Kiss the Chef.” Securing 19 bags of perfectly cooked meth on Cook Off on OVERKILL difficulty will reward a unique weapon charm. – – There’s a new challenge called “Kiss the Chef.” – Various UI improvements We’ve made several fixes to the UI, such as adding sliders, as well as added the much requested lobby unready function. – – Controller Dead Zone settings Additional controller settings allow for a much finer customization of your controller gameplay. – – Rotating Security Modifiers Starting with this patch, we’ll be rotating security modifiers on all heists for Very Hard and Overkill difficulty, to freshen up the experience. We’ll be updating the modifier distribution every two weeks. In the future, expect more stealth modifiers and loud modifiers in the rotation. – – Game State Consistency The game will now remember if you’ve chosen to show or hide the story videos in the heist selection even after restarting the game. – Lobby type and difficulty will now automatically be set to the same as the previous game. – – KNOWN ISSUES Skill point assignment has been reset on loadouts but you retain your earned skill points, so remember to recreate your builds after updating the game. – [PC] The introduction of DX12 support has helped us to identify an issue that is present in the previous version of the game that we were unable to reproduce on DX11. This means that there is a rare edge-case issue while using GeForce Experience/Shadowplay’s ‘Instant Replay’ feature can cause a system lock if you ALT+Tab during game startup, or while switching between fullscreen and windowed modes in the game’s video settings. We advise turning off ‘Instant Replay’ in the Nvidia settings to prevent this issue while we work on a fix for this. – – GENERAL The game will now remember if you’ve chosen to show or hide the story videos in the heist selection even after restarting the game. – Lobby type and difficulty will now automatically be set to the same as the previous game. – Prevented a party slot from being reserved if the player aborted or failed to join the lobby. – Fixed an issue of where bumping into an escorting guard will reset the escort – Fixed an issue of where guards don’t react if players bump into them while investigating. – Fixed an issue of where keypad highlights are hard to read due to lighting conditions – Fixed a possibly crash happening during an OVK weapon drop – Fixed an issue with security camera marking targets along with sensor tool outlines – Fixed an issue of where some skills selected in loadout were not active in the heist – Fixed an issue with the controller in menus where it becomes unresponsive after switching inputs – Fixed an issue of where the drill fixing animation keeps playing after canceling the interaction when two players start the interaction at the same time – Tweaked so that keypads highlights are now easier to see – Fixed a potential crash on crew AI – Fixed an issue of where lobby chat input didn’t work when entering pre planning lobby – Fixed an issue of where players can throw civilians through cuttable fences when it’s not been cut yet. – Fixed an issue with no outline is shown when a radio pops up on a dead guard – Fixed a plausible crash from Crew AI – Fixed an issue of where attack drones didn’t target crew AI – Fixed an issue of where picking up dead bodies ended up in T-pose and horizontal when released – Fixed an issue with first aid kits and repair kit outlines which couldn’t be seen in the distance – Improved Cloaker sneaking to be more reliable – Fixed an issue with voting in heists, where if a player left during a voting session, they still counted in for the final result – Fixed a crash related to loadouts when setting weapon pattern color – Fixed an issue of where players were unable to move or shoot after being revived a third time – Fixed so ECM jammer icon doesn’t get stuck on screen permanently if the player that put it down leaves – Fixed an issue of where players sometimes being ready in lobby didn’t move them into the session – Fixed an issue of where players were able to get infinite throwables/placeables & tool ammo. – Tweaked so that drones may now be highlighted by sensor tools – Fixed an issue of where NPC civilians sometimes didn’t react to broken windows – Added an outline to traded and rescued NPC hostages – Fixed an issue with Match summary screen after completing a tutorial level – Fixed so that sentry guns don’t disappear when accidentally spawned closed to an area they shouldn’t be able to – Tweaked the reload input to not “accidently” happen while the player is “interacting” in-game with controllers – Fixed an issue of where NPC AI tends to get stuck on vehicles – Added settings option to “Hold to slide” – Fixed an issue with tools being visibly floating when placed on glass or fence and cut through – Added player death animations – Fixed an issue with “Starter Kit” challenges being completed when not meeting the requirements – Fixed an issue of where players could change weapon while being cuffed – Fixed an issue with negotiation phase will only end when civilian is actually killed and not just despawned from being traded – Tweaked an issue of where Cloakers sometimes not completed their sabotage action – Fixed an issue of civilians not properly reacting to seen illegal actions – Fixed an issue of players sometimes not being able to escape if there are more than 1 player in the server – Fixed an issue of where Infamy points weren’t calculated correctly – Prevents the game from locking if the restart button is pressed repeatedly from the heist-failed screen. – Fixed an issue for preventing parties being dissolved after heist completion. – Fixed an issue with Scrambler Aced Rush buff not being refreshed by the Transporter Skill – The sneakier heister may notice 2 new masks in the game files, these will be unlockable in a future community event. You may see them in our official streams before they are made publicly available – BALANCE Skills Tweaked the skill “Disengage” (Tank) so that sprinting is not blocked by Nader gas “Disengage sees a lot of use, but after the once-per-heist effect is over, it feels like a wasted skill point. With this change, we want it to still have an impact” -Mio – – “Hardy” (Tank) has been changed to: “When one of your armor chunks breaks, you gain damage immunity for 2 seconds.” “Hardy’s use felt redundant compared to “Solid” (Enforcer), so we’ve changed it to this new effect to give players more margin for error when in combat.” -Mio – – Shell Shock” (Demolitionist) now works on all enemies and its bonus is increased to 20% (from 10%) – Tweaked so that throwable flashbangs now also trigger the Demolitionist Aced skill “This was an oversight on our part.” -Mio – – Negotiator” (Manipulator) now drops 2 extra resources (from 1) “Negotiator didn’t feel like it was worth taking until you exhausted all other trading upgrades, so we’ve made it drop an additional resource to make it more appealing.” -Mio – – CQC Specialist Base has been changed to say: “Whenever you grab a human shield, gain or refresh RUSH” “We’ve made several changes to the CQC Specialist line to improve its flow and utility.” -Mio – – CQC Specialist Aced has been changed to say: “Whenever you perform a takedown, gain or refresh GRIT” – Groundskeeper” (CQC Specialist) now has increased takedown speed bonus to 60% (from 20%) – “Savage Takedown” (CQC Specialist) now intimidates civilians when grabbing human shields and not when performing a takedown – “Soft Assets” (CQC Specialist) has been changed to now say: “If you have RUSH and shove away a SWAT you held as a human shield, RUSH is consumed, and you repair your current armor chunk if it’s damaged. This ability only triggers once per enemy. You move 5% faster while holding a human shield.” “The old skill’s ability to restore ammo wasn’t as useful in the current state of the game, so we decided to replace it with a way to repair armor.” -Mio – – Triage skill” (Medic) no longer consumes buffs to activate. – “Steady Hands” (Medic) now gives its effect to any teammate interacting with a Medic Bag. If multiple players have this skill, its effectiveness is increased by 5% for each player on top of the base 20%. “We’ve made this change to improve the support playstyle. Let us know what you think so we can make more adjustments in the future.” -Mio – – “High grain” (Ammo Specialist) now gives its effect to any teammate interacting with an Ammo Bag. If multiple players have this skill, its effectiveness is increased by 5% for each player on top of the base 20%. “We’ve made this change to improve the support playstyle. Let us know what you think so we can make more adjustments in the future.” -Mio – – Added an HUD icon for High Grain (Ammo Specialist) when active – Increased the bonus from “Threat Assessment” in skill line Strategist to 20% (from 10%) – Adjusted Signal Scan (Scrambler) so that it only marks cameras in stealth while the other entities are marked in loud. – Increased hacking distance vs gun drones to 15 meters (from 10m) – Decreased hacking time to gun drones to 0.5s (from 1.5s) – Infiltrator Base now gives “RUSH” when picking up loose cash. “We’ve made this change because it both fits thematically and it makes it easier to bag cash in vaults if you’re running Transporter and Infiltrator skills together.” -Mio – – Fixed an issue with ECM jammers skill “Cam Distortion” to properly disable the ability to apply runtimes. – Fixed so that the Hacker Aced skill requires a previously applied runtime in order to detonate the camera – Weapons Balance pass for R900 Can now penetrate shields when paired with the “Cutting Shot” skill – Armor pen increased from 1.3 to 2 – DMG increased 0-40m 130 to 160, 41-60m from 62.5 to 77.61, 61-100m from 41.7 to 51.3 – – Balance pass for Mosconi 12 Reduced hipfire spread – Reduced pellet spread – – Added a unique inspect animation for HET5. – Added a unique inspect animation for the Marcom Mamba MGL – Equipment Medic bags now restore 1 down by default – Increased healing from “First Aid Kits” to 25% (from 20%) – Increased base amount of health gained from Medic Bags to 50% (from 35%) – Lowered the armor repair kit interaction time to 0.5s (from 1 second) – Tweaked the regen time for “Standard Lining Armor” to 3 seconds (From 4s) – Enemies On OVERKILL difficulty, enemy intensity will now update mid-wave instead of between assault waves “This is how we had waves update originally in the game, but it was changed during development for several reasons. We’ve brought it back for OVK difficulty only, to address the issue of players manipulating escalation triggers to bypass more difficult enemies.” -Mio – – Enemy AI will now escalate orders when going to combat no matter what caused it – Fixed an issue of where the special unit Techie wasn’t able to spawn Drones. – Adjusted special unit Techie spawn rate. – Tweaked the hit collision of Techie to make it easier for crew AI to hit. – Tweaked so that the special unit Techie will now maintain a more consistent distance from players – Tweaked so that the enemy drone can now hit players peeking out of cover – Tweaked the techie HUD “glitch effect” which will now also take player look direction into account – Increased special unit Techie spawn rate cooldown by 20 seconds. – Tweaked so that techies sneak to their hiding spots – Techie now drops an armor repair kit on death – Fixed an issue with the Techie not being correctly marked by the ECM jammer while signal scan is active – Reduced the enemy attack drone’s health to 50 and damage to 1. (From 150 health & 2 to 1 (Normal/Hard), 4 to 1 (Very Hard), 6 to 1 (OVK) ) – Tweaked so that the Dozer can now close the distance to the player and kick them when otherwise blocked by other actions such as players hiding behind civilians or charge being on cooldown. Whenever a kick successfully connects and deals damage to the player, it reduces the taunt cooldown of the dozer by 1 second. – TECHNICAL UI Fixed an issue of where preplanning asset names were cut-off in game lobby – Tweaked so that it is easier for keyboard & mouse inputs to change the min-max value for Crosshair & FOV sliders. – Fixed an issue of changing some setting values by 0,05 without seeing a difference in the displayed UI. – Tweaked the settings menu when in-game to have less margin between bars & settings – Tweaked so that the slider options in menu settings is more on par with how the other sliders work for mouse input – Tweaked so that input mapping overlaps when players change their input bindings – Lowered a gap in the HUD between Security area display text & “searching…” text. – Fixed an issue with SMG magazines showing the wrong amount of information in the UI when customizing the weapon – Improved the readability of the player pings and the revive timer. – Tweaked settings menus so that options that don’t support decimals numbers don’t show decimals displayed in their value – Audio Updated Voice lines to be able to play during assault waves – Fixed an issue of a missing audio from the hackable computer interaction – Tweaked the enemy drone audio to make it more clear & loud in general – Tweaked the audio for hacked cameras (Secure loop) – Added a second sound with more pin-pointable spread to the enemy drone – Fixed an issue with burning thermite being silent for drop-in players. – Added an interaction audio for keypad input – Fixed an issue with flare SFX looping when interacting with multiple times – Tweaked the flare SFX so it has a shortened ignition – Added an idle sound effect for Techie special unit – Fixed an issue of where some NPC AI didn’t have their voice lines functioning – Fixed an audio issue with guards/cops not playing their radio dialogue when held hostage. – Fixed an issue with heisters saying a starter loud voiceline midthrough the game – Added audio for NPC animations such as using laptops, drinking, phone use etc. – Tweaked the Cloaker sabotage voiceline to start of animation instead of when running towards it’s objective – Visuals [PC] Fixed an issue where lowering the View Distance quality setting would make civilians and guards face animations disappear (lip sync) – [PC] Various tweaks to the game quality settings and what it affects in the game allowing players to better control visual quality for their hardware specs – [PC] Players can press ‘Set Recommended Settings’ in the video settings menu to select ideal quality based on their hardware specs – [PC] Fixed various D3D12 related crashes, including one when using the Statue of Liberty Mask – [PC] Upgraded Nvidia DLSS to version 3.5, now using NIS sharpening for better visual quality – Fixed an issue of where the “paint stripper” texture made guns more black in color. – Fixed an issue with “chrome paints” not applying correctly. – Fixed an issue of where weapon parts are not properly updated in the modding screen – Fixed a visual issue with Enforcer gloves on female heisters – Fixed the surgical gloves icon to fit the teal look – Fixed some visual issues with the heister Wolf – Tweaked masks and weapon pattern materials – Fixed a visual issue of where some masks have a striped color pattern visible – Fixed a visual issue with certain billboards displaying low resolution – Tweaked a small red button to have a bigger interaction surface – Fixed an visual issue with a sedan vehicle flickering – Tweaked the Digital Ops suit to not visually clip with male characters – Fixed the CAR4 iron sight being misaligned – Fixed an issue with foliage not moving with the wind – Fixed an issue on MS Store where the game would crash when loading a heist with Shadows settings set to High / Ultra – Fixed an issue on Xbox X & S of where accepting game invites after games were shut down will result in inability to start any new game – Lowered the particle FX on some heists that were more demanding, causing FPS issues. – Fixed a possible crash for xbox users when payday 3 is constrained in active gameplay – Added Epic Games Store overlay support with Invite/Leave functions – Added DirectX12 as the standard graphics API, inhouse testing shows a significant performance improvement when using DX12. DX11 remains and can be manually chosen with the launch option ““. – Prevented sending multiple friend requests to the same account, it will now wait for pending requests to be resolved. – Fixed an issue with consoles where there was an issue with playing the game while it was downloading/installing. – Added support for unready/toggle ready functionality for pre match lobby – Fixed an issue of where xbox players might get stuck in an infinite loading screen after signing out with their xbox profile – Fixed an issue of when the game crashes after changing xbox profile during constrained mode – Tweaked and improved some performance and optimizations – Fixed an issue with changing resolution in settings using mouse clicks – Fixed an issue on PS5 where the player is not directed to the heist screen after using “joinHeist” activity. – Fixed an issue with DLC items sometimes not being granted, causing players to restart their game to get their DLC items – Fixed an issue on Xbox where players fail to join party searched games while being in a suspended state – Added functionality for platform specific loadouts. Your console equipment will no longer be affected if you create a build on PC. – HEIST Syntax Error Fixed an issue on Syntax Error where using zipline in loud doesn’t open the doors to the control room – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error of where players cannot interact with deployable bags dropped in the park area – Added more special unit Techie hiding spots for Syntax Error – Fixed a visual issue in Syntax Error of where a statue is floating – Fixed a visual issue in Syntax Error on some door frames in Ryan park area – Tweaked the red keycards in Syntax Error to make them easier to notice – Tweaked an escape zone for civilians on Syntax Error to make it easier for civilians to reach it – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error where bags could get stuck after throwing them into a specific area – Tweaked the spawn zones for Syntax Error towards the end of the heist – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error of where the player could get stuck in street area – FIxed an issue on Syntax Error of where players can gain access to some server rooms without QR code or Red Keycard – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error of where the escape helicopter doors wouldn’t open – Fixed a visual issue on Syntax Error of when vent covers were shot they disappear – Fixed a visual issue on Syntax Error with elevators – Fixed a lighting issue on Syntax Error with the DLSS option switched off – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error of where a lamp was climbable – Fixed a visual issue on Syntax Error with vents going through the ceiling – Fixed a visual issue on Syntax Error where Doors may disappear in the distance – Fixed an issue with missing background video when in results screen for Syntax Error & Turbid Station – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error heist with misaligned elevator doors – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error heist with floating cameras – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error heist with some boxes disappearing – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error heist with some invisible collision under a staircase – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error heist with a climbable street lamp – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error with some flowers – Fixed an visual issue with colors on keypads for Syntax Error barely being visible – Fixed an issue with Syntax Error of where drop-in players didn’t have correct floor lights emitted for rooms already looted. – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error with misaligned shadows in control room – Fixed an audio issue on Syntax Error of where there was no audio heard in the entrance building from when a window was destroyed – Tweaked audio zones in Syntax Error to better reflect the ambient space the player is standing in – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error of where a cable was clipping with the floor – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error with collision in the manager’s office – In Syntax Error, we’ve tweaked the outline settings of servers located in the server rooms from shimmering to outlines. – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error where a sign disappeared from player view – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error where the AI control panel didn’t have an outline when interactable – Updated the time of day on Syntax Error and improved the overall visibility in the basement. – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error where the metal detector guard broke their idle animation – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error where vent shafts disappeared from player view – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error with letters disappearing from walls when in player vision – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error where some boxes became floating when other assets were shot – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error where civilian AI stood bent at a crosswalk – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error where bags may get stuck and unreachable – Fixed an issue on Syntax Error where some props disappeared from player view – Fixed an audio issues on Syntax Error where no explosives thrown onto metro stairway could be heard – Fixed an visual issue on Syntax Error where powerbox outlines were visible through the wall – Touch the Sky Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky where the Team AI wouldn’t follow the player from the window cleaning platform. – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky of where sound volume for office sounds doesn’t cover the balcony – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky for enemy AI navigation issues – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky of a black wall appearing within the vault. – Fixed an issue in Touch the Sky with the NPC that’s supposed to give Mason a spiked drink not moving – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky where the OVK weapon failed to drop in – Fixed some visual issues in Touch the Sky with a wall in the storage room – Fixed a visual issue on Touch the Sky with black boxes in Storage area – Fixed an Issue on Touch the Sky where the “secure SSD bag” – objective wouldn’t update if the laundry chute pre-planning option was in-use. – Fixed so that the zipline bag should return back if thrown into the laundry chute. – Tweaked vents in Touch the Sky to not teleport out players anymore when going loud, but instead spawn toxic gas inside of them. – Fixed an visual issue on Touch the Sky where there were visible gaps between stairs & floor – Tweaked an issue on Touch the Sky where securing thermite bag with other loot bags counted towards “all bags bonus” – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky with snipers floating in helicopters – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky where bags could get stuck inside the kitchen – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky where players could secure loot in the elevator in loud – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky where players are able to throw bags on top of a statue making them inaccessible – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky where players might get stuck behind a breech door – Fixed an issue on Touch the Sky where placables were seen clipping through terrace floor – Road Rage Fixed an issue on Road Rage of where players were teleported out of the armored transport van – Fixed an issue on Road Rage where crew AI could fall through the scaffolding – Fixed an issue on Road Rage where the player might get stuck inside the moving vehicle when at the ramp – Fixed an issue on Road Rage with player potentially getting stuck between scaffolding on the ground – Fixed an visual issue on Road Rage where items disappear from player vision – Dirty Ice Fixed an issue on Dirty Ice with some double doors where they briefly open when they already were opened – Fixed an issue on Dirty Ice where the distracted manager favor didn’t work as intended – Fixed an issue on Dirty Ice where if the player killed the manager, the VO about the managers departure would still play – Fixed an issue on Dirty Ice where no animation would play while picking up jewelry from the cleaning machine – Fixed an visual issue on Dirty Ice where the jeweler’s workshop had items disappear from player sight – Fixed an issue on Dirty Ice of where guards were unable to see bodies through the fence – Fixed an visual issue on Dirty Ice where the VIP room had objects disappear from player view – Fixed an visual issue on Dirty Ice with the Ashton Fine text and it’s wall – Cook Off Fixed an issue on Cook Off of where players were able to get stuck behind a door – Fixed an issue on Cook off where the Ingredient helicopter could drop items out of bounds. – Fixed an issue on Cook Off where the meth outline disappears after being shot at – Fixed an issue on Cook off of where Characters use the wrong VO when looting components – Fixed an visual issue on Cook off with Meth textures being overly bright – Fixed an issue on Cook off where the player might get stuck between ammo lockers – Fixed an issue on Cook off where the van sometimes gets stuck – Fixed an visual issue on Cook off when shooting mirrors – Fixed an visual issue on Cook off with a cardboard box clipping into a stool – Turbid Station Fixed an issue on Turbid Station of where invisible collision blocked player movement – Fixed some collision issues on Turbid Station inside the computer room in the basement – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where bags could get stuck after throwing them under some specific trains – Fixed a visual issue on Turbid Station with pillars going through the ground floor – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where sound and chat messages were missing when marking the Quantz Panels – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station of where the locomotive had no collision – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where the player might instantly get downed if jumped between a gap of train & terrain. – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where players could unlock train doors from underneath the trains – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station of where invisible collision could potentially get players stuck – Fixed an visual issue on Turbid Station of where objects hanging from the train might disappear from player view – Fixed an visual issue on Turbid Station with grass disappearing out from player view – Tweaked the red light drones emit on Turbid Station to make them more visible – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where a wooden crate was missing collision – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where Crew AI could fall through the stairs – Fixed an visual issue on Turbid Station where some tools were sinking into the pavement – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where opening doors stopped eye scanning interaction – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where eye scanning was possible even after the door already was opened – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where players were able to throw bags out of reach on top of pipes – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where players were able to throw bags under the train near the landfill making them inaccessible – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where players were able to throw bags out of reach inside the basement room – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where players were able to throw bags out of reach next to some yellow railings – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station where players could walk on top of a fence with barb wire – Fixed an issue on Turbid Station of where players could place deployables outside of playable area – No Rest for the Wicked Fixed an issue on No Rest for the Wicked where bollard boxes could be interacted with twice – Fixed an issue on No Rest for the Wicked where casing players could get stuck behind some boxes – Fixed an issue on No Rest for the Wicked where some enemy AI spawns were blocked off unintentionally – Fixed an issue on No Rest for the Wicked of where the collision for some flowerbeds was wrong – Fixed an issue on No Rest for the Wicked where hostages were sometimes unable to be traded in the IT room – Tweaked so that Dye Packs for the money in No Rest for the Wicked can now be paused using ECM jammers. – Fixed an issue on Gold & Sharke and No Rest for the Wicked with a missing cable icon – Fixed a visual issue on No Rest for the Wicked of where door handles are floating in the air – Fixed a visual issue on No Rest For the Wicked of where tools were sinking into the pavement – Gold & Sharke Fixed an visual issue on Gold & Sharke with a floating black box – Fixed an issue on Gold & Sharke of where civilian vehicles would fall out of the world when spawning – Fixed an visual issue in Gold & Sharke with player seeing AI spawn in front of them – Fixed an issue on Gold & Sharke security room’s door not being locked – Fixed an issue in Gold & Sharke of where the player could get stuck in vault door – Fixed a visual issue in Gold & Sharke with some doors in the basement garage – Fixed an issue on Gold & Sharke of where a private room instance was overlapping with a public room. – Disabled a redundant Shade voiceline for the server room. – Fixed an issue on Gold & Sharke of where players were unable to vault through some flora – Fixed an issue on Gold & Sharke where the thermal lance cannot be started again – Rock the Cradle Fixed an issue on Rock the Cradle where bouncer blocks player path while attempting to access VIP area – Tweaked navigation area on Rock the Cradle – Fixed an issue on Rock the Cradle where failing one objective blocked the player from resetting the biometric scanner – Fixed an issue on Rock the Cradle where player can’t crouch up the stairs when against the wall – Fixed an issue on Rock the Cradle where some objectives stayed on the screen even though they were completed – Fixed an visual issue on Rock the Cradle where cables were clipping with the switchbox monitor – Fixed an issue on Rock the Cradle where zipline was clipping with elevator cable – Fixed an issue on Rock the Cradle where collision is extended beyond floor surface – Fixed an visual issue on Rock the Cradle with lights being rough on shadow edges – Fixed an issue on Rock the Cradle with some visual issues on the train carts. – Fixed multiple visual issues on Rock the Cradle with the cage within the VIP area. – Fixed a visual issue on Rock the Cradle under the ventilation entrance to the control room – Fixed a visual issue on Rock the Cradle with one of the signs in the VIP area being too bright – Fixed a visual issue on Rock the Cradle with some barriers disappearing when viewed from a distance – Fixed an visual issue on Rock the Cradle behind ventilation areas – Under the Surphaze Fixed an issue on Under the Surphaze where the exhibition doors had to be opened twice if players jumped inside from the roof – Fixed an issue on Under the Surphaze of where the escape helicopter didn’t show up after picking up the fake UMA painting. – Fixed an issue on Under the Surphaze for some AI navigation issues on scaffoldings – Added gas to vents for loud in Under the Surphaze – Tweaked some collision on flora for Under the Surphaze that caused navigation issues for AI – Fixed an issue on Under the Surphaze where some flora collision caused navigation issues for enemy & crew AI. – Fixed an issue on Under the Surphaze of where some collision for flora was missing – Fixed an issue on Under the Surphaze where the security guard is standing in a half-crouched position – Fixed an issue on Under the Surphaze where AI could see through bushes – Fixed an visual issue on Under the Surphaze in visible gaps between metro station stairs and pavement – 99 Boxes Fixed an issue on 99 boxes where crew AI might get stuck – Tutorial Heists Fixed a crash in tutorial heists when escape zone timer reaches 0 – Fixed an issue on Crowd Control tutorial where player was able to pick up loot before opening the glass display – Fixed an issue on Tutorial Level Detection where guards didn’t react to broken cameras along with not spawning correctly –

Payday 3: How to stealth Under The Surphaze Starbreeze StudiosCompleting the Under The Surphaze heist in Payday 3 requires some brainwork and careful footing, especially if you want to finish it in stealth. Here’s how to do it without alerting the police. Under The Surphaze is a Payday 3 heist that takes place in a lavish New York art gallery. The institution boasts high-class art and lucrative installations but also comes with some high-end security. So completing it in stealth is a sizeable option for players, and one of the best heists in the game. So, in case you need to know how to escape with the art without anyone catching on – here’s how to complete Payday 3’s Under The Surphaze in stealth. How to stealth Under The Surphaze in Payday 3 First of all, make sure you’re bringing the best Payday 3 stealth build to help you sneak around some of this mission’s more challenging obstacles. If you can, also bring the Zipline Bag or dumpster secure point favors, as either of these will make securing loot a lot easier. When you begin in the heist, you’ll be in casing mode on the waterfront. If you grab the zipline bag directly in front of you and head over to the small building near the water, you’ll be able to set up the zipline on a nearby dumpster. To enter the art gallery, there are two recommended routes. If you wish to stay unmasked and try to enter the institution as a civilian, head through any of the iron gates and try to sneak in through the front door. This area is heavily guarded, with at least two guards patrolling along with a bunch of cameras. If you’d prefer to mask up sooner, however, you can climb one of the elevated dumpsters and vents located around the side of the building. This will give you immediate access to the second floor of the gallery. Depending on the number of radios you have available, we’d highly recommend taking out the camera operator on this floor. Cameras are everywhere in this heist, and even with some skills to help negate these cameras, they can still be a massive problem. The Security Office is located on the second floor in one of the office areas. While you’re here, be sure to check the other rooms such as the Server Room and the Manager’s Office. These rooms have cell phones which you can interact with to obtain QR codes, which you’ll need later. Under the Surphaze disable security bars Your next objective is to disable the security bars, which have separate terminals on both the first and second floors, so you’ll have to find them both separately. Begin with the one on the second floor and work your way downwards. The objective then works similar to the WiFi hack spots on the Gold & Sharke and Touch The Sky heists, where you have to stand in a series of small circular markers until the bar has filled up. Now’s a good time to also take out some more security guards, if you can spare the radios. We recommend taking out at least one on each floor, but with Overkill Difficulty’s two-radio limit, you should save the last one for emergencies. Under The Surphaze QR codes To get into each exhibition room, you’ll either need a QR code for door access, or drop in from the ceiling in the case of the second floor. Here are a few locations where you can find QR codes inside the museum: In the bar area – Inside the lockers behind the reception area – In the restrooms on both floors – In the server room on the second floor – In the manager’s office on the second floor – Once you have a QR code, interact with the scanner by the entrance to each exhibition room to open the door. While there are seven exhibition rooms, you may not be able to find the same number of QR codes. So be sure to enter a few of the upstairs rooms by descending from the skylight. If you choose to do this, take care to soften your landing on a high object and watch out for security lasers. Each exhibition room has its own set of security measures, whether that’s more cameras, lasers beaming out from the walls, motion sensors or pressure-sensitive flooring. On the plus side, these can all be disabled by finding a switch in the room to turn them off. Under the Surphaze Greg Jud painting The first painting you need to steal is the Greg Jud painting, which is located in Room E1. Find the room and the painting, then open the case and pick it up. Take the painting up to the roof for safekeeping for now. Since the loot secure points are all located outside of the gallery in view of civilians, it’s best to make sure we have everything we need before securing the artwork. Under the Surphaze Vicario paintings The next paintings you need to obtain are two from an artist called Pedro Vicario. The exhibition room these artworks are located in can be found by interacting with the manager’s computer, but in our extensive testing they have always spawned in E5 and E6. Find the correct room and make sure you disable the motion sensors once you’re inside. Vicario’s paintings can be identified using ultraviolet light to detect traces of the artist’s blood on them. Find both of them and take them up to the roof. Under The Surphaze Ladette painting The final painting you need to acquire is by an artist called Uma Ladette. Go back to the Manager’s Office and check the computer. The thing about this painting is there’s a genuine one and a fake one located in two separate rooms. In our testing, the paintings have always spawned in E4 and E7, but your mileage may vary. But it’s not as easy as just securing both paintings, as the security measures are designed to incinerate them once they’re removed. So you’ll need a way to authenticate the correct painting and remove it safely. Behind the desk in the Manager’s Office is a hollow wall panel you can remove. Here you’ll find a safe, which you can crack to reveal a USB thumb drive. If you head to the Server Room you’ll also find a spectrophotometer. With both of these acquired, you can now determine which is the correct painting. Set up the spectrophotometer in front of one of the two Ladette paintings. The device will perform its scan and you’ll find out if it’s real or not. If not, then it’s the other one located in a different exhibition room. Once you’ve determined which painting is the genuine one, insert the thumb drive into the painting and you’ll be able to safely steal it. Take the painting out and you can start securing the bags either via the dumpster (if you have the correct favor) or by ziplining it from the second floor over to the van. At this point, you can clear out other rooms in the gallery if you want to go for extra bags. With seven total exhibition rooms, there’s plenty more loot to grab. Once you’re ready to leave, use the zipline to fly down to the van and step into the escape zone. That concludes the mission and leads right into the next heist, Gold & Sharke. To see more heists in Payday 3, check out the full mission list. Make sure to also view the best heists for money if you need some quick cash, as well as details on when the next DLC launches.

Payday 3: How to complete Turbid Station in stealth Starbreeze StudiosThe Turbid Station heist is the first stealth-only level in Payday 3, so here’s how to complete it without tripping the alarm. Most heists in Payday 3 allow you to complete them stealth or loud, with your strategy differing depending on which playstyle you’d like to do. There are some heists in the game, however, that force you into either stealth or loud. Turbid Station is one of these. Arriving in Update 1.0.2, Turbid Station is a remake of Murky Station from Payday 2 and the first legacy heist of Payday 3. It tasks you with infiltrating a trainyard to steal experimental satellite equipment from locked trains. As always, make sure that you’re using our recommended Payday 3 stealth loadout to ensure you can sneak around guards and cameras effectively. Here’s how to complete Payday 3 Turbid Station in stealth. We’ve tested this on Normal and Overkill difficulty, so expect some changes in guard layouts and objective spawns. Contents How to stealth Turbid Station – How to open all four train cars – How to find keycard – How to find SSD – How to find Trainyard Supervisor – How to find Control Room – Can you complete Turbid Station loud? – How to stealth Turbid Station in Payday 3 To start off, it should be noted that Turbid Station is a stealth-only heist. Which means if you trip the alarm, you’ll have about a minute to extract or it’s an instant fail. If you haven’t completed the main objective, you’ll also trigger a fail when extracting. Turbid Station tasks you with stealing two parts of experimental satellite equipment from the trains, but there is also optional loot hidden in additional areas. There are a total of four train cars you need break into if you want to get all the loot, but if you’re just going for the main objective you’ll only need to get two open. The map is split into three specific areas; there’s the upper levels near where you spawn which is a Public Area, the trainyard which is a Secure Area, and the underground which is a Private Area. When you start, you’ll want to head down the stairs and check the board on the right-hand side wall. It’ll tell you where mission-critical equipment is located, either on the surface or underground, which is required to open the train cars. How to open all four train cars in Turbid Station Head further down and enter the trainyard. The trains are placed in rows along the tracks, with guards patrolling in the space between each traincar. There are also flying drones with cameras equipped that will spot you. To get underground, there’s an entrance near your spawn point which takes you down a flight of stairs. You can also drop down (or climb out of) two trap doors located inside the trainyard. Your best bet is to utilize the space underneath the traincars to move around. Once a guard is walking away, and the red light of a drone is nowhere to be seen, you can move to the next area. Bear in mind that the whole trainyard is a Secure Area, meaning getting caught while unmasked will trigger a guard to handcuff you. It also means sprinting will alert guards to investigate the noise. Each train car that holds the loot requires a different method of opening. Once you find a train car that can’t be lockpicked open, you know you’ll need to hack your way inside. Along the side of these train cars are small yellow panels you can interact with. This will trigger a small hack that takes around 10-15 seconds to complete. Once that’s done, the train car doors will open. Once inside, Shade will remark if you’ve found the carriage with the satellite equipment, or one with extra loot. There will also be an extra layer of security; an additional door that requires a specific item or action to open. This can be one of four: A keycard – An SSD – A hacked phone – An activation on a console from the control room – Once you know which one you need, you’ll need to seek out the corresponding item. Turbid Station keycard The keycard can be found in Keycard Storage. The best way to find this is listen for music. If you can hear a song playing (specifically, ‘On The Road’ from the Payday 2 soundtrack), it means the keycards are located nearby. There are three in total in case you need extra ones. Turbid Station SSD The SSD is found at the Mobile Control Station. It looks like a little table with a laptop which allows you to view cameras. On the bottom shelf of the table is the SSD you can pick up. Turbid Station hacked phone To obtain the hacked phone, you’ll need the Trainyard Supervisor. He roams around the map and carries a phone in his back pocket that you can hack. When you activate the hack you need to stay inside the radius around him until the circle fills up. One trick is to wait for him to go outside by the waterfront, as you can hack the phone while unmasked. This eliminates any risk in being spotted by guards and cameras while trying to keep up with the supervisor. Turbid Station control room In our testing, the Control Room always appeared in the underground. It is currently unknown if it can spawn on the surface. The Control Room requires you to grab the trainyard employee as a human shield and take him to the scanner. Shove him in front of the scanner and he’ll scan it to open the door. Watch out for the guard inside this room, but head inside and hack the PC. Interacting with the console will trigger a small time window for you to run back to the train car and open the door. If the timer runs out, you’ll need to do it again. Once you’ve secured both satellite parts, the escape will trigger. You can now leave and finish the mission, or secure additional loot. These will be found in the form of solar panels and other mechanical parts inside the other two train cars. You can also find them in wooden crates located underground. Once you’re happy with the sufficient amount of bags secured, head back to the van to extract and complete Turbid Station without raising the alarm. From here, you may want to head straight to the first DLC heist, Syntax Error. Otherwise, refer to the full list of heists for your next caper, as well as which ones will give you the best cash. Can you complete Turbid Station in loud? You cannot play Turbid Station in loud, as triggering the alarm will cause the heist to end before the cops turn up. As a legacy heist, Starbreeze has made sure the level plays the same as its original appearance in Payday 2. The mission was designed to be stealth only, and therefore its appearance in Payday 3 also reflects that.

Payday 3: How to complete Touch The Sky in stealth Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3’s final heist, Touch The Sky, can be quite hard to finish without raising the alarm. Here’s how to complete the level in stealth while avoiding any police entanglement. Payday 3 players are finally dipping their toes into the newest co-op heist shooter from Starbreeze Studios. And the final mission of the game, Touch The Sky, is proving to be quite difficult to finish in stealth. To get you started, make sure you’re using our recommended best stealth build for Payday 3. So, how exactly do you complete Touch The Sky in stealth? How to stealth Touch The Sky in Payday 3 Touch The Sky starts you off inside a high-rise building, and you’ll be tasked with infiltrating the penthouse and stealing an encrypted SSD from a vault. In our testing, we found the following number of guards in this level on Normal difficulty: 1 outside the penthouse entrance – 3 patrolling the lower floor – 1 patrolling the upper floor – 1 head guard patrolling both floors – 1 in the camera room – As you approach the penthouse entrance, notice a guard and a camera in your way. Shade will mention an alternative entrance that can be accessed by going upstairs and sneaking through the vent. You’ll be forced to mask up here if you want to climb inside the vent, so put your mask on and climb in. There are three possible exits from the vent. Going directly ahead will drop you out into the main foyer of the penthouse. Since many guards and civilians like to hang out in this area, it’s recommended you don’t use this route. Instead, head right and go down into the lower vents. One exit will drop you outside Mason Laurent’s office, while the other puts you on a small walkway closer to the Master Bedroom. Taking either of these is fine. Touch The Sky master bedroom Your first task once inside the penthouse is to find the Master Bedroom. It’s located on the upper floor, on the opposite end of the building from Laurent’s office. Be watchful of cameras and hack the keypad on the side of the bedroom door. You’ll next be tasked with connecting to the building’s WiFi to unlock the door. To do this you need to stand in certain spots on the map and fill up a circular bar. Now would be a good time to also clear out a few guards, if you have spare radios. We’d recommend killing at least one on the upper floor and one on the lower floor, so the level becomes a little easier to move around in. It’s also a good idea to find the Head Guard, who patrols both the upstairs and downstairs areas. He has a phone you’ll need to hack, which you can do by either killing him or interacting with the phone on his belt. Hacking the phone also requires standing in a circle for a short amount of time, so make sure you’re in a good position to do this before activating it. Doing this grants you a QR code which will be important later. Touch The Sky vault switch Once you’ve connected all the WiFi signals, head back to the Master Bedroom and search for a Vault Switch. It’ll be on one of the bookshelves that you can interact with. When you’ve hit the right one, a wall panel will reveal itself and you’ll need to access Mason Laurent’s office. To get into the office, you need a Red Keycard. This can be found in a filing room which you can access via the QR code you got from the Head Guard. Check each drawer in the filing cabinets until you find the keycard, then head to Mason Laurent’s office on the far side of the penthouse. Use the keycard on the door and look around for the Panic Room button. It’s located on the side of the desk as a small button and can be quite easy to miss. Doing this will reveal a door that you need to get through. Touch The Sky panic room The only way to get in is to force Mason to open the door. He’s in the main room of the Penthouse with a group of other people. Guards and cameras are also in this area, so it’s not a good idea to grab him here. Shade will soon mention a courier has entered the Penthouse with a delivery of expensive whisky. She’ll suggest slipping something into Mason’s drink. You can find poison in one of the store cupboards located around the penthouse. Head through the kitchen, round the corner near where Mason is, and spike the drink. He’ll soon take a drink and excuse himself to the nearest bathroom. Grab him as a human shield and take him up the nearby stairs to the office. Shove him in front of the panic room and he’ll open it up. Inside the panic room is a whiteboard with four different codes on it. One of these codes is the correct one to open the vault in the Master Bedroom, so head back there and enter the correct one. The correct code is the one that corresponds with the fingerprints on the keypad. So if one of the potential codes is 1234, and the number 4 doesn’t have a print on it, that’s not the right code. Enter the vault once you’ve hit the right code and you’ll be greeted with a safe. Crack the safe by turning the dial three times until it’s in the green, and take the drive out. Take the drive back to the computer in Mason’s office and decrypt the drive in the computer. It’ll take some time to decrypt, so use this time to move bags if you have any. There’s a stash of money and cocaine inside the panic room, as well as jewelry bags in the vault, which you can loot for extra cash. The bags can be secured on the lower floor by throwing them in the elevator where you started the heist. Watch out for the guard that stands watch here. You can either kill him (beware of the camera) or distract him with a lure on a nearby bench. The elevator is also your escape zone, so make sure all players are standing in the zone once you’re ready to leave. And with that, you’ve completed the final core heist in Payday 3. The story continues in the first DLC level, Syntax Error. If you’re not sure where to go next, refer to the full list of heists in the game. There’s still plenty to do, such as replaying heists for more cash, or trying out some of the DLC levels.

Payday 3: How to stealth Syntax Error Starbreeze StudiosSyntax Error is Payday 3’s first paid DLC heist, and it can also be completed in stealth. How do you do that? Read our guide to help you sneak your way through the level. In the Payday universe, cash is king. But nowadays, cash is stored digitally. That’s why Shade is sending the gang to a tech company called Scry Digital to steal servers from its data center. If you own the DLC, the Syntax Error mission can be accessed from the “The Bad Apple” button on the Payday 3 heist selection menu. If you don’t own the DLC, you can still play it by joining a party with another player who does own it. If you’re struggling to complete the heist without raising the alarm, here’s our guide to beating Syntax Error in stealth. How to stealth Syntax Error in Payday 3 First of all, make sure you’re using our recommended stealth loadout for Payday 3, as the skills will offer some much-needed help during your sneaky escapades in the game. The Syntax Error heist will have between 6-7 guards on it, depending on your difficulty. These are the possible guard locations we’ve found: One guard by the metal detector – One guard in the camera room – One guard patrolling the upstairs hallway – 3-4 guards patrolling the downstairs server room, one of these guards will be a Lead Guard on Overkill difficulty – It’s also advised you spare your radios for downstairs, for reasons we will go into later. Once you begin the Syntax Error heist, head inside the main lobby and take note of the guard standing in front of the metal detector. Behind him is a door you need to get through locked with a keypad. Syntax Error keypad code The keypad combination is located on the upper floor. You can get there via a room on the right-hand side of the lobby. Distract the guard by the metal detector by interacting with the electronic billboard inside the lobby, then pick the lock and get in the room. From here, access the vent and crawl through to the next area. Head up the stairs and into a new private area on the upper floor. Avoid the cameras and the guard patrolling up here and head to the office on the far side of the corridor. The code for the keypad can be found by either hacking the PC or cracking the safe. It’s worth bearing in mind this code is randomized every time you play, so it won’t be the same code as ours. After getting the code for the keypad, leave the office and head into the room located in the corner of the upper hallway. On lower difficulties, you’ll find a switch here which will disable the metal detector. You can head to the keypad door now either by heading downstairs and back into the lobby or by opening a vent in the same room and following it down to the keypad door area. Syntax Error Red Keycard After heading through the keypad door you’ll enter the underground data center. This whole place is a Secure Area, so you might as well mask up here. There will be 3-4 guards patrolling this area depending on your difficulty. Killing too many will also cause more to spawn from the elevators, so it’s wise to only kill them if you get caught. Your first order of business will be to find a Red Keycard. This will be located inside a red box in one of three locations: By the bottom of the stairs leading up to the cooling center – At the data verification center – By the elevator leading up to the AI control room – Once you have a Red Keycard, you’ll be able to access two more locations on the upper floors of the basement; the Cooling Center and the AI Control Room. Syntax Error find and verify the correct servers Your next stop is the Cooling Center, which you can now open with the Red Keycard. Hack the PC and scroll through each email that pops up onscreen. Each email will have an assigned server room and will detail what is on the servers. You’re looking for three emails that detail something about experimental drone technology, and whichever server room corresponds with that information has the servers you need for the main objective. So your next step is to get into the correct server rooms and verify the server you need. Server room doors are locked and are guarding lasers and motion sensors. There are three ways to get into a room: Hacking the door with a QR code found from phones picked up around the level – Climbing through air vents gives you access to the upper shelving which you can use to drop into a server room – Use the Red Keycard to open the AI control room and interact with one of the monitors to open up a specific server room – Once you’re in the correct server room, look around for a server you can bag up. Each room has two servers. Be sure to also look out for the motion sensors patrolling the room. Each one will rotate between two server rooms so you have time to move around without it spotting you. Take the server to the central verification station at the end of the data center and throw it into the verification machine. It’ll take around 20 seconds to verify and then confirm or deny you have the right server. If it’s the right server it’ll stay lodged inside the terminal. If not, it’ll spit it back out as a bonus server you can bag later on. You’ll need to head back to the correct server room and bag up the other server though. You’ll need to repeat this two more times, going to the other two server rooms as detailed on the emails, bag the servers, and verify them in the main terminal. If you want extra loot, feel free to bag up all the other servers and send them for verification. Syntax Error correct server Once you have 3/3 servers, a bigger, heavier server will be available to pick up. This is the main objective loot and will require securing at the van upstairs. Take the side corridor out and head along back up to the Cooling Center. Exit through the door and back up the stairs into the main lobby of the building. We still don’t want to alert anyone just yet, so once you’re back in the metal detector area, look immediately left and head into the air vent. You can use this air vent to traverse back up to the top floor. From here, exit the room, turn left, and walk back to the staircase. Be careful of the cameras and the guard patrolling here. Head down the stairs. There will be a door here you can open which is where the van is located. Secure the bag in the van and exit when you’re ready to finish the heist. You’re now ready for Payday 3’s next DLC heist, Boys In Blue. If not, you can head back to the complete heist list for your next big score. Find out which ones give you the fastest cash, and also learn when the next DLC pack launches.

Payday 3 Solo mode beta explained Starbreeze Studios / DexertoPayday 3 may be a multiplayer game, but players may still want to play alone. But how exactly do you play solo? Here’s everything you need to know about the new solo mode beta. For those who were around for Payday 3’s controversial launch, the game’s always online requirement and emphasis on team play meant that playing by yourself could be a little tricky to figure out. But now, Starbreeze is testing a new solo mode for those who want to play without the thrill of dealing with other players. Here’s everything you need to know about the beta test for Solo mode. How to play Payday 3 solo mode To play Payday 3 solo, open up Game Modes in the main menu and hit Solo Mode. This feature was first released as part of the Boys in Blue update, and is currently in the stage of testing. According to the Boys in Blue update patch notes, Solo Mode currently has these issues: Players are able to start a solo mode heist while in a co-op lobby. The fact that the player isn’t available for co-op won’t be communicated to other party members. – Solo Mode heists will reward double cash rewards. We’ll call this one an incentive to help us test the feature. – The reward screen will display double the amount of bags actually secured in the reward screen. – The visual confirmation of skill progression after a heist is missing. XP is still rewarded, but the visual element isn’t displaying. – Failing a heist will display a “Text Block”-text in place of the infamy progression. – It’s worth noting that this mode is not intended to be a true Offline Mode. Starbreeze is still in the process of developing an offline mode for the future, and as it currently stands you’ll still need to log into the Payday 3 servers before you can access the mode. Payday 3’s Solo mode hosts various gameplay aspects on your own PC or console, meaning lower performance and other issues may arise during your session. Aside from that, it’ll offer basically all the same features as playing online does. Except for, y’know, other human players. If playing solo, be sure to check out our list of Payday 3 heists and how to stealth them. You’ll also want to bring along the best stealth build and see which heists are best for making easy money.

Payday 3 servers down? Server status, maintenance outage & updates Starbreeze StudiosAre the Payday 3 servers down? We’ve got all the information you need about the game’s server status and any scheduled maintenance plans right here. After much anticipation, Payday 3 has finally arrived and the latest installment in the popular FPS franchise aims to provide players with more heisting action where they can retrieve the goods through force or stealth depending on personal preference. The popular co-op shooter from Starbreeze Studios has carved out its own unique identity in the shooting genre, though Payday 3 has got off to a rocky start due to a number of server issues. If you’re eager to gear up and put your mask on for your next big heist, we’ve got everything you need to know about the game‘s server status right here, including any planned maintenance, developer updates, and server issues. Are Payday 3 servers down? Payday 3 servers are currently up and running. The game has unfortunately suffered from a number of server issues since its official launch on September 21, 2023, but at the time of writing the servers are working. However, in order to improve Payday 3’s servers and matchmaking stability, Starbreeze announced that there would be several periods of maintenance for the game between 8 AM – 11 AM CEST on September 26, 2023 and at the same time on September 29, 2023, so it’s important to note that you will be unable to access the game during this time. As soon as any more server updates or maintenance schedules for Payday 3 are shared, we’ll be sure to update this page with the latest information. That’s everything you need to know about the game’s server status! For more content, check out our guides below: Payday 3 PC requirements | All DLC confirmed | All heisters | All missions | How to level up | Best stealth build | Best heists to make cash fast | How to stealth No Rest for the Wicked | Can you play Payday 3 split-screen?

Payday 3 review – Half-baked heist shooter that needs more time in the oven Payday 3 brings some much-needed improvements to the heist horde shooter formula, while simultaneously making a few stumbles. At the end of Payday 2’s storyline, the titular criminal gang was last seen breaking into the White House to steal a bunch of Presidential pardons while simultaneously solving a mystery involving secret societies and ancient gods. By the beginning of Payday 3, they’re back to robbing small city banks and shady underworld nightclubs. In any other sequel, this narrative reset would stick out like a sore thumb — a disastrous reminder that video games have to start you out “at the bottom”. But for Payday fans, this more grounded approach to heisting, and subsequent removal of anime-level storylines, might just be the breath of fresh air needed to revive the franchise back to its glory days. Spend an hour with Payday 3 and you’ll see developer Starbreeze Studios purposely distancing itself from some of these ludicrous aspects of the game’s predecessor. The difficulty has been ramped up, the stealth has been revamped, and the heists themselves generally feel a lot more elaborate. Payday 3: Key details Price: $39.99/£34.99 – Developer: Starbreeze Studios – Release Date: September 21, 2023 – Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, & PC – The cinematic heist game For many people, the Payday series has come to be thought of as “The Cinematic Heist Game” – taking inspiration from popular movies like Ocean’s Eleven, Heat, and Reservoir Dogs. And Payday 3 is no exception to this, wearing its influences on its sleeve as the available missions include bank heists, jewelry capers, armored transport hijackings, and warehouse raids. Where Payday 2’s launch suffered from a lack of diversity in its level design, its sequel happily presents you with a wide variety of different heists to complete. This is especially great for people who enjoy stealth gameplay. Payday 3 takes a brand new approach to this, utilizing the inclusion of “stealth phases” to flesh out the game’s sneakier moments. Getting caught by guards now gives you many new opportunities, including being escorted out of private areas and being able to pickpocket key items from them. Being caught on camera doesn’t even result in an alarm anymore, which comes as a much-needed change. These changes highlight Starbreeze’s desire to move beyond the clunkiness of Payday 2’s more unwieldy details. A move to Unreal Engine 4 highlights the much-desired retirement of the Diesel Engine, which was infamous within the community for its fair share of bugs and weird oddities. This results in an overall more polished surface, with far fewer awkward animations, cumbersome AI pathfinding, and clumsy controls. Weapons, cosmetics, and other fun stuff Payday 3 comes with a wide range of weapons to use, ranging from assault rifles and shotguns to grenade launchers and snipers. Starbreeze has made sure the most popular firearms return here, bringing a variety in the weapon builds you can use. This time around, attachments are unlocked by leveling up the gun itself, a feature more prominently seen in the Call of Duty series. Using your starter assault rifle for a few games will unlock scopes, grips, silencers, and other features that come with their own pros and cons. While these attachments are useful to obtain and ultimately improve your build, they don’t feel like they dramatically transform the weapons. A scope may enhance your aim, but you won’t notice any big recoil or accuracy changes by sticking a new grip onto your rifle. Your skill with Payday 3’s gunplay itself will always be more useful to your team, and while that helps the game feel more skillful, it does leave a lot to be desired with the gun customization system. After racking up enough kills during a heist, you’re also given the opportunity to call in an ‘Overkill Weapon’ — powerful weapons with limited ammunition intended to tip the odds in your favor. This feature is intended to feel like a special moment, and a boon to your team that is properly earned. There are currently two at launch – a grenade launcher and a high-power sniper rifle. While the sniper rifle dealt with special enemies far more effectively than any other weapon in the game, the grenade launcher ended up feeling weak in comparison. A rebalance of these may be necessary if Starbreeze wants both to feel like viable options. Besides gaining new guns, you’ll also earn a tonne of cosmetic items as you level up. These consist of masks, suits, and gloves for you to dapper up your character for their next heist. Mask customization was a huge aspect of Payday 2’s appeal, along with the suit selection that came later on in its lifespan, allowing you to inject a bit of your own personality into the game. So it was an obvious choice to bring back these features. While the choice of masks and suits is a little limited at launch, there’s a foundation here to build upon this system with new cosmetic items being released periodically in the form of free and paid DLC. It also paves the way for microtransactions, which were rejected by the community in Payday 2 when introduced eight years ago. Starbreeze has confirmed they will also be showing up in Payday 3 post-launch, and as troubling as that may sound to some, perhaps minor cosmetic paid content can fare a better reception in 2023. A social experience for better or worse The heists themselves also feel far more weighted toward teamplay this time around. Payday 2 was popular for its solo-stealthing, where one player would try and complete the whole mission by themselves while their teammates would stand at the escape van waiting for them to complete it. But due to the more forgiving stealth phases, Payday 3’s heists encourage players to collaborate more during play. More objectives can be completed simultaneously, and there’s less of a risk of the heist going loud because one player got caught. It’s this social element that has made Payday a popular co-op franchise since its inception, and it’s clear Starbreeze wants to continue encouraging this in the new sequel. However, there are a few setbacks that keep this from flourishing as the definitive co-op game. If you’re playing Payday 3 with a pre-arranged group of friends, you’ll have fewer issues here. But if you’re a player who enjoys playing in public lobbies and bonding with strangers as you complete heists together, this will be less fun. There’s no post-game lobby, nor is there in-game voice chat. Finishing a match just throws you back to the menu screen, and you have to matchmake again to find a new team. It feels like the antithesis of what made Payday 2 public lobbies fun; that feeling of vibing with a group of strangers over a couple of hours, beating a bunch of heists on a hard difficulty brought about a true sense of community. And it’s just not present here at all. Similarly, the lack of a server browser also doesn’t work in the game’s favor. Finding a game requires you to search for a specific heist, and there’s no indication of how many players are actually enjoying that specific level at any one time. Without a server browser, or even a quickplay option, finding a match makes for a particularly frustrating experience. It’s an oddity that many popular features from Payday 2 are reduced or stripped out entirely here — there’s no personal stats, no hostage counter, no option to kick unruly players, no music selection, and no bot loadouts. These were ‘quality of life’ features added to Payday 2 either at launch or in a later patch, and Starbreeze seems to have fully removed them for the third game. Always online The worst offender for this is the ‘online only’ stipulation. Payday 3 cannot be played offline, which comes especially as a burn for Steam Deck players and those with spotty home internet speeds. You’re never going to guarantee a crystal-clear connection, and the game can easily throw you out of a game just because of your network hiccups. If the servers go down for maintenance, you can’t play at all. Even if you want to play the single-player portion, there isn’t actually an option to do that properly. You have to matchmake into an ‘invite only’ lobby, which can take up to a minute depending on your speeds, and then be sorted into a game where you’re playing with bot teammates. And despite single-player being a popular playstyle in Payday 2, the experience is still rather lackluster here. Bots don’t feel as clever as they used to be, they can’t be told to stand in a specific place and don’t seem to be able to revive other bots. You can’t even pause the game. And even playing alone, it’s fully possible to lag if your connection slows, which can ruin many stealth runs. While the game is clearly meant to be played cooperatively, some support for those who prefer to play alone is needed. In the end, despite being a multiplayer game, the online connection DRM doesn’t make any sense. Despite these grievances, Payday 3 is still fun. The heists are top-tier quality, the gunplay is enjoyable, and the controls are buttery smooth. The core makes for a truly iconic co-op heist shooter. It’s better to have a solid foundation that can be built upon, rather than a game that is utterly broken from the ground up. Verdict – 3/5 Payday 3’s high-octane action and extravagant heists make it another iconic entry into the heist shooter franchise, but it is ultimately held back by a lackluster user interface, matchmaking issues, and online DRM. While these problems can be addressed in later patches — as Starbreeze proved with its post-launch support for Payday 2, the game ends up feeling a little half-baked in its current state. Reviewed on PC.

Payday 3: Release date, platforms, trailers & more Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 has finally been announced, so here’s everything we know about the game’s release date, platforms, trailers, and more. There are a lot of multiplayer games to delve into in 2023 including the highly anticipated Payday 3. As the direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Payday 2, the latest game aims to deliver even more intense FPS action and adrenaline-fueled co-op gameplay. Players will certainly need their wits about them if they wish to get away with death-defying robberies and work their way up the criminal underworld. So, if you’re looking to delve back into the Payday gang and conduct some high-level heists, then our handy Payday 3 hub has everything you need to know about the release date, platforms, trailers, and more. Contents Is there a Payday 3 release date? – Payday 3 platforms – Payday 3 trailers – Payday 3 story details – Payday 3 gameplay – Payday 3 DLC – Is there a Payday 3 release date? Payday 3 will come out on Sept. 21, 2023. The Xbox Summer Game Fest officially confirmed the anticipated release date. Payday 3 platforms Payday 3 will launch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game will arrive on Xbox Game Pass on day one. Payday 2 was previously released on PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and Linux. Payday 3 trailers Payday 3 Logo reveal trailer Payday 3 received a teaser trailer called “A New Criminal Dawn” on December 31, 2022, which also revealed the game’s logo. Payday 3 Gameplay reveal trailer Payday 3 received its first gameplay reveal trailer as part of the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase event on June 11, 2023. Pearl & Joy trailer On September 7, 2023, another trailer was released that serves as an introduction to 2 brand-new heisters, Pearl and Joy, who will be joining the Payday universe in Payday 3. Payday 3 story details According to the official Payday 3 store page, the game’s story takes place after the events of the previous title. Players will step back into “the life of crime” as they rise up the ranks of the Payday gang and wreak havoc on law enforcement. Payday 3 is set “several years after the crew’s reign of terror over Washington DC has ended,” but this time, the gang has reassembled once again to deal with the threat that has roused them out of early retirement. Payday 3 gameplay The 2023 Xbox Summer Game Fest revealed Payday 3 gameplay. Like its predecessor, it seems players will need to coordinate their actions with their team in order to pull off death-defying robberies and avoid the clutches of local law enforcement in Payday 3. As seen in the trailer, players loot a New York City bank with new weapons and skills. Payday 3 will also feature elements surrounding cryptocurrency and the dark web. Payday 3 DLC Starbreeze Studios has officially revealed their one-year post-launch plan for Payday 3, which is set to include four waves of DLC. The content will be released in the following order: DLC 1: Syntax Error – Winter 2023 – DLC 2: Boys in Blue – Spring 2024 – DLC 3: The Land of the Free – Summer 2024 – DLC 4: Fear and Greed – Fall 2024 – While it’s important to note that the names and dates of these DLCs are subject to change, fans can look forward to seasonal events, new playable characters, new enemies, weapons, quality-of-life improvements, and more after the game launches. So, there you have it. That’s everything we know about Payday 3. In the meantime, be sure to check out our other game release date hubs for all the latest news and updates.

Payday 3 producer explains why now is the time for a sequel Deep SilverSpeaking to Dexerto, Payday 3 lead producer Andreas Häll Penninger discussed why, after a decade of Payday 2, now is the time for a new game. Payday 2 just celebrated its 10-year anniversary last month, marking a run most ongoing games can only dream of. Really, the only thing stopping it from continuing its impressive run is Payday 3, Starbreeze Studios’ successor to its FPS hit. Set years after the previous game, Payday 3 brings the heisters back together along with some new characters for more criminal adventures. Dexerto was able to speak with Andreas Häll Penninger, lead producer on Payday 3 who has worked on all three Payday games. Penninger was able to explain to us why, after a decade of support for Payday 2, now is the time for a brand new game. “Payday 3 is a passion project” Above all else, Penninger says Payday 3 is a “passion project” for its developers. “There are still a lot of people, including myself, who have worked on the first and second game.” While there’s obviously still a lot of love for Payday 2, “we felt we were at a point where we were just producing new content. And we love it; it’s very close to our hearts. But it became this content treadmill.” New technologies available also motivated the team. “We saw an opportunity with Unreal [Engine 4]. Payday 1 and 2 were developed on our in-house engine. With Unreal, we can really evolve the franchise and refine it to make something that we hope and believe our fans are looking for.” Payday 3 is developed in Unreal Engine 4, though there are plans to upgrade to Unreal Engine 5 post-launch. In addition to the engine, the hardware players are using has come a long way since Payday 2 was released in 2013 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. These new tools and tech are letting Starbreeze deliver what fans want. As Penninger told us, “We also started to see from a community standpoint more requests for features that we just can’t do in Payday 2 today. So [making Payday 3] just felt very natural for us as a studio.” On top of all that, Penninger and the team clearly see room in the gaming space for something like Payday 3. “I think there’s a void in the heist genre generally,” he said. “Even if Payday 2 is still going strong, there are not a lot of heist games out there. You have [Grand Theft Auto] Online, which is a very different experience. Crime Boss came out a couple of months ago. But that’s an opportunity.” What’s clear from Penninger’s response is that there’s so much love for the Payday series among its developers. Sequels to beloved ongoing games can be tough sells – just look at fan reactions to Overwatch 2 over the past year – but it really does seem like now is the perfect time for Payday 3. If you enjoyed this, check out the rest of our Payday 3 coverage, including our hands-on preview.

Payday 3 producer discusses controversial online requirement Deep SilverDuring an interview with Dexerto, Payday 3 lead producer Andreas Häll Penninger spoke about why the game’s controversial online requirement is in place. Payday 3 is just weeks away, promising to bring the series into the latest gaming generation with features that wouldn’t have been possible in Payday 2. However, the game is already causing some frustration among fans. While Payday 2 allows for offline play, that won’t be the case with Payday 3. Earlier this year, it was confirmed players will need an online connection to play regardless of mode, which has led to criticism and some talks of fan boycotts. During our interview with Payday 3 lead producer Andreas Häll Penninger, he addressed the controversy and explained why the game will require a constant online connection. Payday 3 was built with its online requirement in mind According to Penninger, Payday 3 was “built with [an online requirement] in mind.” This was a decision the team made early on, and various features and mechanics were developed around and tied to that. One example is “Security Modifiers,” which make some changes to heists. “Those are rotating on a weekly basis; we don’t have to do updates and so on.” Penninger also reiterated the studios’ desire to “provide a better game experience” overall with Payday 3. In this case, it seems the requirement is being used creatively. Security Modifiers look to keep the game fresh while easing the burden on the developers, who can instead work on more substantial content. That may not be enough for fans, though. Players have legitimate reasons to be concerned about online requirements in video games. Not only do they mean that a service outage or server issues result in players temporarily losing access – they also mean there will come a time when the servers shut down for good, rendering the game entirely unplayable. On top of that are concerns regarding DRM technology, which many have criticized as anti-consumer. Payday fans have been open with their criticism since the online requirement was announced. While Penninger’s answer likely won’t satisfy the most vocal of fans, it does seem like the decision was made at least in some part with the overall gaming experience in mind. If you enjoyed this, check out the rest of our Payday 3 coverage, including our hands-on preview.

Payday 3 preview: Starbreeze sets up the next decade of Payday Deep SilverAlmost exactly a decade after releasing its previous FPS heist hit, Starbreeze Studios is back with Payday 3 – which Dexerto was able to go hands-on with. Payday 3 may not be the biggest or best-known game releasing in September 2023, but it is a title that’s been a long time coming. Last month marked the tenth anniversary of Payday 2, a game that’s received plenty of love from fans and its developers. However, rather than continuing to give that game further content updates and DLC, Starbreeze Studios is releasing a successor that looks to be even bigger and better than its beloved predecessor. I was able to go hands-on with Payday 3 at an extravagant event that included two hours of gameplay and lots of new details on the game. Balancing approachability and challenge Right off the bat, I will admit that I am not a Payday player. It’s one of those games that I’d heard of, but none of my friends played – which does make it difficult to get into series like this where co-op is the central focus. Despite my inexperience, I had no issue jumping into Payday 3 alongside other attendees. Our preview consisted of two missions, one of which was a quick bank heist and the other a larger job in and around a warehouse. Each offered a distinct gameplay experience that’s incredibly promising for the full game’s maps and future additions. During my time playing the game, I found it incredibly fun to see how Payday 3 responded to my actions and those of my co-op partners. When starting a level, before putting your mask on or being acknowledged as a threat, every move and action feels risky in the best way. It feels vital to really think about what you’re doing and setting up your approach to the level — that is unless you’re gung ho about going in guns blazing. Upon really getting into the levels, I never felt like I was that far behind the rest of my team, even those who were big Payday fans and had attended previous previews. Sure, some were able to give helpful insights about the map and smart tips for how to approach missions, but I still felt like I was contributing even as I was learning the basics. While I was able to try each level several times over, I definitely feel like I’ve just scratched the surface. It’s absolutely possible to, for instance, complete a full stealth run where you never have to mask up. I’m not convinced I’ll ever get that good at the game, but from my perspective, Payday 3 appears to really balance that need to welcome newcomers with the kinds of challenges that keep returning players invested. Payday your way Like other similar games, Payday 3 has a lot of options for players to choose from including different guns and, of course, cosmetics. To start, messing around with different loadouts to see what worked best for me was simple enough. You get to equip two guns, and swapping things out between missions is simple. I got lucky and found a shotgun I really liked from the start, but I used that other slot to experiment with some of the many other options available. Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t discuss the multitude of cosmetic options Payday 3 has to offer, particularly the series’ iconic masks. I had an absolute blast buying and customizing masks to wear during missions. My personal favorites were a big goofy cat head – which I obviously dyed metallic pink – and “Dishonest Abe,” which resembles a caricature of Lincoln if he’d moonlighted as a clown. The file I was playing on had practically infinite money, so I was able to purchase a bunch of masks, colors, and more. Still, I could see players being motivated to play more by the promise of earning enough to buy another silly mask that hilariously clashes with the business attire or tracksuit they’re wearing. Given the long life of Payday 2 and the developers’ intentions to give Payday 3 a similar amount of support, this is definitely just the beginning. With an ongoing game like this, though, a strong foundation matters and, based on my time with the game, Starbreeze Studios appears to be laying the groundwork for the next decade of Payday. If you enjoyed this, check out the rest of our Payday 3 coverage, which includes the latest news, guides and more.

Payday 3 players slam new armor system as “un-fun” and “broken” Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 players are calling out the game’s new-look armor mechanics, labeling them as “fundamentally unfun.” Payday 3 has been under heavy fire ever since its release on September 21. The problematic launch saw the game heavily criticized for constant server issues, matchmaking problems, and a mandatory online requirement that ultimately meant players were struggling even to play the game. Unsurprisingly, poor reviews rolled in, which ended up sinking Payday 3 to a “Mostly Negative” score on Steam. While these initial problems were enough to deter many players, those who persevered have found more reasons for disappointment. Players are still finding issues with the actual gameplay being quick to call out the controversial new challenge-based progression system, the heavily-nerfed money bags, and more. But the latest uproar is centered around the game’s new armor system. A Reddit post titled “New armor system is fundamentally un-fun” delves into the mechanics of the armor in Payday 3 compared to its predecessors. In the previous games, armor provided a brief advantage against the police. If players didn’t respect this advantage, the armor would break, leaving their health vulnerable. This dynamic allowed for thrilling gameplay moments where players could make last-minute escapes. However, in Payday 3, both health and armor are finite, leaving players with no room for error. The post summarizes the sentiment of many players: “the new armor system simply doesn’t work and, worst of all, less fun.” The community’s feedback on the armor system has been overwhelmingly negative. One player noted, “It seems that the intention is to more heavily punish solo play… It’s one of the reasons I went back to Payday 2.” Many players feel that the game discourages active engagement with enemies and overvalues certain in-game items, like the armor bag. Suggestions for improvement have also been plentiful, with players proposing mechanics like enemies dropping armor or health slowly regenerating. Despite the backlash, Payday 3 developers have shown resistance to making significant changes to the game. They have firmly stood by their new challenge-based progression system, stating they have no plans to change it. This stance has only fueled the community’s frustration. One player reacted, saying, “Saying they have no plans to change how progression works is nuts. It’s so blatantly unfun.” To add to the list of complaints, a crucial patch that was supposed to bring quality-of-life fixes has been delayed, with the developers now hopeful for a mid-October release. It remains to be seen whether the update will also bring improvements or changes to the controversial new armor mechanics, however.

Payday 3 players outraged as devs delay crucial patch which brings quality-of-life fixes Starbreeze StudioPayday 3 players are outraged as devs delay a crucial patch with a hopeful release date of mid-October, leaving PS5 players without their bonus content. As Payday 3 goes through its first month after launch, various problems discovered by players have emerged. From server issues and controversial online-only requirements that saw the game review-bombed to its new progression system, there has been plenty of backlash already. Starbreeze announced they would be rolling out various quality-of-life improvement updates throughout the rest of the year after the game’s rough launch, with the first patch due for an early October release with 200+ QoL improvements. However, on October 5, the devs announced they would delay that patch, with a hopeful launch in mid-October, leaving PS5 players without their bonus content. “We’re extremely sorry for this, but we’ve chosen to delay today’s planned patch to ensure its stability,” the Payday tweet reads. “The patch needs some changes that would require us to go through console certification again. We hope to deliver this one for mid-October.” They further confirmed that PS5 players would not be able to redeem their bonus content until the patch is ready. The delayed patch has left players furious. A commenter said in a post on the Payday subreddit, “It’s not the fact they’re delaying it that p***es me off. It’s the fact that they were so unclear about what would be happening leading up to today, and then waited until the last possible second to tell people it won’t be coming.” Others also slammed the restrictions to PS5 players not being able to access content they paid for, saying, “I love how they say “and yes” like the fact that PlayStation players literally can’t use what they purchased sounds such like a slap on the face.” But other players also preferred having the patch delayed for polishing rather than rushing it out. A commenter said in Payday’s tweet, “I’d rather have a working patch, than a rushed-out mess.” However, a mid-October release is not concrete, as the devs said in reply to a comment, “mid-October is the best we can offer right now without risking further broken promises.”

Payday 3 players outraged after uncovering hidden value of money bags Overkill SoftwarePayday 3 players have uncovered what seems to be a flaw with the “hilariously bad” heist payout rewards, leading many to believe that it’s “broken.” In Payday 3 — a co-op shooter centered around completing heists — players are learning that successfully obtaining money bags has little impact on the final payout rewards, even though they appear to be stacked full with thousands of dollars. Upon release, players quickly called out that an indicator showing the amount of cash included in each bag was not present in Payday 3, unlike the first two games of the series. In the latest edition of the game, players are simply unaware of the amount of cash contained in each money bag. However, the sheer size of the bag and the effort required to successfully obtain and transport them led many players to believe that grabbing as many bags as possible would still be a worthwhile endeavor. The removal of the indicator was already controversial, but the community is now even more outraged after realizing that the developers might be concealing the reduced reward amounts in each bag. One player, after completing 30 heists, discovered that whether securing the maximum or minimum number of money bags, the final payout reward was nearly identical. “This game is flawed to its core; there is no motivation to do more than what is necessary,” the player wrote, highlighting the minimal impact of effort on the rewards. A comparison of heists revealed that a “loud” heist with two money bags stolen resulted in a $588,000 reward, while a “stealth” style heist — involving more effort and all eight money bags — ended with a $598,800 payout. The player tested various heist styles and found there was consistent minimal impact on the reward payout. The findings left players both outraged and discouraged, with many questioning the game design. “My first thought is that this is broken. There’s no way they designed a system where extra effort results in no extra payoff. What kind of grind-treadmill-nightmare is this?” one player remarked. Another expressed regret at learning about the flaw, finding it “extremely discouraging.” The community, initially skeptical of these findings, conducted in-game tests and later confirmed the original poster’s claims. The tests revealed consistent bag amounts but “hilariously bad” rewards for the effort, especially on overkill difficulty. As it turns out, the overall payout figure is almost completely dependent on achieving the primary objective of the heist, with each additional money bag impacting the final payout by a mere $2,550. This discovery comes after a wave of ‘Mostly Negative’ reviews on Steam and frustration over the game’s new challenge-based progression system, which many find restrictive and unfun. Starbreeze Studios, despite the backlash, has stated they have “no plans” to change how the progression works. Payday 3 players are finding that the game rewards minimal effort while also restricting playstyles, leaving the community questioning the immersive nature of the co-op shooter.

Payday 3 devs assemble strike team to address player frustrations Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 developer Starbreeze has announced how it plans to tackle the player frustrations that have mounted since launch. After a long wait, Payday 3 finally arrived in September 2023. It wasn’t the experience fans were hoping for, however. The multiplayer title launched in a poor state, plagued by crashing errors, server issues, and a litany of other problems. Even rolling out fixes for these troubles proved trying, as players spent weeks awaiting the day one patch. Still, the update didn’t address all of the critiques leveled against Payday 3. Franchise faithful remain upset that features from the sequel have yet to carry over. Others argue that systems like Favors feel watered down. Issues related to lobbies, communication, and the dearth of content aren’t winning the game favor among fans, either. Payday 3 devs plan to address player frustrations In a message on the Payday website, Starbreeze Studios teased its “plans going forward” for the beleaguered game. The statement acknowledges that players aren’t happy with Payday 3 in its current state, noting that user feedback is regularly taken into consideration. But putting that feedback to work will require much more effort. As such, the crew plans on assembling a strike team filled with “veteran developers from the design, community, communication, and production teams.” As of now, the strike team is building a plan that will hopefully shape Payday 3 into the experience that players want “in both the short and long term.” The strike team should ensure developers avoid simply reacting to feedback, allowing them to instead focus on producing improvements with care. Notably, the message further states that Starbreeze will share a plan in February that outlines upcoming changes and their expected launch windows. Payday 3 players still looking to share their frustrations and critiques can do so on the game’s User Suggestions page. Above all else, the page ensures developers have instant access to what the community thinks and why. Hopefully, the new strike team can set the heist experience on the right course in the not-too-distant future.

Payday 3 PC requirements – Minimum & recommended specs Overkill SoftwareYou may be ready for an adrenaline-fueled heist in Payday 3, but is your PC ready? Make sure you check out the Payday 3 PC minimum and recommended requirements to ensure a smooth caper. Payday 3 is out now in early access and expectations are high. The game promises to deliver a level of immersion and graphical fidelity that makes heisting even more hazardous. To accommodate these advanced features, your rig will need to be in top shape. If Starbreeze follows the same pattern for Payday 3, it might not demand an ultra-high-end machine. However, with the continuous evolution of gaming tech, we can expect the third iteration to leverage more advanced features, meaning a more robust setup is required. Payday 3 minimum system PC requirements The minimum specs will still allow Payday 3 to run at a great pace, and while it may not be that flashy, you’ll still be able to enjoy the heist shooter to a more than enjoyable degree: Operating System: 64-Bit Windows 10 – Processor: Intel Core i5-9400F – Memory: 16GB RAM – Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1650 (4 GB) – DirectX: Version 11 – This should be enough to enjoy the game, but if you’re looking for a more optimal experience, you should check out the recommended requirements. Payday 3 recommended system PC requirements Upping the ante here, check out the complete recommended system specs for Payday 3 to make the art of crime silky smooth: Operating System: 64-Bit Windows 10 – Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K – Memory: 16GB RAM – Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1080 (8GB) – DirectX: Version 12 – That just about wraps up all of the PC specs for Payday 3, no matter which route you go. We also have a ton of other guides to get you ready for Starbreeze’s newest title: Will Payday 3 have microtransactions? | Every playable character confirmed so far | Every heist confirmed for launch | Pre-order bonuses & every edition explained | Will Payday 3 be cross-platform? Crossplay for Xbox, PlayStation & PC explained | Is Payday 3 coming to Xbox Game Pass? | Will Payday 3 have single-player?

Payday 3 Update 1.0.2 patch notes: Legacy heists, XP improvements, new skills, more Deep SilverPayday 3’s next major content update is now live on PC, Xbox and PS5, and brings with it a couple of heists, a new skill line, and much more. After the much-delayed first bug fix patch to Payday 3 finally released earlier this month, the game has now received its next content update with new content for players to enjoy. The 1.0.2 update for Payday 3 brings two legacy heists to the game; Cook Off and Turbid Station, both of which were first available in Payday 2. Also added with this patch are new first-person animations for various interactions, a new Transporter skill line, improvements to the levelling system, and many bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements. Most notably, players can now level up from completing a heist and there is no obligation to complete challenges to earn your infamy levels. The amount of experience you earn from a heist depends on several factors. If you’re able to complete the heist in stealth or finish with every bag, you’ll get a bigger reward. Payday 3 Update 1.0.2 update patch notes Here are the Payday 3 Update 1.0.2 update patch notes, available now on PC, Xbox and PS5, as taken from the official announcement here. ADDITIONS HEISTS “There are 2 brand new (old) heists in this update! Each painstakingly remade and slightly reimagined from their original PAYDAY 2 counterparts. Both of these heists tend to rank fairly high in popularity, we’ve seen a lot of people asking for both, we hope you enjoy it!” TURBID STATION, FORMERLY MURKY STATION “The private military contractor Murkywater had some “troubled times” in the past couple of years. As such, this heist has gotten a new name alongside its facelift when brought into PAYDAY 3. Turbid Station is the first ‘stealth only’ heist in PAYDAY 3 so far. In order to facilitate the new stealth systems introduced in PAYDAY 3, the team have made a few minor changes to the how it plays as compared to PAYDAY 2. The sense of familiarity is strong however, any veteran will feel right at home.” COOK OFF “How do you turn a crack house into a crack home? While ‘meth home’ would probably be more appropriate, someone tried turning this once disgusting den of debauchery into something livable. As such, the Cook Off house has gotten a few well needed renovations over the years. But once a drug den, always a drug den it seems.” “The Cook Off house is the second ‘loud only’ heist in PAYDAY 3, following the footsteps of its predecessor. One difference in the new Cook Off is that it is not endless, the maximum number of bags possible is now capped at 19. The visuals of this heist have seen even more obvious changes over Turbid Station, though it’s still hauntingly recognizable to experienced heisters.” FIRST PERSON ANIMATIONS “Our animation team has outdone themselves and put together some fine looking first person animations for a lot of the player actions. It really makes it feel better to swipe money when you see it getting taken. As part of this, you can now inspect both your gloves and weapons by using the corresponding option in the context wheel.” TRANSPORTER SKILL LINE “This skill line is all about carrying, be that bodies, loot or equipment. With this skill line you’ll do so faster and more efficiently, even letting you carry two bags at once.” NEW MASK & PRESET WEAPON Added the Under Wraps mask and the Compact7 Lycan preset weapons. – LEVEL CAP REWARDS “While we did expect you guys to outdo our expectations, you guys have crushed our predictions. As such this is the first addition of items exclusively available to those who have hit the level cap. We will call the levels passed the infamy cap “Renown”. When hitting a new renown level, you’ll be rewarded with consumable items that will be dropped for each renown level. We hope to expand this in the future, for all of you unstoppable heisters.” INFAMY FOR EACH HEIST COMPLETED “Our game designer Mio has written a blog-style post about the changes, and how they work just below.” RECOMMENDED CHALLENGES “Lastly on this list, we’ve added recommended challenges. Recommendations will show both on the main menu with general challenges you are close to, or could complete, and also in the heist selection when hovering over each heist.” “Together with the Infamy per heist completion, we hope this will provide a good starting point for addressing your concerns about the challenges.” ADDED LOBBY CHAT FOR PC “We’ve added the much requested lobby chat for PC. We are still looking into how to best implement a text chat for console players.” NOTABLE FIXES Added Infamy Point (IP) rewards for every level successfully completed. – A number of graphical and technical fixes. – Closed the XP exploit on 99 Boxes. – AI crew mates got a 300% HP boost so they can better assist you without taking so many naps. – Enemies won’t try to dodge shots that weren’t directly aimed at them as much. – Adjusted some text that wasn’t wrapping in its box properly. – Generally fixed most out of bounds issues of bags and players. – Rebalanced a number of skills. – Added the option to mute the contact in heist selection. – Added recommended challenges to the main menu as well as per heist in the heist selection screen. – Added an outline to the sentry gun for its owner. – GENERAL Fixed an issue with AI not being able to revive after being cuffed by a cloaker – Included optimization to improve performance on Xbox S – Added a 30 second custody timers for players who reconnect after being downed/taken into custody – Added measures to prevent bags getting thrown out of the playable area – Increased the crew AI health by 300% – Container door opening rate increased by 3 times – Players can no longer lockpick while holding a human shield – Fixed an issue where joining players wouldn’t see CCTV cameras as “off” if the guard was killed before they joined – Fixed an XP exploit on 99 Boxes – Fixed an issue causing some masks, suits and gloves to appear in the wrong inventory space, causing confusion when equipping – Micro camera now triggers shutterstock challenge when placed (PS5) – Fixed an issue where the player could disable cameras by throwing a bag in front of the security room guard – Fix issue with players crouching while doing the safe cracking interaction – Fixed an issue were cops wouldn’t see players inside the dumpster on Art Gallery – Adjusted a border between private and secure area in Touch the Sky – Fixed a crash related to weapon customization – Fixed an issue with CCTV cameras would beep in high alert for extended times when seeing scared civilians – Added a fix so players cannot walk on doors – Added a fix to make the spectrophotometer respawn on the roof if thrown into the helicopter on Under the Surphaze – Fixed the transition between sprinting and interacting with a lockpicking puzzle – Fixed an issue causing motion sensors to stop working if entering the range of another motion sensor – Fixed an issue skipping the negotiation phase if player goes loud towards the end – Fixed not being able to use ammo bags dropped in the alley of No Rest for the Wicked – Fixed sprint not working if something blocked the player from standing up during the first moments of movement – Fixed so that bots no longer warn the player about the presence of the nearby camera, after the camera has been hacked to loop its footage – Fixed crouched player’s character stands up after canceling the safecracking/lockpick interaction – Fixed an issue causing players to be unable to invite players to friends only lobbies – Fixed an issue causing a crash for PS5 players if invited to a lobby by a PC player (PS5) – Fixed an issue where an user was unable to join a party after matchmaking into a different lobby (XboxS/X) – Fixed an issue where only one civilian could react to each dead AI – Improved the crew AI behavior, they should run around less randomly in assault breaks and similarly – Fixed a performance issue on Dirty Ice (XboxS) – Fixed an issue enabling players to have multiple hostages following them – Fixed an exploit allowing players to spam purchase c-stacks, skipping the payment (PC/PS5) – Fixed a bug where sliding under an object with hold to crouch would let the player walk too fast in crouch – Translation added on a PC screen in the tutorial – Fixed a bug where the controller would keep vibrating when turning vibrations off in the menu when a vibration was active in the controller – Fixed an issue with matchmaking between players on different platforms – Fixed an issue causing players to be unable to rejoin a previously left lobby – Fixed a crash that occurred when the player tried to leave the tutorial while holding human shield on the Crowd Tutorial – Fixed an issue preventing the player from receiving a favor upon heist completion – Fixed an issue where the player could shoot from the vents during stealth without guards reacting to the gunfire properly – Fixed a crash related to the taser mine – Civilians will no longer run away while tied up if a player had tied them up just after a guard saved them – Fixed an issue causing the weapon would wiggle when aiming down sight after sprinting – Changed the mask when inspecting patterns to a blank mask so the pattern is easier to see – Fixed a crash caused by attempting to climb the escape van on the Crowd Control Tutorial level whilst escaping – Added teleportation back into the map for players who were pushed out of the playable area – Fixed culling issue on Rock the Cradle causing a box to appear and disappear – You can now see your ping marker when watching through a hacked camera – Fixed an issue where vault wouldn’t work after using the crouch button to uncrouch – Fixed a crash that could happen when spamming shout at a guard – Added descriptive text to interactable control panels, such as in Gold & Sharke – Fixed an issue where the player was able to send a friend request to someone they were already friends with. – Fixed an issue where directional inputs stop working after blocking another player – Fixed an issue where players couldn’t join through xbox shell after a couple of invites – Fixed an issue in the challenges menu showing wrong progress values – Fixed an issue where players could restart a tutorial level and when the timer for restart level has gone to zero – HEIST COMPLETION INFAMY POINTS “With this update, we are adding Infamy Points to heist payouts. Points are awarded for three accomplishments: Completing the heist successfully – Completing the heist entirely without raising the alarm (aka “in Stealth”) – Completing the heist by securing all bags – These payouts are added up together and aren’t mutually exclusive, which means that if you complete a heist without raising the alarm, you’ll get points for completion and for finishing it in stealth. The amount of Infamy Points you get for each of these three factors depends on which heist you are playing and on which difficulty. Heists that are generally harder to stealth will have the majority of their points in the stealth payout. Heists that have low minimal loot (like Dirty Ice), will have a low completion payout, but a high “all bags” payout. And so on… To clear up any confusion, the “all bags” payout only cares about you extracting all the baggable loot, it doesn’t care about loose cash or the quality of the loot (for example, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a cleaned jewelry bag or not in Dirty Ice). With this change, we’ve introduced an infinite source of Infamy Points to the game, so that required that we make some other changes. Once you reach the level cap (Infamy Level 150), instead of earning additional levels, all your Infamy Points will go towards a new system called “Renown.” Every time you earn 2000 Infamy Points, regardless of whether it’s from challenges or heist payouts, you will get a level of Renown and a random reward. The rewards can be a stack of C-Stacks, consumable weapon stickers and consumable mask patterns. We also plan to expand this system with more consumable cosmetics in future updates. Any cosmetics earned through Renown are exclusive to Renown and won’t be earnable through other methods. Please keep in mind that these rewards are consumable, so use them wisely, otherwise you’ll have to wait until they drop again for you to use them. For this update, we have 1188 Renown levels, which will be visible to you in the main menu through a combination of icon and number next to your name. Once you reach the Renown cap, you will still be able to earn Renown rewards, but the number counter will no longer go up until we raise the Renown cap. How does this affect any future Infamy Level cap increases? While we can’t say when we plan to raise the Infamy Level cap, once we do, all your Infamy Points will go towards your level instead of towards Renown. Once you reach the new Infamy Level cap, you’ll start earning Renown again instead, back from where you left off. And no need to worry about “wasting” challenges on Renown in the meantime; any Infamy Level cap increase will come with a set of new challenges worth as much as the new infamy levels require. We plan to monitor this system and we’ll further tune it and update it based on stats and player feedback.” BALANCE SKILLS Armor Up (Tank): Interacting with any armor bag will also repair your current armor chunk. With this change, Armor Up should still be able to get you “two chunks” of armor, but you need to use it at the correct time, before the chunk you want to repair breaks. We’re hoping that this timing requirement makes it less of a mandatory pick for all players and rewards more careful play. – – Last Man Standing (Tank): base duration has been decreased from 10 to 4 seconds, but the duration increases by 2 seconds for each player who is downed, or in custody when the skill activates. This change will make stacking Last Man Standing in the entire crew less powerful, but it will still be as effective in those dire situations when you are, in fact, the last man standing. – – Blade Bouncer (Infiltrator): Increased the damage from the Blade Bouncer skill to 200% (from 100%) per bounce. Blade Bouncer was already difficult to use, so we made sure that one bounce was enough to kill a Shield. We recommend going for two bounces if you want to make the Dozer a pin-cushion. – – Cooker (Demolitionist): Lowered the cooking requirement for Cooker from 1.5 to 1.0 second. – Coup De Grace (Tactician): Increased Coup De Grace bonus damage from 5% to 10%. The ease of activating Coup De Grace with certain automatic weapons made us more conservative with the initial balance. We are hoping the new 10% damage bonus makes it more appealing. – – Master Trader (Manipulator): Lowered the time reduction from Master Trader from 20 to 10 seconds per hostage. We feel that even with this nerf, Master Trader is a very desirable skill to have, and players who specialize in trading will get the most benefit out of it. – – Combat Marking (Strategist): Increased the damage bonus from Combat Marking from 10% to 20% – Detonation (Engineer): Increased the damage of the Sentry turret with the Detonate skill to 300/200/100 across 2.5/4/8 meters. The damage turrets did when detonating didn’t seem worth the skill point investment. This way there’s a much higher chance that the enemies nearest to it will die. – – The skills “Steady Hands” and “Field Surgery” no longer work with first aid kits This was an unintended bug with first aid kit interactions. – – Fixed the skill Cover-Up in the CQC Specialist tree preventing the Lead Guard radio’s functioning as intended. They should now repeatedly check in as intended. This was an unintended bug. We hope this fix makes the Lead Guard appropriately challenging (and annoying) to play around again. – – Fixed an issue where the skill, Plate Up, wouldn’t trigger reliably – Fixed an issue where the Cover-Up skill would stop the lead guards radio from calling more than once. – Fixed so that the skill ‘Routed Ping’ no longer marks enemies through cameras permanently – Changed the immunity duration of the skill “Last Man Standing” from the Tank skill line to a base of 4 seconds, adding 2 seconds for each player or AI downed or in custody – Armor Up no longer restores two plates flat, interacting with an armor bag will now instead also repair your damaged armor chunk and add one full plate – WEAPONS Recoil updated for Mosconi12 FP to prevent clipping with the camera – Updated hand position when using the Signature 40 pistol (Steam) – Reduced self-damage from the Mamba OVERKILL weapon by 80% The self damage of the OVK Mamba was working against the usage of the weapon, this is now greatly reduced to increase the viability of the weapon in tighter spaces. – Weapons Designer Jimmy – – Increased ammo pickup for all SMG’s by roughly 20% The SMG weapons were generally underperforming with their ammo usage in the game, therefore we increased the pickup ratio given from ammo resources – Weapons Designer Jimmy – – Fixed an issue causing reload animations to play when leaving ADS if using Ammo Funnel and Replenish skills – Fixed an issue with Northwest B-9 preventing it from passing level 26 – ENEMIES “For this update, enemy changes are primarily bug fixes and other minor improvements. For the next update, we plan to make some balance changes to increase the challenge on OVERKILL difficulty.” -Mio Added additional VFX to Dozer while shooting – The distance required to trigger the “dodge” animation has been reduced. Enemies should dodge less if not directly fired at – Fixed some guards taken as hostage not being tradable – Fixed an issue with rooftop snipers not playing sounds on 99 Boxes – Fixed tied up hostages sometimes running away when unattended – Fixed players being able to “spawn camp” swats from atop the fence on Dirty Ice – Fixed so that the cloaker only swaps to secondary when it can’t get to the player in melee – The taser mine and battery now puts the player in full tased state directly – Fixed an issue causing guards to be alerted if throwing knives near tied-up hostages – Fixed an issue causing cloakers to be able to down players through the vault door of No Rest for the Wicked – Improved some of the Grenadiers animations – Non-threatening noises (like throwing knives) will now only attract one guard instead of multiple guards. – Fixed an issue where guards would stay still after being traded when standing on props that they climbed up on while being in combat – Fixed an exploit in where meleeing a guard would make him freeze instead of going into combat – TECHNICAL UI Added ping and server region to the paus menu – Options for buying weapon slots and new weapons in a lobby should now be hidden – Fixed the tooltip to revive crew AI sometimes not appearing – Fixed an issue where the player would display as “revived” in the chat on leaving the game – Adjusted estimated payouts for each heist in the heist selection screen – Updated thumbnail image for a number of weapons & weapon mods – Fixed missing localizations for waypoints showing distance – Fixed so settings on “You can see and upload community creations” work properly (WinStore) – Fixing lobby chat not working (PC) – Added so players in lobby can open player profiles if on the same platform – Fixed so that the chat would open on pressing the enter-key once, instead of having to do so twice (PC) – Added UI elements to better display server status and ping – Improved radial menu navigation when using controllers – Added recommended challenges to the main menu as well as per heist in the heist selection screen – Fixed players being unable to browse incoming friends requests (PS5/Xbox) – Adjusted so the correct platform icon appears in the tutorial – Updated the ECM jammer buff icon – Clarified the description of a number of challenges or adjusted how the counted to better fit the description – Fixed an issue on XSX where the UI would stop working after blocking a user – Updated buff icons for the ECM jammer – Fixed an issue on the end of heist screen where the infamy rank would be shown as level 1 regardless of the player’s actual infamy rank – Fixed an issue where the UI would stack on top of each other on the main menu – AUDIO Fixed an issue with two door frames that didn’t allow sound to pass through on Gold & Sharke – Fixed issues with VOs not always playing when killing specials – Fixed a few VO issues on No Rest for the Wicked – Metallic footstep sounds can no longer be heard in the manager’s office in Gold & Sharke – Fixed the Janitor missing voice lines outside Gold & Sharke – A sound effect for when the overkill weapon is ready has been added – Fixed so that the audio for “follow me” is played at the end of the hostage interaction instead of at the start – Added the option to mute the contact in heist selection – Made it easier for controller users to navigate radial menu – Minor noises such as throwing knifes can now only attract one guard per instance – Added missing SFX when another player is using heist tools – VISUALS Removed shadow persisting after paper piles were searched – Prevented the sentry gun turret from falling through the ground when placed near the first floor windows on ‘No Rest For The Wicked’ – Nvidia DLSS graphics setting is now available in the Video Settings for Windows Store players (WS) – Fixed an issue with tires on the escape van looking broken – Fixed an issue with micro cameras being able to see though walls if FOV was set high enough – Removed a gap in the model of the manager’s office/booth in Gold and Sharke – Fixed an issue causing bags to appear as if floating if thrown on a zipline – Fixed two misaligned vents on the roof of the Gold & Sharke heist – Fixed the stapler clipping with the magazines in the lobby of the Gold & Sharke heist – Fixed a pillar near the bank assistant’s office on Gold & Sharke missing collision – Added the appropriate texture to one of the helmet prop in the vault of Touch the Sky – The US flag in 99 boxes has been rotated to hang in the proper orientation – Updated the heist image for 99 Boxes (PS5) – Prevented the spawning of a black wall near one of the AI spawns of the first floor vault area on Gold & Sharke – Prevented the “No Thru Truck Traffic” sign partially clipping through a wall – Fixed vent being misaligned on Under the Surphaze (Xbox) – Fixed the floating computer mouse on 99 Boxes – Fixed being able to see “through the world” between the wall and the pavement near the hotel on Dirty Ice – Fixed a big wooden crate on the roof of the bank on the No Rest for the Wicked heist popping – Fixed a floating paper cup in the Stealth tutorial – Fixed two vents missing collision, cloakers should now open the vents before crawling through – Fixed the collision on Pearl’s arm from clipping through her jacket – Fixed an issue caused by placing sentry guns on movable surfaces – Fixed guards going into the “lean against wall”-animation when not near a wall on Rock the Cradle – Added an outline to the sentry gun for its owner – Fixed an animation issue with the phone when interacting with lures when the player have tried accessing the tools previously – Fixed the ‘mask on’ animation being interrupted by the interaction wheel such as weapon inspect – Fixed eyelashes on a guard – Fixed an issue with reload animations causing issues entering security camera hack – HEIST Prevented players from getting trapped inside the panic room in Touch the Sky – Added a fix on escape van leaving the playable area in No Rest for the Wicked – A bunch of smaller level fixes to 99 boxes – Fixed an issue with armor bags not being usable if placed in the bathtub on Touch the Sky – Fixed not being able to complete the heist in stealth if a deployable is covering the button on Mason’s desk in the Touch the Sky heist – Fixed a collision when trying to crouch-walk up the stairs on No Rest of the Wicked – Fixed an issue which could cause players to get stuck near the red double doors on Gold & Sharke – Fixed an issue with a wall missing collision on Gold & Shark (Steam) – Removed floating stickers in Gold & Sharke (PC) – Fixed the thermite sometimes being delivered before the thermite cage was built on No Rest for the Wicked – Multiple graphical glitches fixed on 99 Boxes – Fix an issue where it was possible to throw loot outside of the playable area in multiple heists – Fixed so that players can no longer instantly escape if going from stealth to loud after securing the main objective in Touch the Sky – Fixed an issue with AI heisters using the zipline on Rock the Cradle – Fixed an issue on 99 Boxes where a glass door would block enemy vision as well as bullets – Fixed the navigation around the thermite hole so that enemies don’t fall down in No Rest for the Wicked. – Fixed a cloaker spawning vent having a solid wall behind it – Fixed a visual glitch in 99 Boxes through which players could defeat the camera guard without needing to obtain the blue keycard – Removed a placeholder object visible from behind the fence on Under the Surphaze – Fixed throwables being able to pass through the ceiling of the Dirty Ice kitchen and a curb on 99 Boxes – Fixed an issue where player could get stuck between a couch and a lamp on Gold & Sharke – Fixed a texture issue when standing on the roof entrance on No Rest for the Wicked – Fixed an issue where optional loot couldn’t be secured after having secured the mandatory loot on 99 Boxes – KNOWN ISSUES Completing Turbid Station when “point of no return timer” has been activated, will not reward any cash rewards. You will still earn Infamy and Experience. –

Payday 3 Update 1.0.1 patch notes: UI changes, crash fixes, more Overkill SoftwarePayday 3’s first patch is finally live, featuring bug fixes related to cosmetic items and other platform-specific issues. Here are the patch notes. Payday 3 players have not had the smoothest start to the game. After a launch period plagued by matchmaking issues, server disconnections, and other grievances, the game has finally received its first patch addressing some issues. Last month, Starbreeze announced that patch 1.0.1 for Payday 3, originally slated for October 5th, would be delayed to “mid-October” to address some issues that cropped up during testing. The update was pushed back again later in October for issues related to the patching process and player progression. But now, the patch has finally arrived and addresses various bugs and quality-of-life issues the community has found in the first month of play. Payday 3 Update 1.0.1 update patch notes Here are the Payday 3 Update 1.0.1 patch notes, as revealed by Starbreeze. GENERAL Added pre-order and edition specific items to PS5 players – Last radio call will now provide a last warning before alarm goes off, and will not be interrupted by other radio dialogues – Players can now not turn the camera during the full tased effect – Added a fix for the “Cleanin’ It Out” achievement to pop up when the criteria is met – Fixed an issue where the player doesn’t gain “Rush” when masking up while sprinting – Fixed an issue where the player could bind “Throw item” and “Request overkill weapon” to the same keybind – Updated the aim assist function for PS5 (PS5) – Closing or opening doors will no longer push/move players in close proximity – Fixed a crash caused when answering a radio – Fixed a crash that could happen when vaulting near the heist end – Fixed an issue where players got stuck in crouch when playing with high ping – Added a fix so Overkill weapons don’t fall through vehicles – Fixed so the tutorial scroll box is scrollable the second time you open a tutorial popup – Added a fix for a crash caused by multiple explosions – Fixed an issue where the “Closing the Account” trophy didn’t unlock properly – Fixed so the achievement “Cleanin’ it out” needs to be done on Overkill – Fixed issue with marking though some windows – Added a fix to prevent players from getting stuck when using a human shield that dies – Fixed a DLSS related crash – Fixed an issue where the player can get stuck and not proceeding to menus after failing a heist – Removed a state check to fix issue with AI placed bags having wrong rotation – Added a fix so game won’t crash when joining another player through social or shell – Fixed an issue with the social list not filling up – Fixed an issue where a party couldn’t matchmake if the former party leader had left the party – Fixed an issue where social list didn’t populate after reestablishing an internet connection – Changing languages in epic should now work – Fixed a crash related to getting a random character when joining a game – Fixed a crash related to IP address – Closed the weapon experience exploit in 99 Boxes – – BALANCE For this patch, we wanted to primarily address minor fixes. – We are aware that Last Man Standing and Armor Up are performing a bit too well, so we plan to give them a few tweaks that keep them effective, but require a bit more setup compared to the benefits they offer. This will be in the next big patch. Outside of these two skills, we don’t expect any big nerfs coming to skills in the next patch, but given players are still getting used to the game, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the meta. – We are also aware that armor is considered the most desirable resource compared to ammo and health. We are happy with how armor itself works, but we want to put in a few more ways for players to restore it in the game. We also think health is underperforming right now, but addressing that will be a gradual change over the first year of updates, rather than one sweeping update. – – SKILLS Using Manipulator Basic Skill will no longer cause an interaction interference when players do multiple interactions in a row – “Battering Ram” skill can no longer be used to open blue keycard door on “Rock the Cradle” – “Battering Ram” skill can no longer be used to open the front door on “Touch the sky” – – WEAPONS Added ability for knives to be thrown through broken shield visors. – Fixed an issue where throwing knives couldn’t be picked up when the equipped primary or secondary weapon had full ammo – Adjusted the Vertical Grip spawn point on weapon PC9 – Moved the magazine release lever on SA A144 – Fixed an issue with weapon recoil in lower FPS – – ENEMIES Dozers will now get closer before engaging heisters with their shotgun – Updated the enemy flashbangs to apply flash effect more consistently – Player can no longer open doors leading to enemy spawn locations – – TECHNICAL The real meat of this update, the tech stuff! There’s a wide variety of fixes and changes on this list. Continue to let us know if you find any bugs and we’ll keep smashing them! – – UI Added a “Keep these display changes?” message after changing screen resolution. – Fixed a minor typo in the loadout section – UI update for favor reward in result screen – Reduced description text size, in skill line menus – Added ability for players to review the EULA again after creating their accounts – Fixed an issue causing player names, and infamy levels, to not load correctly and displaying wrong information – Fixed translation issue related to the whiskey bottle in “Touch the Sky” – Fixed overlapping text in heist overview – Added icons for when buffs are blocked due to certain skills – Dropdown for offline friends in social screen should now be displayed correctly – Added a fix for the camera zooming out of screen when inspecting an item from the vendors – Fixed an issue showing an incorrect amount of remaining radio calls when a player joins an ongoing heist – Added a fix for overlapping weapon mod names to make them more readable – Player stats are now shown in result screen when failing a heist – Added a fix so a joining player’s name is displayed in the chat – Added a button prompt showing how to exit the safe cracking mini-game – The phone hacking visualization should now always reach full when completing – Fixed locked story videos to properly reset color values when initialized – Adjustments made to fonts in settings menu – Fixed an issue with the “report player” option not appearing – Fixed an issue where the user could interact with the menus when the report text box was open – Added a fix for stock mods “TQ” and “HQ”, their titles are now aligned in the loadout – Tool input is now shown as blocked when interacting with loot – Resized the loadout selection bar – Fixed an issue with joining a friend in the social menu when spamming the join button – Fixed an issue on Xbox causing friends not to appear properly – – AUDIO A sound of dropping a dead body onto the ground will now be played when players drop bodies – The sound effect of sliding will now stop playing when players stop sliding – Added sound effect for closed windows being destroyed Cinematic audio volume is now also affected by master volume – Removed “break” VFX from throwing knives that don’t break when Retriever skill is equipped – Added a fix for smalltalk between civilians and employees not triggering – Added more small talk conversations between civilians – Shade voice over will no longer play, when players return to the main menu after canceling matchmaking – Improved the sound effect for opening crates – Disabled the Shade VO about file clues when the actual documents have already been picked up – Wolf now whisper instead of screams for medic bags during stealth gameplay – Fixed an issue where dye packs would loop the audio when breaking while being disarmed – Fixed an issue where civilian cellphone ringtones would loop forever – Fixed an issue that could cause eye scanner to play incorrect VO when scanning the correct NPC – Audio balancing for enemy VOs – Added more door sounds – Added sound effects for NPC animations – Fixed an issue where the human shield takedown sound effect would not stop if you reload your gun while choking someone out – – VISUALS Fixed a visual issue with deployables placed on moving objects that wouldn’t sync up for players joining an ongoing heist – Fixed deployables floating in the air when placed on a surface that then moved, deployables will now fall to the ground. – Fixed an issue with deployables floating when placed on certain doors – Fixed multiple minor graphical issues on the front part of the bank on “No Rest of the Wicked” – Fixed weapon animation issue when looking upwards and using tools – Added a fix so that switching between sprinting and placing tools wouldn’t cause issues when sprinting. – Fixed animation issue when SWATs are freeing hostages appearing as taking damage – Fixed an issue on lower graphical settings causing the door of the escape helicopter to appear broken. (PC) – Fixed a bug where the player could get inside the transport van in one of the pot holes in “Road Rage” – Fixed a bug where standing on the van would cause the player positions to glitch – Realigned The Butcher’s contractor image with the bottom of the screen – Subtitle fixes for story videos – Fixed a animation issue when using microcamera – In-game heist info screen now scales properly across aspect ratios – Adjusted enemy sabotage animation – Optimized foliage LODs – – HEIST Melee damage no longer affects environment details that should only take damage from explosions/gunfire in Gold & Sharke – Fixed missing collision, in a small area on the bank roof, on “No Rest for the Wicked” – Removed an area that was tagged as “public” on the roof in “Under the Surphaze” – Fixed a bug that led guards to sometimes walk through a closed door on “No Rest for the Wicked” – Added a fix for the Security Door that was openable without a Blue keycard on “99 boxes” – Added a missing out of bounds screen filter in “Under the Surphaze” – Deployables no longer disappear when thrown through vents on “Touch the Sky” – Added a fix for canceling sliding into panic room’s door on “Touch the Sky” – Fixed the texture of the panic room’s door on “Touch the Sky” – “Favors” and “Difficulty” are no longer visible in tutorials when holding Tab – Players will no longer stutter when jumping and sprinting inside the truck on “99 Boxes” – Added collision to block players from getting stuck behind a curtain on “Under the Surphaze” – Added collision to prevent bags from being thrown outside of the playable area on “Road Rage” – Fixed a vent navigation issue in “Rock the Cradle” – Fixed an issue where bags would get stuck in the forklift on “Road Rage” – Fixed an issue where loot bags would disappear when throwing them into the zipline on “Touch the Sky” – Fixed an issue where AI crew could get stuck in “99 Boxes” – Fixed issues where you could throw bags out of reach on “Dirty Ice” – Fixed an issue where some jewelry trays are clipping in the VIP room on “Dirty Ice” – Added so the drill option appears during Stealth on “Touch the Sky” – Disabled all interaction for placed planks once all four have been placed on “Road Rage” – Added a fix for where the Escape Objective sometimes didn’t appear on “Dirty Ice” – The “Enter the Workshop”-objective will get disabled if players secure maximum loot – Fixed an issue where Mason gets poisoned despite not being delivered the poisoned drink on “Touch the sky” – Fixed an issue where the armored truck would get stuck before the final ramp on “Road Rage” – Fixed an Overkill difficulty issue where the bouncer wouldn’t let you proceed after showing him the VIP invitation on “Rock the Cradle” – Adjusted the ambush setup timer on “Road Rage” – Added collision to prevent cage bags falling through the ground on “Rock the Cradle” – Added a fix so players cannot throw the zipline bag in the escape van on Gold & Sharke – – KNOWN ISSUES Challenge stuck at 1/1 can now be unlocked by completing the challenge again or completing the highest difficulty challenge in the sequence – The weapon charms and death wish reward from the PAYDAY 2 to PAYDAY 3 cross promotion campaign haven’t been properly granted. We hope to have this issue fully resolved by the next patch – –

Payday 3 on “life support” as players struggle to find a game Starbreeze StudioPayday 3’s dwindling player count appears to be making it extremely difficult for players to find a game, leaving many to question if the game is already “dead.” When Payday 3 launched on September 21, the game faced immediate backlash due to technical issues that left the game nearly unplayable for many players. Server and matchmaking issues paired with a controversial online-only requirement frustrated many players and sank the game to a “Mostly Negative” score on Steam not long after release. Despite an initial surge in player count, reaching 69,112 peak Steam users during the launch weekend, Payday 3 has since witnessed a significant decline, managing a peak player count of just 1,595 in the last seven days. Remarkably, the game’s predecessor, which was released more than ten years ago, reached a peak player count of 46,138 in the last seven days. These player count stats, combined with the difficulty of finding others to play with, have left many to wonder if Payday 3 is “dead” already. One frustrated player took to Reddit to share their experience shortly after purchasing the game, “I just bought the game and barely able to find a match.” That sentiment echoes across the community as many players report that it’s increasingly difficult to find other players and engage in the cooperative gameplay that defines the series. Upon asking if Payday 3 is already “dead,” the community responded by shutting down that idea but suggesting that it’s fairly close to it. “It’s not dead, but it’s certainly on life support,” one player shared. “A LOT of people bounced since the game was virtually unplayable for the first week or two, with matchmaking errors every other game if not every game.” Another player, hopeful for a revival, added, “It’s fairly dead, yes. I expect it to populate again with the 2 new heists and progression update dropping soon, however.” “This game burned the majority of its good faith from the horrendous launch. It will be a long road to a comeback, if it ever does, as there’s still a lot lacking in terms of pure fun factor when compared to Payday 2.” Payday 3 developers Starbreeze Studios have announced that the next update will arrive before the end of November. It remains to be seen whether this update can bring back fans of the series who have seemingly already dropped back to Payday 2.

Payday 3: How to stealth No Rest for the Wicked Starbreeze StudiosThe first Payday 3 heist, No Rest for the Wicked, is a medium sized branch bank for you to unleash chaos in, but there is also a way you can finish the heist in stealth. The first mission of Payday 3, No Rest for the Wicked, is a bank heist taking place in New York City. A medium-sized level, the heist involves breaking into a vault and stealing the money held within it. And if you’re not too happy about fighting the cops in the game, the option to play the heist in stealth is also there. Make sure you’re using our recommended stealth loadout before tackling this mission, as it will come in handy. So, here’s how to beat Payday 3’s No Rest for the Wicked in stealth. How to stealth No Rest for the Wicked As the mission begins, you’ll want to case the bank and its surrounding areas before putting your mask on, taking note of guard and camera locations. On Normal difficulty, we found a total of five guards: One in the main lobby – One in the back alleyway – One in the downstairs private area – One in the upstairs private area – One in the camera room upstairs – It’s worth noting the number of guards increases on higher difficulties, so adjust your expectations accordingly. On Overkill difficulty, there will be a Lead Guard who patrols the bank and changes his route as you complete more objectives. While you’re still unmasked, the best way to get into the bank’s private areas is to head through the parking lot and through the locked gate on the right. Lockpick the gate and then head up the steps to the floor above. You can either cut open the window here or head up to the roof and head down the stairs from here. No Rest for the Wicked keycard locations Your next goal is to find a red keycard. There are two keycards in No Rest for the Wicked, and these are carried by the patrolling guards inside the private areas. They can be acquired either by killing the guards or by pickpocketing them. A handy tactic is to let a guard catch you while you’re unmasked. He will begin to escort you back to a public area, and you can use this as an opportunity to snag the keycard hanging from his back pocket. You can grab the blue keycard if you want to disable the cameras, as the card grants access to the camera room, but otherwise, you only need the red one. While you’re on the first floor, be sure to also switch off the power by heading into the IT room and flipping a switch on the wall. The room is located at the end of the long corridor, opposite the vault area. The red keycard opens a room on either the second floor near the kitchen or the roof. The spawn location is random, so take note of a red keycard reader outside the door which tells you it’s the correct one. Accessing this room will allow you to hack into a PC, which grants you access to the vault area. Once the hack is complete, interact with the PC and take note of a colored icon that appears on the screen. Head down to the vault area and find the switchbox on the wall near the floor. There are four colored switches here, so hit the one with the right color. Note for colorblind players: the icon also appears here too, so you’ll also be able to know which switch is the correct one. No Rest for the Wicked vault code We’re finally in the vault area, but there’s still one thing left to do. We need to find the vault code and have a bank employee also use the eye-scanner to authenticate it. Now is a good time to control the first floor of the bank. If you have any remaining radios, kill the guards and tie up any civilians you find. Be sure to keep them away from any windows too, in case a guard outside sees anything. Grab a high-level executive from the meeting room by taking them as a shield, and take them to the vault area. Shove them in front of the vault and have them scan to give you access. Finally, you’ll need a code. This is on the manager’s computer, which is located opposite the meeting room. Interact with the PC in there and you’ll receive four different codes. Head back to the vault keypad. Only one of these codes is correct, but there’s a way to know which one. Take a closer look at the keypad and you’ll notice a blacklight shows the fingerprints on the keypad. Through the process of elimination, use these numbers to work out which code is the correct one. For example, if one of the possible codes is “6139”, and there are no prints on the number 6, then it won’t be that code. After this, you’ll have access to the vault. You can pick the lockboxes on the right from here to find extra loot, but the main objective is to get through the locked gate where the money bags are. No Rest for the Wicked dye packs You’ll need every player available here because once you’ve picked the lock to the gate, the money bags will have dye packs set to go off on a timer. If the dye packs explode, the money becomes tainted and is worth less. So once you’ve entered the door, make sure to interact with all the money bags to disable them. Bad news for solo players: there is currently not enough time to disable every single dye pack in the time you’re given. There are eight money bags in the vault, but you’ll be able to get through around 4-5 before the dye packs explode. This means having to secure more bags to escape. Once you’ve got the bags, bring them out to the van which can be located in either the parking lot or on the street. If you tie up all the civilians, you’ll have a much easier time ferrying them to the parking lot, which can be accessed by the back door. If the van is on the street, you’ll have to pay extra attention to the civilians walking by. It’s much easier to accidentally alert the whole map here, so take caution. Once you’ve secured enough bags in the van, an escape zone will appear which signals the end of the mission. You’re now ready to move onto the next mission, Road Rage. Or if you’re keen to stick with stealth, you can head into Dirty Ice. For all other heists in Payday 3, check out the full mission list. Be sure to also see the best heists to make some quick cash, as well as details on when the next DLC drops.

Payday 3 modders are already replacing game’s controversial HUD Deep SilverPayday 3’s revamped HUD has been widely criticized by fans, and a modder has already provided players with a way to make it feel a little more like Payday 2. Payday 3‘s release has been, to say the least, messy. While the action-packed heist gameplay itself has been praised, the game overall has been criticized for its online requirement, matchmaking issues, and more. One point of contention is the game’s HUD, which players have called a massive step down from Payday 2. Already, modders are working to replace Payday 3’s UI with something closer to its predecessor, starting with the game’s assault indicator. Payday 3 mod lets players use Payday 2’s assault indicator While Payday 3 has only been out for a couple of days, modder Mal0 has already released the PD2 Assault Indicator UI mod. The mod reintroduces Payday 2’s indicator, which fans agree is far more stylish and distinct than that of its successor. Payday 3’s is much more minimalist, something fans have called “the biggest downgrade” in the sequel. Already, the mod is being praised by players, who hope future mods will replace the entire HUD with that of Payday 2 or even Payday: The Heist. Considering how important modding has been to the series, it’s no surprise players would already be making changes and improvements to Payday 3. ModWorkshop and Nexus Mods are full of fan-made content that improve or change up Payday 2, with some of the most popular mods have tens of thousands of downloads. As developer Starbreeze Studios works to improve a game Dexerto’s own review called “half-baked in its current state,” there’s no doubt modders will be along for the ride making their own changes to Payday 3. If you enjoyed that, check out the rest of our Payday 3 content, including these helpful guides: Payday 3 PC requirements | All DLC confirmed | All heisters | All missions | How to level up | Best stealth build | Best heists to make cash fast | How to stealth No Rest for the Wicked | How to stealth Dirty Ice | How to stealth Rock The Cradle | How to stealth Gold & Sharke | How to stealth Touch The Sky

Payday 3: How to stealth Boys in Blue Starbreeze StudiosAfter a long drought of content, Payday 3’s next DLC heist Boys in Blue is finally out. Here’s how to complete the new mission in stealth without raising the alarm. Boys in Blue is the first heist to be added to Payday 3 in 2024 as part of the game’s Year 1 DLC roadmap, tasking you with infiltrating a police station to take back some gold for Vlad. The heist allows you to play in both loud and stealth, with the objectives playing out differently depending on your approach. If you’re struggling to sneak through the heist without setting off any alarms, we’ve put together a walkthrough to ensure you can stealth Boys in Blue without any issues. How to stealth Boys in Blue in Payday 3 First of all, make sure you’re using our recommended stealth loadout for Payday 3 before you load up Boys in Blue. When you begin, you should first head inside the police station in front of you via the main entrance. Here are all the guard locations we have found so far, bear in mind the exact number may differ depending on the difficulty: Several police officers outside near vehicles – At least one officer patrolling the downstairs corridor – At least one officer patrolling the downstairs area behind the desk – At least two officers patrolling the upstairs office – One officer in the camera room upstairs – At least four officers patrolling the parking lot, split between the lot itself and some security rooms – Once you’re inside the police station lobby, there’ll be a box of donuts on the desk at reception, which comes in handy later. Make sure you’re standing near a civilian to trigger Rush from the Grifter Basic skill and pick up the donuts without raising suspicion using the Social Engineering skill. Where to find the Captain’s office Shade will task you with heading upstairs and finding the Captain’s office. Look at the door opposite the main desk in the lobby and lockpick it. Make sure Rush is still active before you do this, and loop any nearby cameras if they’re pointed at the door. Through this door, there’s a flight of stairs on your left you can ascend into the upstairs office. Watch out for the guard who patrols this area. Before you head up the stairs, you may also want to unlock some of the exterior doors in this corridor to allow easier access from outside. There’ll be at least two guards in the upstairs office, each one patrolling a different side. Mark them when you can and avoid them as you skirt along the edge of the room to find the Captain’s office. Use the civilian workers to replenish your Rush with Social Engineering. Find the door with the Captain plaque next to it and lockpick the door. The Police Captain is in his office, which is also a Secure Area, so don’t enter the room without Rush enabled. Shade will mention that you need to get the Captain out of there with a distraction. You can either mask up and tie him down, or better yet, stay unmasked and place the donuts in the kitchen on the other side of the office. Once you’ve placed the donuts, the Captain and the other cops in the upstairs office will go to the kitchen and stay there for the time being. This means you’ll be a little safer moving around the upstairs area, but if you’re playing on Overkill be mindful of the Lead Guard who may come through here. With the Captain out of the way, hack the PC in his office and wait for the bar to fill. When it gets to around halfway, an additional layer of security will kick in and you need to hack a second PC somewhere in the main office. Find the PC and interact with it without anyone noticing. When that’s done, head back to the Captain’s office to finish the hack. You’ll then be able to read his emails. Take note of the email which describes a locker holding a red keycard. You’ll need this information for later. Now you need a fingerprint of the person authorized to access the evidence room. Shade will call out a name and it’s your task to find the desk to grab a copy of their fingerprints. In our testing, it was always a guy named Jeramy, though it’s currently unknown if other names can be selected. Find the worker’s desk and interact with an item there to grab the fingerprints. This can be a mug or a set of files. Once you’ve found the fingerprints, go back downstairs. QR codes and red keycard You now need a QR code to get inside the locker room, which is locked by a scanner. You can obtain a code by either searching for phones located around the station or by hacking one from a police officer. In our testing, we found cell phones with QR codes in two locations: Found on desks in the upstairs office – Found on a desk in the downstairs office near reception – If you find a phone, interact with it to pick up the QR code. Another way to get a QR code is to find a police officer with a phone dangling from their belt. This cop can be located either in the parking lot or inside the station downstairs. Interacting with this phone will allow you to hack into it, provided you can stay within the circle for the full amount of time. Be sure not to leave the circle while the hack is occurring, otherwise you’ll need to start again. Once you have the QR code, go back to the dark corridor (the one that still looks under construction you passed through on your way upstairs earlier). It has one guard patrolling it. In here you’ll find a locked door with a QR scanner. Scan the code and enter the locker room. In the locker room, there is a large number of lockers with numbers assigned to them. The locker holding the keycard matches the number on the email you found earlier on the Captain’s PC. In the other lockers, you may find bonus loot such as money bundles. While there aren’t any guards in the locker room, be wary that the Lead Guard on higher difficulties may pass through here. As this is a Secure Area, getting spotted will risk the entire heist going loud. Use the civilians in here to refresh your Rush and lockpick the correct locker. Once you have the correct locker, pick up the Red Keycard and leave the room. Optional objective: Place the listening devices At this point, tackling Boys in Blue’s optional objective is a good idea if you want to go for it. Completing optional objectives doesn’t appear to give you extra XP or cash, so chasing these goals is purely for bragging rights. Nevertheless, here’s what to do if you want to complete the optional objective. Shade will ask you to place listening devices in three locations related to the Lieutenant: Bug the Lieutenant’s car The car can be found either in the parking lot or on the street outside the police station. Place the bug underneath the trunk. – – Bug the Lieutenant’s desk Find the Lieutenant’s office on the upper floor of the station. It’s marked similar to the Captain’s office. There’ll be a spot under his desk to place the bug – – Bug the Lieutenant’s locker The correct locker number can be learned from his office, and then it’s just a case of finding the right locker in the locker room. – – Once you’ve completed the optional objective, Shade will be happy and you can continue with the rest of the heist. Access the evidence room Now that you have the fingerprints and the Red Keycard, it’s time to go to the evidence room. You can get there by either heading back to the main lobby area of the station and lockpicking the door beside the front desk, or by going up the stairs into the office and sneaking across to the other side of the room and down another set of stairs. Either way, you’ll find yourself in a large hallway with a guard patrolling it. The evidence room is located on the left-hand side of the room, with the door requiring the Red Keycard to access. Once you’ve unlocked the door you can head inside. On lower difficulties, there will be a civilian in here. If you’re still unmasked, you can easily get around this guy by using Grifter Basic and Social Engineering to refresh your Rush and skirt around him. On higher difficulties, this NPC is replaced with a guard and there will also be a camera here. So it’s recommended here to loop this camera and mask up to kill him. There’s another camera in the hallway ahead, so if you have an extra runtime be sure to loop it and move down the corridor to the locked door. Activate the fingerprint scanner and open the door to gain access to the evidence room. In the evidence room, you’ll find groups of boxes you can open up for additional loot, but the main prize is in a smaller room to the back behind a locked cage door. Lockpick the door and grab the Gold. The escape van will then soon appear outside, either on the street or behind a fence in the parking lot. There’s an additional layer of security that prevents you from carrying the bags on your back through the corridor outside the evidence room. A pressure plate mechanism means you can’t walk out with the loot. Instead, find a little space in the wall next to the cage with the gold. If you press the button next to it, you can pop bags in there to collect from the other side of the wall. Note: As of Update 1.3.0, you can no longer hit the button to open the button to open the box while unmasked. It’s currently unknown if this is an intentional change by Starbreeze or a bug with the update. If you’re playing with other people, it’s a good idea to have them collect these bags while unmasked and take them to the van. Carrying the loot on your back doesn’t raise any suspicion with cops or civilians, and even if a guard finds you trespassing in a Private Area, they’ll just escort you out. If you’re masked up, the best way to reach the van is to leave the evidence room, head back into the private area, and go out the door on the far side of the room. This will lead to the parking lot, where it’s easy to use the cars as cover. Head to the back of the parking lot and open up the car garage which provides you with easy access to and from the street. If the escape van is parked on the street, he’ll be found right outside the garage full of police vehicles. If he’s in the lot, you can find him behind a fence on the far side of the parking lot. Toss the bags in the van to secure them. Once you’ve secured all the gold bags you need, the escape zone will trigger. Make sure everyone steps into the zone around the van and after a short countdown, the heist will end. And that’s how you stealth Boys in Blue in Payday 3. Now that you’ve successfully sneaked through Boys in Blue, you’re ready for Payday 3’s next DLC heist, Houston Breakout. For all other heists in Payday 3, check out the full mission list. Be sure to also see the best heists to make some fast cash, as well as details on how the new solo mode works.

Payday 3: Best heists to make cash fast Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 gives you many ways to earn money, but do you make some fast cash? If you’re in need of a big currency boost, here are some heists that will help you out. They say that money makes the world go round, and that’s especially true for Payday 3. If you’re not making money in this game, you’ll be stuck with the starter weapons and items for a long time. You can make money in Payday 3 by completing heists and securing bags, but some heists are better than others for earning cash. Here are the best heists for raising your profits. Payday 3: Best heists for making fast cash There are two heists we’ve identified so far that yield the best cash-making methods: Road Rage and Gold & Sharke. Both of these are mid-game heists and require a decent loadout depending on the difficulty. Road Rage Road Rage is a loud-only heist where you’re tasked with stealing cash and rare electrical components from the back of an armored truck. While the heist’s payout may seem fairly lukewarm compared to some other missions, it does have the benefit of being the shortest mission in the game if you’re speedrunning the objectives. Assuming no interruptions happen while you’re escorting the truck and breaking into it, this heist will only take you around 10 minutes to complete and can earn you up to $850,000, which makes it an easy choice for making fast cash. Gold & Sharke Gold & Sharke doesn’t have the advantage of being as quick to finish as Road Rage. It’s a longer heist, but with that comes an even bigger payout. In this heist, you’re sent to a big New York bank to steal the money from inside its giant vault. This heist can take up to 30 minutes to complete, a lot longer than Road Rage’s ten minutes. But if you’re able to secure every bag on Overkill difficulty, you’ll earn a whopping $1.3 million in cash. That makes it a very efficient method for grinding money. And those are the best methods we’ve seen so far at making fast money in Payday 3. If you’ve found a quicker method to make some easy cash, be sure to let us know. Payday 3 crossplay explained | Payday 3 PC requirements | All DLC confirmed | All heisters | All missions | How to level up | Best stealth build | How to play solo

How to level up in Payday 3 Starbreeze StudiosYou can level up in Payday 3 to unlock new weapons, skill points and cosmetics. But how exactly does leveling up work, and is there a limit to the number of levels you can earn? Payday 3 is available now in early access and players are hoping to begin their criminal career by robbing banks and jewelry stores across the game’s elaborate heists. One thing that’s proving to be particularly tricky for Payday 3 players is knowing how exactly to level up. Since it’s not explained fully in-game how to raise your infamy level, here is everything you need to know. How to level up in Payday 3 To level up in Payday 3, you will earn Infamy Points by completing heists and challenges, which increases your level. When you complete a heist, you will earn a set amount of points depending on the difficulty you’ve finished it on, as well as a bonus if you completed it in stealth and have secured all bags. On the other hand, completing challenges will also give you Infamy Points. You can track your progression by going to the Challenges section in the main menu, and you can also view Recommended Challenges in the front menu. When you raise your infamy level, you’ll unlock skill points, new weapons and gear, and a variety of cosmetic items such as masks, suits, and gloves. What is the level cap in Payday 3? The level cap in Payday 3 is currently Infamy Level 150. So you’ll be able to raise your level 150 times before hitting the limit. However, you will obtain most unlocks by Level 100, leaving the final 50 levels there as bragging rights. Unlike Payday 2, you do not earn skill points at every level though. The maximum number of skill points you can have in Payday 3 is 28. This is to ensure a healthy balance of skills and to encourage players to specialize their builds in a specific way. And that’s all you need to know about leveling up in Payday 3. Check out the rest of our Payday 3 guides here: Will Payday 3 have microtransactions? | Every playable character confirmed so far | Every heist confirmed for launch | Pre-order bonuses & every edition explained | Will Payday 3 be cross-platform? Crossplay for Xbox, PlayStation & PC explained | Is Payday 3 coming to Xbox Game Pass? | Will Payday 3 have single-player? | Payday 3 PC requirements – Minimum & recommended specs | Is Payday 3 coming to Nintendo Switch?

Payday 3: How to complete Rock The Cradle in stealth Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3’s Rock The Cradle heist is a fun one to finish in stealth, but it can be quite difficult. Here’s how to sneak through the nightclub level without setting off any alarms. Rock The Cradle in Payday 3 is a Vlad heist, in which you need to go to a nightclub and steal a crypto wallet worth millions of dollars. While this level is a lot tougher than the previous two stealth missions that come before it, we’ve got a full walkthrough to help you sneak your way to victory. Before you get started, make sure you’re using the Payday 3 best stealth build to make your time in the Neon Cradle far less stressful. Here’s how to complete Rock The Cradle in stealth. It’s worth noting that this heist holds a few different variances depending on the game difficulty you’re playing, so your experience may vary in a few different elements. How to stealth Rock The Cradle in Payday 3 Through our testing, we’ve found 8 guards present throughout this level on Normal difficulty: 1 uniformed guard on the ground floor – 1 uniformed guard on the top floor – 2 uniformed guards patrolling the VIP room – 1 camera room guard – 2 bouncers guarding the VIP room entrance – 1 bouncer guarding the IT room – Your first objective is to get into the VIP Floor, which is closed off to you. When the heist loads, walk into the nightclub and head to the back area near where the DJ is. You’ll see two bouncers guarding the door and will refuse you entry. There are two methods to get to the VIP Floor on easier difficulties, but on higher difficulties, you’ll only be able to execute one of these. Rock The Cradle VIP Room access invitation method The first method is to fabricate a fake VIP Room invitation. Across the room from the bouncers, you’ll notice a door that can be lockpicked. If you have the Social Engineering skill from the Grifter skill line, gain some rush by running near a civilian and you’ll be able to pick the lock without being spotted. Head upstairs and across past the DJ booth to Cassandra Rifkin’s office. Pick the lock here, but be careful of the camera, and hack the PC inside. Once that’s done, head back downstairs and search for the outline of a civilian. It’s Rifkin, and you need to hack her phone. She’ll start from the outside of the club and patrol the public and private areas. Approach Rifkin and you’ll be able to interact with the phone attached to her belt. This will start a hack – but the trick here is to stay close to her. If you move outside of the circle surrounding her before the hack is complete, you’ll have to start over again. Start the hack once you are in a safe place. Once that’s done, you can head back up to Rifkin’s office and interact with the QR code reader by the display case. Open the display case and take the VIP Invitation. Now all you need to do is authenticate it, which you can do with a RFID reader. It’s located either in the Meet Hall opposite the office or in an office on the ground floor. Find the machine and authenticate your VIP Pass, then take it down to the bouncers, who will accept the invitation and allow you to enter downstairs. Rock The Cradle VIP Room access speakers method The other method to gain access to the VIP Room is to mess with the DJ’s speakers. On the floor near Rifkin’s office, head up to the speaker area by using either the stairs or a vent inside a nearby storage room. Up here, you’ll need to interact with four speakers. There may also be a patrolling guard. You can either kill him or avoid him, but we recommend saving as many radios as possible for downstairs so try to leave him be. Once that’s done, head back down to the DJ booth and interact with the console. This will cause a guard to come and investigate, taking the stairwell up to the second floor. Use this as an opportunity to kill him, take the keycard he drops, and get into the VIP Room. Rock The Cradle Crypto Wallet The VIP Room houses an IT area holding the Crypto Wallet you’re after. Look for a bouncer guarding a room near the bar area. There are two methods to getting the wallet out of there. The first is to head into the poker table room, which is on your right after descending the stairs. In here is an accountant who will give you his business card. Take the business card and head over to the other side of the VIP Room. Take note of the bouncer guarding the IT Room. Shade will mention tricking the accountant into opening the crypto wallet storage for us, but she needs access to a phone. Head into the room near the IT Room, it’s located on the other side of the bathroom. Avoid the camera and use the phone here to give the accountant a call. He’ll make his way over from the poker room to the IT Room. While you can’t get through there from the front door due to the bouncer, you can head into the bathroom next door and open a vent in the wall that gives you access. Once the accountant has reached the storage, he’ll open it leaving you with an opportunity to snag it. If you can’t get the accountant to the IT Room, you can instead try to force it open. Head upstairs to the Accounting Room. In here is a red keycard, which will give you access to the IT Room provided you can distract the bouncer at the door with a nearby lure. If you don’t want to do this, however, you can also enter the IT Room via a vent in the next-door restroom. Inside the IT room is a whiteboard with a code on it and a color. Take note of this, and head back up to the upper area where the entrance to the VIP room is located. You’ll see a door just at the bottom of the stairs which leads to a small room with eight different switchboxes. The correct switchbox will have the code from the whiteboard written on it, and then the color you need to hit is one of the four also listed on the whiteboard. For example, if the whiteboard read “A400 Blue”, then you’d need to open the switchbox labelled A400 and the hit the blue switch. After doing this, you now only need to disable the security measures on the crypto vault by heading back to the accounting office and interacting with the PC. After doing this, it’s yours for the taking. Rock The Cradle Vault You need to take the Crypto Wallet over to the loot drop on the far side of the VIP Room. This is quite simple if you take the upstairs route and head across the walkway. There are no civilians up here apart from the dancers so you should be able to ferry the bag quite easily. In the Accounting Office, there are also three codes. One on the desk, one in the safe and one in the storage closet. Take note of each code as one will give you access to the loot inside the vault. The vault is in one of the side rooms, with three possible spawns. The money inside the vault is optional, but you’ll earn extra payout for securing the money. Similarly, there are also cocaine stashes hidden inside the wooden crates dotted around the back areas of the VIP Room, which you can also secure. Once the Crypto Wallet has been secured, the escape will trigger in a room near the entrance to the VIP Room. You’ll need the blue keycard to open it, but the escape zone lies just beyond the door. Stand in the zone to complete the mission, ready for the next stealth heist – Under the Surphaze. For more Payday 3 heists, refer to our full mission list. If you need some quick cash, we can also recommend a bunch of heists that are best for earning easy money.

Payday 3: How to stealth Houston Breakout Starbreeze StudiosA familiar face returns to Payday 3, with the Houston Breakout heist bringing the gang to a New York courthouse to free their old friend. Here’s how to complete the level in stealth. Originally titled The Land of the Free, Houston Breakout is the third DLC for Payday 3 released as part of its Year 1 roadmap. With the release of this heist, only one DLC remains left in Starbreeze’s first-year plan. A spiritual successor to Payday 2’s Hoxton Breakout mission, this heist has different objectives for loud and stealth approaches. Here’s how to complete it while in stealth. Guard placements Firstly, make sure you’re running our recommended Payday 3 stealth loadout which has been optimized for the latest patch. As you’ll be spending a large portion of this heist unmasked, using the Grifter and Hacker skill lines is essential here. Here are all the guard locations we’ve found so far, but be aware that the exact number will change depending on the difficulty you’re playing. Four guards in the lobby, two by the metal detectors and two patrolling – One guard in the underground parking lot in the gate control room – Three guards in the underground holding cell, two in the surveillance room, and one by the metal detector – Three guards patrolling upstairs wings of the courthouse, plus one who moves between floors – Two guards near the courtroom entrance – Two guards inside the courtroom – One guard in the court clerk’s office near the conference room – If Lead Guard is active, a Lead Guard will spawn in the lobby and patrol the entire map – Due to the amount of guards on this map, we recommend staying unmasked for as long as possible to avoid any unnecessary complications. It’s even possible to complete the entire heist without masking up once. Disable the metal detectors When you begin the heist, you’ll start in the lobby area of the courthouse. As his trial is still ongoing, Houston is being held in the courtroom which is currently in recess. Look ahead and note the metal detectors in the lobby. You’ll need to deactivate these first before moving on. Interact with the circuit breaker located on the wall to your left and take note of the four switchboxes you’ll need to flip. Each switch box has four different color switches. The color currently being shown on the circuit breaker corresponds to the switch you need to flip next. You can flip each switch box in any order you like, but it must be done in the correct color order as shown on the breaker. For example, if the first color is Blue, you can flip the Blue switch on any of the four switch boxes to start with. Then you must head back to the breaker and repeat with the next color in the sequence. For colorblind players, a visual symbol is also available. There are two switch boxes in the lobby, as well as two in the underground parking lot. As the parking lot is a Private Area, make sure you avoid being detected by cameras down here. Once you’ve flipped all switches, head back to the circuit breaker and interact with it to disable the metal detectors. Head through to the rotunda and the entrance to the courtroom is located to the right. You’ll need a Press Badge to enter the courtroom. These can be found on the backs of two NPCs located in the main rotunda area. Make sure you’re not being observed when pickpocketing one. When you have the Press Badge, go back to the courtroom entrance and enter the room. Due to violent behavior, Houston can be found in a locked room to the left during the trial. From here, the heist can divert into two possible objective paths depending on the type of evidence being presented at the trial: Digital Evidence and Physical Evidence. Check the board at the front of the courtroom to see which you’ll need to go after. But before you go after the evidence, you’ll need to get the Judge to send Houston back to the holding cells. Blackmail the Judge To begin blackmailing the Judge, you’ll need a QR Code. You can find one by searching through phones that are laying about. One can be found upstairs in the viewing balcony above the courtroom. At least two QR codes can be found later: one in Judge Green’s safe and another in the clerk’s office. To go to the upper floor, flights of stairs are located at the end of each hallway. Once you have the QR code, head downstairs and find the Judge’s office. It’s located down a hallway behind the courtroom. Be sure to hack the camera on a loop so it doesn’t spot you. Enter the Judge’s office using the code and hack his PC. While that’s taking some time to complete, crack the safe in the wall to grab another QR code and a USB drive. Once you’ve hacked the PC, Shade will ask you to insert the USB drive to get some dirt on the Judge. Next, you’ll need to head down to the clerk’s office, located near the metal detectors from earlier. There are two possible entrances here. We recommend taking the right-hand entrance behind the clerks. If you can trigger Rush from Grifter Basic and combine it with Social Engineering, you’ll be able to move through this area undetected so long as you avoid the guard. Find the desk with the employee’s name and hack into their PC. This computer will have the blackmail Shade needs. Keep your eye out for any guards that move through this room, and be sure to retrigger Rush by moving close to the employee who walks around. Once you’re done with the PC, leave the office area and head back to the area with the desk clerks. If you’re going for Digital Evidence, read on. Otherwise, skip down to Physical Evidence. Digital Evidence Hide behind the middle island counter and crack the two safes located against the wall. In here is a code that’ll allow you to enter the server room where the Digital Evidence is being stored. With the code, go back to the rotunda and head upstairs. In the central upstairs area, you can find a room with a keypad lock securing it. Enter the code when a guard is not around and unlock the door. Inside the room are two rows of server racks. You’ll be able to pick up four servers here, with one of these having Houston’s evidence on. Take each server over to the PC in the corner of the room. The computer will start to decrypt them one at a time. Do this until you decrypt Houston’s evidence. Physical Evidence If you’re going for Physical Evidence, you’ll be prompted to find the Evidence Room. It’s located on the first floor, just across from the clerk’s office. A notepad by the door will indicate where the code for the keypad can be found. The code will be located in a meeting room on the second floor. Head upstairs and find the room with a whiteboard to see the code. Write it down or memorize it and go back to the Evidence Room. Punch in the code to get access. Next, you’ll see rows of shelving units that are filled with physical evidence. One of these boxes is Houston’s, so we’ll have to narrow it down a little to find the correct box. Note the calendar on the wall near the computer. Each day of the week has a certain letter assigned to it, and one letter will be circled. This is where Houston’s evidence is located. Find the shelf that matches the circled letter and pick up the evidence box. Since each shelf has several boxes, you’re going to need to narrow it down further. Pick up any of the pieces of evidence and throw them onto the barcode scanner. Wait for the computer to do its magic, and it’ll eventually tell you if this is Houston’s evidence or not. If it is, you’ll be able to continue with the heist. If not, scan another evidence box until you find the correct one. Free Houston Once you have the evidence you need, pick it up and leave it in the room somewhere safe. You’ll be coming back for this at a later time. For now, we need to free Houston. Shade will now put the blackmail to good use. Follow the objective marker and head to the nearby office with a phone to have her call the Judge. He’ll suspend the court and leave the room. Houston will also be escorted back to the holding cells underground. Before you head to the underground, you need two items: a Blue Keycard and a Box of Donuts. Blue Keycard location The Blue Keycard can be found on a guard in the upper east wing of the rotunda. The correct guard will be highlighted for you. Make sure you interact with it when nobody else is looking at you, or else you’ll alert the guards. Box of Donuts location The Box of Donuts can be found in the clerk’s office. It’s on a desk in the conference room. Be careful in this area, as it’s a Secure Area being patrolled by a guard. If caught, you’ll have to mask up and kill him before he arrests you. With both the Blue Keycard and Box of Donuts, head back to the hallway where the courtroom entrance is located and enter the basement stairwell on your right. Holding cells In the basement, it’s a good idea to hack the various cameras and put them on a secure loop so you won’t be spotted by surveillance. Enter the first hallway directly ahead of you and use the Blue Keycard on the door to your left. In here, there will be two guards ahead of you with their backs turned. Move forward past the wall and look left. There will be a spot to place the Box of Donuts. Put them down here and leave the room the way you came – but don’t run. After leaving this room, turn right and wait for the third guard to enter. All three will now be preoccupied with eating donuts to watch Houston. Re-enter the room with the surveillance guards and look to the left wall to see four buttons labeled Cells 1-4. Pressing each button will open the corresponding cell door. Check which cell Houston is being held in and hit that button before leaving the room. Follow the hallway around and you’ll meet up with Houston at the metal detector. Here you can either disable the metal detector or open the basement counter. Either way, Houston will be able to enter the parking lot from earlier. We’re almost done. Lastly, you need to open the gate by pressing a button. Head to the guard room on the far side of the parking lot and lockpick the door. There’ll be a guard in here, but if you’re still unmasked you’ll be able to easily press the button from behind him. If not, you can use a nearby lure to get him to leave the room. Now all that’s left is to go back up to the server room and grab Houston’s server. If you’re unmasked, it’s as easy as heading up through the lobby and back through the rotunda. If you’ve masked up by now though, the best way to get up there is by sneaking through the holding cells and going back upstairs that way. Once you’ve secured Houston’s server and any additional loot, you’ll be free to escape and complete the heist. This will complete the mission and give you your payday. Now you’ll be ready for Payday 3’s next DLC heist, Fear and Greed, when it launches. To see all the other heists you can play in Payday 3, check out the full mission list. Be sure to also check out the best heists to make some fast cash, as well as how the new solo mode works.

Payday 3 hit with ‘Mostly Negative’ reviews amid launch server issues Starbreeze EntertainmentThe highly-anticipated release of Payday 3 has been met with a barrage of negative reviews, mostly focused on the ongoing server issues and controversial online-only requirement. Unlike Payday 2, which allows for offline play, Payday 3 requires players to maintain a constant online connection, a decision that led to widespread criticism earlier this year. Since since the game’s official launch on September 21, some Payday 3 players are experiencing matchmaking issues, preventing them from enjoying the game in solo or co-op modes. The mandatory login system, requiring players to register and login before playing, has added fuel to the fire. The game’s subreddit and Steam reviews are flooded with frustrated comments, with the game earning a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam after more than 19,000 reviews. The server issues even led to a public apology from Starbreeze’s CEO, Tobias Sjögren. “We are so sorry that the infrastructure didn’t hold up as expected, and although it’s impossible to prepare for every scenario – we should be able to do better,” Sjögren posted on Twitter. “We work tirelessly until we have restored all services and our players can get back to heisting again without issues!” Lead producer Andreas Häll Penninger explained the decision to make Payday 3 online-only in an interview with Dexerto earlier in September. The game was “built with [an online requirement] in mind,” with features like “Security Modifiers” developed around this concept, aiming to provide a better overall game experience. This controversial decision has resulted in some players being completely unable to play due to the ongoing server issues. Unsurprisingly, the players have been vocal about their experiences, taking to Reddit to post comments such as, “They said Payday 3 would be online only. So far it’s offline only.” “Online only is a MASSIVE drawback, and the fact that the servers have been almost constantly down since launch makes it an unplayable experience. Do not buy until servers are fixed or offline is added,” one Payday 3 player cautioned in a Steam review. Players can check in on the Payday 3 social media pages for more information and updates regarding server outages and matchmaking issues. At the time of writing, the last shared official update stated, “The team is still working on the current matchmaking service outage, hoping to have a more positive update soon.”

All Payday 3 heists & how to complete them in stealth Starbreeze StudiosCompleting Payday 3 heists will allow you to grow your criminal enterprise even further as you earn cash and level up weapons. Here are all the heists in the game and how to complete them in stealth. The Payday series is famous for its elaborate, cinematic heists. Whether it’s burning through a giant bank vault or hijacking a plane full of money, there’s something for everyone and Payday 3 has been no different. For Payday 3, Starbreeze Studios brought back that movie-like magic for the themes of its heists. So, here’s every heist available in the game, the order you can play them in, and how to beat each one in stealth. How many heists are there in Payday 3? There are a total of 14 heists currently in the game, with all of them being set in New York City. This includes 8 core heists, three side hustles, and four heists in The Bad Apple DLC campaign. As Starbreeze did with Payday 2, more heists were added over time to the game. It’s almost a certainty that the developer will do the same for Payday 3 moving forward throughout the years. All core heists Core heists in Payday 3 have a set sequence in the story mode in which they appear, however you are also free to play them in any order you wish. This means you could play the final mission if you were so inclined. These heists are also bridged with a few cinematics that tell the story. Here is the list of core heists available in the game, and the order they appear in the story. No Rest for the Wicked – Road Rage Road Rage is a loud-only heist – – Dirty Ice – Rock the Cradle – Under the Surphaze – Gold & Sharke – 99 Boxes – Touch the Sky – All Side Hustle heists Beginning with the 1.0.2 update released in November 2023, Starbreeze has also added Side Hustles to the game. Originally known as Legacy Heists, Side Hustles are smaller-scale heists that don’t fit the lore of the game. Therefore, you can complete these heists in any order you like. Some of them are remastered stages from Payday 2, with altered mechanics and objectives to fit with Payday 3’s gameplay. These are narrated by Locke, who is a returning character from Payday 2. There are currently three Side Hustles available: Turbid Station – Cook Off Cook Off is a loud-only heist – – Diamond District – All The Bad Apple heists As of December 2023, Starbreeze has started releasing new heists as paid DLC across its Year 1 content. The first year of DLC is titled The Bad Apple, featuring four heists released between Winter 2023 and Fall 2024. The Bad Apple continues the story from the end of Touch The Sky, so be sure to finish each Core heist first if you don’t want spoilers. There are four heists in The Bad Apple campaign, with only one released so far: Syntax Error (released December 12th, 2023) – Boys in Blue (released June 27th, 2024) – Houston Breakout (released August 19th, 2024) – Fear and Greed (released September 16th, 2024) – While you’re checking out the list of heists in Payday 3, be sure to see which ones can bring you some fast cash. And if you’re gearing up to stealth these heists, you’ll need our best stealth loadout to bring along too.

Payday 3: How to stealth Gold & Sharke Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3’s big bank heist, Gold & Sharke, is complicated to finish in stealth. Fortunately, we have a guide that can offer you tips on how to complete it without raising an alarm. Payday 3’s Gold & Sharke heist takes you to a big New York bank with the task of stealing a server and a whole load of money. This mission in the game is inspired by Payday 2’s Benevolent Bank mission, where getting through to the vault is as tricky as you’d expect. Fortunately, we’ve got a guide that’ll help you through it. To start with, make sure you’re carrying our recommended stealth loadout. Having some of these skills will make your heist go off a lot more smoothly. Here’s how to complete Payday 3 Gold & Sharke in stealth. We’ve tested this on both Normal and Overkill difficulty, so expect some huge variations in guard layouts and objective spawns. How to stealth Gold & Sharke in Payday 3 The Gold & Sharke bank is divided into three main sections; the front lobby, upper floor and vault lobby. Here are all the guard spawns we noticed on Normal difficulty: 2 guards in the first floor lobby – 2 guards on the second floor – 1 guard in the camera room – 1 guard in the parking lot area – 1 guard in the vault area – For this heist, you’ll want to save your radios for the top floors. We’d recommend not even masking up in the lobby area, as all the objectives can be completed without doing it. To begin, enter the lobby and approach the gate. You’ll need a Red Keycard to get through here, and they’re being held in the Loan Officer’s office. There are two such offices located in this bank: one on the right-hand side in the near corner and another on the far left. To get into the office, you’ll need a QR code. Similar to Dirty Ice, you can find these codes on cell phones littered around the map. Check the other offices and the parking lot area for any phones laying around. We found one on a desk right next to the Loan Officer office. Once you have the code, hack into the office and search for a red keycard. This room counts as a Secure Area, so be careful not to be spotted by the civilian in this room or any guards passing by. Search the files and the cabinets until you have the keycard and head back to the gate. Gold & Sharke door code Use the keycard on the gate and head up the stairs. The door to the vault lobby is ahead, but you need a vault lobby door code to get in. Turn around and continue heading up the stairs. Shade will mention something about hacking into a server room to find the correct code, so look around until you find a room containing a bunch of computers and servers. There are at least two guards patrolling this area depending on your difficulty level, so it’s best to stay unmasked for now in case you’re caught. If you also happen to see a Blue Keycard sitting on a desk, take that too as we’ll need it later. Hack into the server once you’ve found it and wait for Shade’s confirmation. At some point during the hack, an error will pop up and prompt you to get clearance from another PC in a different office. Make your way over there and gain clearance. Be watchful for any civilians that go into the server room, as they’ll be alerted by the hack. Once you’ve got clearance from the other PC and have finished the hack in the server room, you’ll receive four codes to use on the door to the vault lobby. Only one of these codes is correct, so check each one until you find one that corresponds to the thumbprints on the keypad. For example, if one of the codes reads 3901, check to see if there are thumbprints on each of those numbers. If so, it’s the correct one. Gold & Sharke vault lasers Head into the Vault Lobby and take note of the lasers. Interact with the keypad next to the door and Shade will ask you to hack four switchboxes. Each switchbox has a color and symbol associated with it, and you’ll need to hit the correct switch in each box. On lower difficulties, these switchboxes are located inside the vault area. So you’ll only really have to avoid cameras. On higher difficulties however, they’re moved into the second floor area. Every time you flip a switch, a new color and symbol is available, so be sure you head back to the vault to read the new clue (or have another player read it out to you). You can mask up now if you want, but be careful as you still need to go back out into the upper floor. After flipping the last switch, head back to the vault door and interact with the interface one more time to turn off the lasers. Gold & Sharke open vault Finally, to unlock the vault you’ll need to activate a remote signal from the manager’s office. It’s located on the far side of the bank from the vault lobby, on the upper floor. To get in here, you need a Blue Keycard. If you haven’t already found one, it can be found either on a desk in any of the offices on the second floor, or is carried by a bank teller wearing a dark blue suit. He’ll be wandering around anywhere on the upper floor. The next part requires some expert timing on your part. Inside the manager’s office is a PC you need to interact with to unlock the vault doors. You’ll also need to use the keycard on the reader back at the vault. Both of these actions need to be done almost simultaneously. This is easier with two or more players, where you can stand at each post and activate the mechanisms separately. If you’re playing solo, hack the PC, activate the unlock and quickly rush back to the vault. Avoid guards and civilians if they’re not already subdued. You’ll have about 30 seconds to open the vault with the keycard before it locks again. You’ll know if you’ve made it in time, as the vault will be ready to open by interacting with the wheel. Open it and head inside. Bag up all the money on the central table, but make sure to also check out the rooms to the side and back. You’ll need to lockpick the gates and then check the cabinets for a server, which needs to be secured to finish the heist. Gold & Sharke escape van Bags need to be secured in the van located inside the underground parking lot. If you don’t have the elevator access favor, this will be difficult. You’ll need to move each bag through the lobby and downstairs to the underground. This means potentially being caught by any civilians and guards that pass through that area. Head down the stairs to the bottom floor and turn right. Turn right again at the end and find the door that leads to the underground area. It’ll need to be lockpicked. If you’re quick enough you should be able to avoid being spotted. Carry all the bags down here and pop them in the back of the van. If you have the elevator access favor, the risk is massively cut down as you’ll be able to move the bags in the elevator located in the vault lobby. This will directly bring the bags down to the parking lot, where you can move them without anyone in the lobby spotting you. Once you’ve gathered all the bags you want to leave with, step into the escape zone and finish the mission. The next heist, 99 Boxes, awaits you. To view more heists in Payday 3, refer to the full mission list. Make sure to also see what the best heists for easy money are, as well as details on when the next DLC is dropping.

Payday 3 gets an offline mode that requires players to be online Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 has finally received a long-requested offline mode, though it bafflingly still requires players to be online and connected to the servers. When Payday 3 released in 2023, many players from Payday 2 lamented the lack of an offline mode to enjoy solo, as the sequel was designed as an online-only game, in contrast to previous installments. Devs at Starbreeze Entertainment outlined back in February that as part of Operation Medic Bag, an initiative to address player frustrations amid dwindling player numbers, an offline solo mode was coming. Now, in June 2024, Starbreeze has revealed the long-awaited Solo mode will be coming, but much to the community’s dismay, it still requires players to be online. Announced in a developer update, the devs detailed their rollout of a “solo mode beta” to let players test things out early. However, you’ll need to stay online and connected to their servers when doing so. In order for progression to be tracked properly, devs previously confirmed players will need to be connected to the game’s servers. However, the solo mode beta has not been finalized just yet, as Almir Listo, global brand director and head of community for Payday said, “It’s not our full vision for this feature, for now, we’re setting it as a beta to test how it runs.” “We expect the performance to be affected since the parts normally frontloaded by our servers will now have to be run on your own hardware,” he continued. “You will still be required to start the game while online in solo mode, which will be improved once we improve this feature.” Payday 3’s launch was a disaster for Starbreeze, seeing its CEO apologize to players after its release and eventually leave the studio in early 2024. Currently, Payday 3’s Steam player count is still dwindling. In May 2024, it had an average of 333 players and a peak of 1,641. Meanwhile, Payday 2 has 12,941 players online at this very moment.

Payday 3: Pre-order bonuses & every edition explained Starbreeze StudiosFor those looking to begin their criminal career, a Payday 3 pre-order ensures you’re able to start making those big bucks as soon as the game releases. Here’s every edition of Payday 3 and what they include. The Payday series is out of custody with the third entry to the franchise, and Starbreeze Studios has made a bunch of different editions available for pre-order. The game will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Each edition of Payday 3 is bundled with different types of content, from new in-game missions to cosmetic items, and even some shiny physical items. So if you’re confused about what each edition of the game includes, we’ve written up all the differences for you here. Contents Payday 3 pre-order bonuses – Standard edition – Day One edition – Silver Edition – Gold Edition – Collector’s Edition – Payday 3 pre-order bonuses Before we get into each specific edition of Payday 3, you should know that every version of the game comes with a digital pre-order bonus if you order before the release date of September 21, 2023. If you buy any edition of the game by this date, you’ll receive the Trifecta Loot Bag DLC, which features an exclusive mask, gloves, and suit for your heister to wear. It’s currently unknown if this bonus will be available to purchase separately after launch. Payday 3 Standard Edition The digital standard edition of Payday 3 costs £34.99 and includes all the content in the base game. For now, this has been confirmed as 8 heists, 6 playable heisters, as well as an uncertain number of weapons and cosmetic items. Base game – Trifecta Loot Bag DLC (preorder bonus) – – Base game – Trifecta Loot Bag DLC (preorder bonus) – Base game – Trifecta Loot Bag DLC (preorder bonus) – Dark Sterling Mask – Play 3 days early – 6-month season pass (2 heists, 2 tailor packs, 2 weapon packs) – Base game – Trifecta Loot Bag DLC (preorder bonus) – Dark Sterling mask – Golden Slate gloves – Skull of Liberty mask – Play 3 days early – 1-year season pass (4 heists, 4 tailor packs, 4 weapon packs) – Base game – Trifecta Loot Bag DLC (preorder bonus) – Solidius mask – Dark Sterling mask – Golden Slate gloves – Skull of Liberty mask – 1-year season pass (4 heists, 4 tailor packs, 4 weapon packs) – The Collector’s Mask (physical item) – Custom deck of cards (physical item) – Stickers (physical item) – Membership letter to the Collector’s Club (physical item) – Payday 3 Day One Edition The Day One edition costs $39.99 and is identical to the standard edition of the game in terms of content, except it’s available as a physical version only. Starbreeze has not confirmed any additional content in the Day One edition. Payday 3 Silver Edition Starbreeze is also offering a few enhanced editions of the game featuring additional content. The silver edition costs £59.99 and includes the base game, a mask, a 3-day early unlock, as well as a six-month season pass which grants you access to two heists released as DLC post-launch, along with tailor packs and weapon packs. Payday 3 Gold Edition The Gold Edition of Payday 3 costs £79.99 and includes everything in the Silver Edition, but with a few extras. The season pass is extended to one year, granting an extra two heists (four overall), along with other DLC released in that time. You will also unlock the Golden Slate gloves and Skull of Liberty mask as additional cosmetics. Payday 3 Collector’s Edition For the true heisters out there, Starbreeze is also releasing a Collector’s Edition of the game. This version of Payday 3 includes everything in the Gold Edition, with the exception of the 3-day early unlock. It also has an exclusive mask, the Solidius mask. The Collector’s Edition costs $129.99 and also includes several physical bonuses too. The Solidius Mask is recreated as a physical mask you can display or even wear (though we heavily discourage you from committing a real heist with this). Additionally, you’ll also get a physical version of the game in a nice case, a custom deck of cards, stickers, and a membership letter to the Collector’s Club. And that’s everything we can tell you about each edition of Payday 3. You can also see our main page for all the latest news and updates on Payday 3. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Every playable heister in Payday 3 Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 features a bunch of colorful characters to bring on your capers. But how many playable heisters are available, and will more be joining them in future updates? The Payday franchise features a variety of fun characters. Across both games, over 20 different playable characters have been featured, with diverse nationalities, genders, and personalities. Payday 3 has returned to a more grounded theme rather than the sillier tone it took in the later years of its predecessor’s life. So not every heister from Payday 2 has made an appearance in the new game. All Payday 3 heisters Eight playable heisters are currently available in Payday 3, with two being added post-launch as free content. Dallas – Chains – Wolf – Hoxton – Joy – Pearl – Clover – Houston – Furthermore, according to the Payday 3 FAQ, Simon Kerr, Pete Gold, Damion Poitier, and Siu-See Hung have reprised their roles as Dallas, Hoxton, Chains, and Joy respectively. Wolf is voiced by Nicklas Berglund, replacing Ulf Andersson. Pearl, on the other hand, is a brand new character introduced for Payday 3. She is described in-game as a “master con artist and infiltrator”. She is voiced by Rebecca LaChance, who has also voiced characters in Horizon Forbidden West and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. What new heisters could be coming in the future? Aoife Duffin reprised her role as Clover, another fan favorite from Payday 2, in the Boys In Blue DLC on June 27th, 2024. Houston also came back, voiced by Derek Ray again, in the Fear and Greed update on 16th September. Despite releasing alongside DLC, both characters are available for free for all players. More characters may be added later down the line. Payday 2 only launched with four heisters, but a further 18 were added in later DLC and content updates. If you’re enjoying Payday 3, be sure to check out our list of all heists in the game and how to stealth them. We also have the best stealth loadout for you along with the best heists to make some quick cash.

All Payday 3 DLC confirmed so far Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 has DLC confirmed for its first year, with post-launch support in the form of free and paid content coming through to the end of 2024. Here’s everything that has been revealed so far. Payday 3 may have been off to a rocky start with its lack of updates during the launch period, but Starbreeze is now committing to more regular patches. And considering the amount of post-launch support Payday 2 received, you may be wondering what new content is coming to its successor in the future. All Year 1 DLC In its Year 1 roadmap, Starbreeze confirmed four major Payday 3 DLC expansions dropping by the end of 2024. Here is the list of confirmed paid DLC so far (pricing and exact release dates remain TBA): DLC 1 – Syntax Error (Released 12th December 2023, free to owners of the Gold & Silver Editions) New heist “Syntax Error“, Weapon Pack & Tailor Pack, Preacher Pack, Drifter Pack, Island Skin – – DLC 2 – Boys in Blue (Released 27th June 2024, free to owners of the Gold & Silver Editions) New heist “Boys in Blue“, Weapon Pack & Tailor Pack – – DLC 3 – Houston Breakout (Released 19th August 2024, free to owners of the Gold Edition) New heist “Houston Breakout“, Weapon Pack & Tailor Pack – – DLC 4 – Fear and Greed (Releasing Fall 2024, free to owners of the Gold Edition) – These expansions introduce new heists, weapons, and cosmetics to the game to expand the growing list of content. Alongside these come free content that all players can enjoy, such as the Clover character pack releasing alongside Boys in Blue. Additionally, the pre-order bonus Trifecta Lootbag has also been made available to purchase separately. It includes the Venomous Verdigris mask, Cotton Stripes gloves, and Obsidian Glitz suit. On June 14th, 2024, Starbreeze also announced changes to DLC pricing and compensations for owners of earlier DLC. In a blog post as part of Operation Medic Bag, the developer announced the prices would drop by around 33%. Owners of the Syntax Error DLC, Silver, and Gold Editions were also being compensated for the early buy-in at a higher markup with some cosmetic items previously reserved for the microtransaction store. Owners of Syntax Error get the Preacher Pack, Drifter Pack, and Island Skin. Silver Edition owners also get the Heavy Hitter pack, while Gold Edition owners get the Assassin Pack. Can you play Payday 3 paid DLC without owning the DLC? Since the launch of Syntax Error, you have been able to play Payday 3’s DLC with friends without owning the DLC yourself. To do this, you need to join a lobby hosted by a player who currently owns the DLC. They will be able to start matchmaking for a game on one of the DLC maps, allowing the three other players to join even if they don’t own the maps. If you’re wondering how many people still play Payday 3, we have the latest player count numbers for Steam. If you’re looking for help with the game, we also have the best stealth build and best heists to make cash fast.

Payday 3: How to stealth Dirty Ice Starbreeze StudiosDirty Ice in Payday 3 is a fairly easy heist to complete in stealth if you know what you’re doing, but actually working out the whole process can be tricky. Here’s how to do it without raising the alarm. Dirty Ice is Payday 3’s third mission, and the second one you can complete in stealth. It involves stealing a bunch of jewelry from a high-end New York store. While it’s slightly tougher than sneaking through the bank heist, the mission is one of the more simple ones in the game. Before you start, make sure you’re using a good stealth loadout to ensure you don’t accidentally raise the alarm. Here’s how to beat Dirty Ice in stealth. How to stealth Dirty Ice in Payday 3 To begin with, be sure to stay unmasked and take a look around the jewelry store. Take note of where the guards and cameras are located, and don’t be afraid to walk into the back areas for extra reconnaissance. If a guard spots you, he’ll just escort you out. Here’s where we’ve noticed guard locations on Normal difficulty: One in the front of the store – One patrolling in the back private area – One patrolling the back alley – One inside the basement – One in the camera room – You’ll also need to find the store manager, who is useful for objectives later on. She wears a blue shirt with a yellow scarf and is found in the front area. The jewelry store has a public area at the front full of civilians, as well as a back area with a break room, an office, a VIP showroom, and a workshop. Dirty Ice QR code locations The best way into the store’s private areas is through the back. You can either lockpick the gate on the left-hand side of the building or head down into the alleyway on the right-hand side. Either way, these areas will give you access to the back alley where a guard patrols. Your first task should be finding a bunch of cell phones lying around. Each one will have a QR code that grants you access through certain doors. There should be one resting on the floor by the car or on a crate in the alley. This code will unlock the back door and let you into the building. While you’re also here, take note of the door to the basement with a keypad on it. You don’t need to come in here yet, but you will soon. Dirty Ice basement code Once inside, find the manager’s office. It’s located in the long hallway that has a patrolling guard walking through. You’ll find a computer you can interact with, which will point you to one of three locations that shows the Basement Door code. Possible locations are: Employee of the Month frame at the front of the store – WiFi password in the break room – A book in the VIP showroom – It’s possible you may need another QR code for this, so take a look around the office for any cell phones that you can interact with. Once you’re ready, head to the correct location and find the code. It’ll be in plain sight for you to read. Head back outside and to the basement door. Enter the code and you’ll gain access to the basement. In the basement, there are two rooms of interest. The first is the camera room where you can deactivate cameras if you fancy using up a radio. The other is a small closet containing a red keycard, a safe, and a switch to disable the case alarms. Head in here and grab the keycard, while also disabling the case alarms. If you want to get a higher payout too, it’s a good idea to crack the safe and take the evidence too. You can now open the jewelry cases in the store and steal the loot without the alarm going off. If you don’t fancy controlling the main lobby, use a QR code to access the VIP showroom, which is next to the manager’s office. This room is full of jewelry and is away from the public eye, so you’ll have an easier time ferrying out the loot. Break into these cases and take the Jewelry bags. The escape van is located at the back of the store, in the alleyway. Toss the loot in there for a hefty payday. Dirty Ice manager If you want to get a bigger payday, there also exists a side quest in Dirty Ice that allows you to get more value out of your bags. It involves accessing the Jewelry Workshop which is located by the VIP showroom. To do this, you’ll need to get ahold of the store manager. As we said earlier, she’s in the front of the store wearing a blue shirt and yellow scarf. To get her attention, you need to go back into the basement and find the safe in the closet where you found the keycard. Take a photo of the evidence then head back upstairs. In the manager’s office, call the phone and blackmail the manager with the evidence you found downstairs. She’ll come from the front into the back area where you can grab her. Grab the manager as a human shield and take her through to the Jewelry Workshop, where she’ll use the biometric scanner to grant you access. Tie her up again and head inside. The workshop contains a machine where you can deposit Jewelry bags to increase the value of each loot bag by turning them into Clean Jewelry. This will give you a bigger payday at the end but is risky due to the extra steps involved. Dirty Ice vault access Finally, there’s also the vault which is located in the middle of the central hallway at the back of the store. To open the vault, you need to have one player push the button on the manager’s office desk and another insert the red keycard into the vault door access pad. You both need to do this at the same time, so make sure you time it correctly. If you’re playing solo, luckily there is a way to still do this. To get in here, you need to take the manager into her office and shove her in front of the button. She’ll press the button for you, and as she does you can run to the vault door and insert the keycard. Inside is a rare stone that will add to your final payout. While this step isn’t necessary to finish the level, you can earn a considerable amount from doing both of these final side quests. The choice is yours. Once you’re done, you can finish the level and go straight into the next heist, Rock The Cradle. For more heists in Payday 3, check out the full mission list. If you’re strapped for cash, make sure you also see the best heists for money, as well as details on when the next DLC releases.

Payday 3: How to stealth the Diamond District heist Starbreeze StudiosDiamond District is a free heist in Payday 3 where the gang must rob five different stores of all their jewelry. Here’s how to complete it in stealth. Added as a free heist alongside the Houston Breakout DLC, Diamond District is the spiritual successor to Payday 2’s Four Stores heist. In it, you must steal a certain amount of jewelry from any of the five stores. The mission offers approaches in both loud and stealth, but taking the sneaky option will mean you have a greater chance of getting away with more loot. Getting started For starters, check out our recommended Payday 3 stealth build which features some important skills you’ll need to run. At the very least, we suggest using Grifter Basic, Social Engineering, and Hacker Basic as this will allow you greater freedom to walk around the Private Areas without being spotted. It’ll also mean you can pick up jewelry without civilians noticing you. When you begin the heist, you’ll start on the street with five stores to rob from. There are three stores on one side and two on the other, with each one having its own set of loot and associated challenges. Once you’ve grabbed as much loot as you need, pop everything into the van and step into the escape zone to finish. It should be noted that the stores can be tackled in any order, and you don’t need to hit all five to escape. We’ll break down the best ways to tackle each store, as well as the best order to do them. A & K Jewelry A & K Jewelry is the smallest store in the heist. Because of its size and ease of lifting the loot, we recommend hitting this store first. One guard patrols the store and will occasionally step outside, allowing you to steal jewelry – Hack the camera to prevent it from spotting you stealing – The display cases are not alarmed, so feel free to lockpick them and steal the jewelry when the guard isn’t looking – International Diamond Enterprises Next, you should hit up International Diamond Enterprises. This store is unique to the level as it does not have any jewelry to steal in the front. Instead, all loot is located upstairs in the staff area. Follow the guard upstairs, when he’s at the far end of the corridor pick the lock on the door to access the storage room – In the office are two vault doors containing jewelry bags – The codes for the vault door keypads can be found around the upper floor: on a Whiteboard, inside a locker, and on a notepad somewhere in the office – Ashton Fine Ashton Fine makes a return after previously appearing in Dirty Ice. Now, it seems the owner has upped security to prevent another burglary. Not that it’ll stop you. The shutters to the store are closed. To access the store, head through the doors just to the right and use a QR Code on the door. – Before entering the store properly, deactivate the alarm using the lever on the wall – Lockpick the display cases after disabling the alarm but be careful not to alert the guard patrolling – Head into the room on the far end of the store and you’ll be able to raise the shutters for easier access – With This Ring With This Ring is the biggest store in Diamond District. It features rows of different jewelry displays, as well as an upstairs area reserved for staff. The display cases aren’t alarmed. So if you trigger Rush, you’ll be able to open the display cases without alerting civilians – Make sure to hack cameras in the store so they don’t see you – At least two guards are in this store, so make sure they’re not nearby when you loot the jewelry – A guard is standing by the door to the staff area. If you hack his radio using Glitch Protocol, you’ll have enough time to lockpick the door without him seeing – There’s a door upstairs that requires a QR code, inside is the manager and a safe containing money – There’s a vault upstairs which can be opened using a Red Keycard. The keycard can be found underneath a pile of files on the upper floor – Glimmer Glimmer is another small store similar to A & K Jewelry. However, don’t be fooled by its size. It’s home to one of the most expensive loot items in the level and, as a result, has much tighter security. We recommend hitting this store last because of the vault in the back. You can disable the display case alarms in the room at the back – A guard will occasionally come into the store. Closing the shutters will cause him to take a new route through the back area. We recommend keeping this area clear, so keep the shutters open – You can take jewelry bags to the back and pop them in the Multi-Tag Scanner. Doing so will clean the bags to increase the sell price – The manager will patrol through here. Mask up and take her as a human shield to the vault door. She’ll open the door for you, allowing you to take the Rare Diamond – Since grabbing the Rare Diamond requires you to mask up, we recommend hitting this store last as it’s right by the level exit – Where to find the keycards and QR codes There are several items dotted around the map that you’ll need for different purposes. Red Keycard: Found underneath a pile of files on the upper floor of With This Ring Purpose: Opens the vault in With This Ring upper floor – – Blue Keycard: Carried by a guard patrolling one of the stores Purpose: Opens the door to the camera room found in the back storage area between A & K Jewelry and With This Ring – – QR Code: Found by searching through mobile phones. One phone can be found in Glimmer. Purpose: Opens the upstairs office in With This Ring and opens the door to Ashton Fine – – To see all the other heists you can play in Payday 3, check out the full mission list. Be sure to also check out the best heists to make some fast cash, as well as the upcoming DLC heists.

Payday 3 devs have ‘no plans’ to change controversial new progression system Deep SilverPayday 3 developers are standing firm on their controversial new challenge-based progression system, stating they have no plans to change it, even as frustrations continue to mount. Constant server issues, matchmaking errors, and a new online-only requirement have marred Payday 3’s highly-anticipated launch. The “half-baked” game is suffering from a wave of negative reviews that have resulted in a ‘Mostly Negative’ rating on Steam, as some players are already opting for refunds. Beyond the problematic launch and general instability, many players have expressed frustration and disappointment over a new addition to the series – the challenge-based progression system. This system has been criticized for being restrictive, forcing players to adapt to specific playstyles to gain XP, rather than simply allowing them to play the game as they prefer. One notable thread on Payday 3’s Reddit community highlighted the restrictive nature of this system, with a player stating, “This game might have the most backwards character leveling system I’ve seen in gaming.” “Why does the game punish you for having a playstyle?” the player asked. The player further elaborated on how the game seemingly punishes you for having a preferred playstyle and weapon type, with challenges requiring completion of heists in specific ways and kills with every weapon type. “Basically, Payday 3’s progression system is not based on gameplay the way you like it. It’s based on what are essentially Xbox achievements / PS trophies. Starbreeze wants you to play the way THEY want you to. Or else you don’t progress.” The challenges, some of which require players to complete the same heist 150 times, have led players to call for a complete overhaul of the system. But now, Starbreeze Studios, the developers of Payday 3, have responded to the community’s backlash surrounding the challenge-based progression system, stating, “We don’t have any plans as of today to change how the progression works.” However, they are evaluating ways to make the challenges more intuitive and to communicate them better to the players. Unsurprisingly, the reaction to the developer’s stance has been mostly negative, with players quickly expressing their dissatisfaction. “Saying they have no plans to change how progression works is nuts,” one player reacted. “It’s so blatantly unfun it’s insane. I don’t think I’ve finished a heist in a while due to the fact that it gives me more XP to just grind out weapon challenges and last as long as I possibly can and kill as much as I can.” Another wrote, “If you don’t listen to what the community wants, you deserve to fail. The progression system is one of the worst I’ve ever seen, even after 10 hours I stopped progressing with my favorite build using the shotgun. Also, challenge based progression is tried and tested and it failed every time.” However, Starbreeze Studios did hint at possibly dropping the online requirement following the widespread criticism and the problems it has caused, which is at least one positive sign for the community.

Payday 3 devs ask for patience as first patch delays pile up through October Starbreeze StudiosPayday 3 developer Starbreeze Studios is appealing for understanding as the game’s highly-anticipated first patch faces continued delays. After a rocky launch marred by server downtime, matchmaking issues, and the contentious online-only requirement, Starbreeze Studios promised fans over 200 quality-of-life improvements in an early October patch. However, the patch’s release has been pushed back multiple times, and players are becoming increasingly frustrated. Starbreeze’s initial delay announcement mentioned the need for changes that would require another round of console certification. They expressed hope for a mid-October release, stating, “We’re extremely sorry for this, but we’ve chosen to delay today’s planned patch to ensure its stability.” But now, just as players were expecting the first Payday 3 patch to arrive, Starbreeze has hit the community with yet another delay notice, revealing that the patch is still not ready for release. The developers apologized for the lack of communication and reassured players that addressing the issues was their top priority. “We’re spending additional time revamping our patching process to ensure that we can have a steady cadence and momentum with patches going forward,” Starbreeze announced on October 16. While the developers remain tight-lipped about the exact release date for the patch, they have committed to several patches and one DLC release by the end of the year. Whether these plans will be affected by the ongoing delays remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Payday 3 player base on Steam continues its significant decline, as per Steam Charts data. The game’s Steam player count has plummeted by close to 90% in just one month, with recent numbers showing only about 10% of the peak player base from its launch day. And interestingly, Payday 2, the game’s predecessor, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. At the time of writing, Payday 2’s 24-hour peak player count reached 55,426, whereas Payday managed just 6,099 peak players in comparison. While it’s important to note that Payday 3 is available on PC Game Pass and, therefore, not all players will be captured in the Steam player count, the charts do show an alarming trend for Starbreeze’s latest game. With declining player count and “mixed” reviews, Starbreeze’s mission to regain the trust of players looks like it could be a challenging one.

Payday 3 devs are trolling players with classic Rickroll prank ingame Starbreeze / Rick AstleyPayday 3 developers are trolling players with classic Rickroll pranks in the game, giving players a laugh amid what has been a rocky launch. Payday 3 officially launched on September 21, and players who have been fortunate to get in and play the game are already discovering hidden surprises. One of the more hilarious additions to the Payday series is what happens when players scan one of the many QR codes scattered around the game’s heist locations. For instance, a locked door in the Dirty Ice Heist labeled “VIP Showroom” has a scannable QR code just to the right of the door. The code isn’t just hidden away; it’s easily visible and has proven to be enticing enough that some players are grabbing their phones and scanning the code. But players who are likely expecting to gain access to the locked door are instead being served up Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” on YouTube, in what is a classic Rickroll prank. Players have been left stunned as clips of the QR code Rickroll have begun circulating on social media. Most players find it hilarious, with some commenting, “This makes up for all the issues,” and another noting, “When developers actually have too much time before the launch deadline,” referencing the game’s rocky launch. The release of Payday 3 has been marred by a barrage of negative reviews in response to major server issues, matchmaking problems, and the controversial online-only requirement. Fans of the series were able to enjoy offline modes in the past, such as in Payday 2, but the contentious new requirement means that players must register, log in, and stay online even while playing solo. Unsurprisingly, the move to online-only, combined with server downtimes, has led to widespread criticism, with the game earning a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam after more than 27,000 reviews. Despite the problematic server issues and the overall “half-baked” state of the game, these cheeky QR codes are providing joy to the community after what has been a rough week.

Payday 3 developer announces D&D game that’s the opposite of Baldur’s Gate 3 Starbreeze EntertainmentThe developer of Payday 3 has announced “Project Baxter,” a new co-op multiplayer D&D live service video game coming in 2026 that sounds like it will be the opposite of Baldur’s Gate 3. A big reason why Baldur’s Gate 3 is so successful is that it manages to capture the essence of a D&D 5E tabletop campaign. It’s an epic story that the player shapes with their own actions, no matter how unhinged their Baldur’s Gate 3 party may be. The D&D license is huge and has a lot of scope for multimedia releases, which results in lots of video games. Unfortunately, some of these use the license in name only, which results in games of varying quality, like Dark Alliance. A new D&D video game is on the horizon, and it’s something that fans haven’t seen before. A D&D co-op multiplayer title has been announced for 2026, and it’s being made by the developers of a popular 2023 game, who are also publishing the game. “Project Baxter” is a new D&D game by Payday 3’s developer Payday 3 developer Starbreeze Entertainment’s announced on its Twitter/X account that it’s making an official D&D video game called “Project Baxter,” a co-op multiplayer title coming to multiple platforms in 2026. A post on the official Starbreeze Entertainment website has revealed more details. Project Baxter is a games-as-a-service title, which means it will be more similar to Payday 3 than a title like Baldur’s Gate 3, which makes sense, considering the developer involved. Fans introduced to D&D through Baldur’s Gate 3 might not find Project Baxter as interesting, as it will be multiplayer-focused. While Baldur’s Gate 3 can be played with multiple people, it’s mostly a single-player/story-focused experience, which is usually not the case with live service titles. It’s unclear where this new game will be set in the D&D multiverse, as the few pieces of official artwork released for Project Baxter are very generic and could be part of any fantasy franchise. There’s a good chance the game will be set in the Forgotten Realms, the same D&D setting used by Baldur’s Gate 3. The Forgotten Realms is the most popular D&D setting and is well-suited for a video game. Project Baxter likely won’t be the only D&D game announced over the next year, as the popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3 has invigorated the license for video games.