PayDay 2

Overview

Payday 2 (stylized as PAYDAY 2) is a co-operative crime-themed first-person shooter developed by Overkill and published by 505 (later by Starbreeze) for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC (via Steam) on August 13, 2013. It was later released for the Xbox One (on June 26, 2015), PlayStation 4 (on June 16, 2015), Linux (via Steam on March 21, 2016), and Nintendo Switch (ported by Sumo Digital on February 27, 2018).

In this sequel to Payday: The Heist, players team up as masked criminals as they descend on Washington, D.C. (among, later on, other locales) for an epic crime spree. The crew now take advantage of CRIMENET, an underground criminal network (led by their handler, the mysterious Bain) where they accept contracts from criminal contacts such as deranged up-and-coming Vlad the Ukrainian, shady American politician "The Elephant", and Colombian drug trafficker Hector.

Using the CRIMENET interface, players can progress through various sizes of heists (from small-time convenience stores to major bank vaults), upgrade their criminal's special skills through Skill Trees, purchase various unlocked weapons and weapon modifications, and customize their unlocked masks with randomly-earned materials, patterns, and pattern colors. Along with an expanded metagame, the game now takes advantage of heists that are both dynamic (with random events and object placements), extended (sometimes splitting the heist into separate levels, or "days"), and completely stealthable.

Over the years, most of Payday 2's gameplay mechanics in the Steam version were updated, expanded, and sometimes completely revamped (including new weapon and enemy types, additional difficulty levels, the ability to drive vehicles, a complete restructure of the Skill Tree system, and full VR support). The game has also received numerous downloadable content packs (both free and paid), adding additional weapons, heists, playable characters, and masks. Most of these content and updates were rolled into later console versions.

The game received numerous cross-promotional content with not only other games (such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Hotline Miami), but also feature films (such as John Wick and Scarface). Some parts of downloadable content were also made outside of Overkill, such as music tracks by electronica artist Le Castle Vania and heists from spin-off developer LionGameLion (who later used the same engine and concept for RAID: World War II).

Gameplay

Offshore Account

With each successful heist accomplished you will receive two different types of payments. Your offshore account is money that is presented to you at the beginning of a heist, it is a set amount given if you accomplish all parts of a heist successfully. The offshore funds can be used in several different ways.

The main purpose of the offshore funds is used for purchasing contracts from the brokers if you are hosting a game. The offshore funds can also be used in a hand of gambling through the offshore payday icon on the main map or to achieve infamous level if you are at level 100 and have the correct amount of cash.

Cash

This is the money that comes from loot bags and loose cash and jewelry successfully stolen during a heist. The cash funds is tallied at the end of a heist and is determined by the total amount divided by the number of players playing at the end of the mission. These funds are used for upgrading your skills, purchasing extra slots for your inventory, weapons, masks, and modifiers for the weapons and guns.

Heisters

In the first year of the game's release, the game only had four playable characters to choose from: smooth mobster Dallas, hardened mercenary Chains, happy-go-lucky Wolf, and Dallas's younger, more serious brother as the new Hoxton. As new heists were released, players can choose from more characters (including the original Hoxton, once the player breaks him out of custody).

While characters are often associated with certain Skill Trees and Perk Decks, they are not limited to any and have no additional benefits with any. However, they do have their own uniquely-colored suits and have a unique default mask (though a special version of the masks can be unlocked for further customization and use by any character).

Most of the characters must be unlocked as DLC (which includes additional weapons and Perk Decks associated with each character).

Original Crew

• Dallas - Formerly a hitman with an American mafia, Dallas is the founder and mastermind of the crew.

• Chains - A former U.S. Navy SEAL and mercenary, Chains serves as the crew's main enforcer and weapons expert. Unlike the first game, Chains is now portrayed by actor Damion Poitier.

• Wolf - A former game developer and Swedish psychopath, Wolf serves as the crew's main technician and electronics expert.

• Houston - Dallas's younger brother and the replacement for Hoxton after the latter's arrest. Somewhat of a serious control freak who makes sure the Escape Van is up-to-par. Was originally known as "Hoxton" prior to the Hoxton Breakout heist.

Main Crew

• Hoxton - A English criminal who was formerly part of the Payday gang prior to his arrest and replacement. Introduced on March 21, 2014 and can only be unlocked for selection by completing the Hoxton Breakout heist.

• Clover - A former apprentice of Hoxton from Ireland. Her signature weapons are her Queen's Wrath assault rifle and a shillelagh. Introduced on December 16, 2014 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC.

• Dragan - A former corrupt Interpol agent from Croatia. Voiced by actor Dragomir Mršić, who also portrayed him in his live-action introductory trailer and formerly participated in criminal activity (as a bank robber in 1990). His signature weapons are his Lion's Roar assault rifle and a meat cleaver. Introduced on January 22, 2015 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC.

• Bonnie - A butch Scottish gangster with skills as a gambler. Voiced by Scottish comedian Rhona Cameron. Her signature weapons are her Joceline O/U 10G shotgun and a whiskey bottle. Introduced on March 1, 2015.

• Sokol - Formerly a professional hockey player in Russia (with a side-job of robbing casinos). His signature weapons are his Valkyria assault rifle and a hockey stick. Introduced on June 25, 2015 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC.

• Jiro - Formerly part of a Japanese Yakuza. Voiced by Japanese actor Togo Igawa and is the only heister to speak mainly in his native language (though everybody else understands him). His signature weapons are his Micro Uzi sub-machine gun and a katana. Introduced on August 27, 2015 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC.

• Sydney - Formerly part of a delinquent anarchist gang in Australia. Voiced by Australian comedian Georgia van Cuylenburg. Her signature weapons are her Bootleg assault rifle and a butterfly knife. Introduced on May 12, 2016 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC.

• Rust - Formerly a biker with the American OVERKILL MC biker gang. Voiced by accomplished actor Ron Perlman, who also portrayed him in his live-action introductory trailer. His signature weapons are his Breaker 12G shotgun and a chain whip. Introduced on June 16, 2016 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC.

• Sangres - Formerly an enforcer and assassin for a Mexican drug cartel. His signature weapons are his pair of Castigo .44 revolvers and a machete. Introduced on May 4, 2017.

• Duke - Also known as August Lidenhurst, Duke is an American socialite and professional art thief. His signature weapons are his pair of Crosskill Guard pistols and a leather sap. Introduced on October 25, 2017.

• Joy - A Japanese hacker and renowed cyber-criminal. Her signature weapons are her pair of Signature sub-machine guns and a baton. Introduced on February 27, 2018 as a timed-exclusive for the Switch version, and later made available to other platforms on August 13, 2018.

Guests

• John Wick - Cross-promotion with the 2014 action thriller film of the same name. A former hitman who was brought back to the criminal underworld, later helping his former military comrade Chains by joining the gang. He is not voiced by the film's original actor. Unlike the other heisters, his default "mask" is a pair of sunglasses. His signature weapons are the Contractor and Chimano Compact pistols (the primer released later as paid DLC), in which the original gun models of both were used in the film. Introduced on October 22, 2014.

• Jacket - Cross-promotion with the Hotline Miami game series. Unlike the other heisters, he is physically mute and uses a modified tape recorder playing phrases spliced from educational tapes to communicate. His signature weapons are his Jacket's Piece sub-machine gun and a carpenter's hammer. Introduced on March 10, 2015 and can only be unlocked for selection either in the Steam version (by owning the Digital Special Edition of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number on Steam) or on later console versions.

• Bodhi - Cross-promotion with the 2015 action thriller remake film Point Break. The infamous founder of the Ex-Presidents crime gang and a thrill seeker. He is not voiced by the film's original actor. His signature weapons are his Platypus 70 sniper rifle and a utility knife. Introduced on December 3, 2015.

• Jimmy - Cross-promotion with the 2015 sci-fi action film Hardcore Henry. A morally-bankrupt scientist who uses one of his neural-linked cyborg clones (who is addicted to cocaine) to help the gang. Unlike other film-based heisters, Jimmy is voiced by the same actor as the film (Sharlto Copley). Sharlto also portrays the multiple Jimmy clones in his live-action introductory trailer. His signature weapons are his Heather sub-machine gun and a pair of specialist knives. Introduced on March 24, 2016.

• Scarface - Cross-promotion with the 1983 crime drama film Scarface. An unknown criminal who strongly resembles Cuban kingpin Tony Montana. He is voiced by veteran voice actor André Sogliuzzo, who also voiced Tony in the game Scarface: The World is Yours. His signature weapon is his Little Friend 7.62 assault rifle and a chainsaw. Introduced on December 15, 2016 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC.

• Ethan - Cross-promotion with the YouTube comedy channel h3h3Productions. Featuring the likeness and voice acting of American comedian Ethan Klein. Introduced on November 22, 2017 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC (which, unlike other DLC, is not included in the Ultimate Edition).

• Hila - Cross-promotion with the YouTube comedy channel h3h3Productions. Featuring the likeness and voice acting of Israeli comedian Hila Klein. Introduced on November 22, 2017 and can only be unlocked for selection as paid DLC (which, unlike other DLC, is not included in the Ultimate Edition).

Weapons

The original release of Payday 2 included 12 weapons (not including the OVE9000 saw) for the primary slot and 14 weapons (also not including the OVE9000 saw) for the secondary slot. Throughout the lifespan of the Steam version (with most of its updates consolidated into later console versions of the game), the game received over 46 additional primary weapons (including new weapon types, such as light-machine guns, sniper rifles, bows, and grenade launchers) and 42 additional secondary weapons.

In addition, updates throughout the game added an enhanced melee system (with a variety of new melee weapons) and the ability to throw grenades and other projectiles.

Some early additions (namely with the Armored Transport, Gage Pack #01, and Gage Pack #02 DLCs) were also added to the early console versions.

Primary

Assault Rifles

Unless otherwise specified, all Assault Rifles have two firing modes: fully-automatic and semi-automatic.

• AMCAR (UL 0, $43k, given by default)
• AK (UL 1, $43k)
• CAR-4 (UL 4, $95k)
• UAR (UL 8, $176k)
• AK.762 (UL 16, $350k) - Has a Golden variant (UL 17, $372k) that was added on May 8, 2014 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only).
• JP36 (UL 16, $350k)
• M308 (UL 26, $581k)
• AK5 (UL 33, $749k)
• AMR-16 (UL 39, $896k)
• Commando 553 (UL 0, $42k) - Requires the Armored Transport DLC. Added on November 14, 2013.
• Eagle Heavy (UL 0, $43k) - Requires the Gage Weapon Pack #01. Added on December 5, 2013.
• Falcon (UL 42, $921k) - Requires The Big Bank Heist DLC. Added on June 17, 2014.
• Clarion (UL 27, $605k) - Requires the Gage Assault Pack. Added on September 4, 2014.
• Gecko 7.62 (UL 34, $773k) - Requires the Gage Assault Pack. Added on September 4, 2014.
• Gewehr 3 (UL 52, $921k) - Requires the Gage Assault Pack. Added on September 4, 2014.
• Queen's Wrath (UL 24, $534k) - Requires the Clover Character Pack. Added on December 16, 2014.
• Lion's Roar (UL 28, $629k) - Requires the Dragan Character Pack. Added on January 22, 2015.
• Cavity 9mm (UL 15, $327k) - Requires The Golden Grin Casino Heist DLC. Added on June 25, 2015.
• Valkyria (UL 29, $652k) - Requires the Sokol Character Pack. Added on June 25, 2015.
• Bootleg (UL 21, $464k) - Requires the Sydney Character Pack. Added on May 12, 2016.
• Little Friend 7.62 (UL 41, $921k) - Includes a under-barreled grenade launcher that is toggled with the Bipod button. Requires the Scarface Character Pack. Added on December 15, 2016.
• AK17 (UL 16, $350k) - Requires the Gage Russian Weapon Pack. Added on March 23, 2017.
• Galant (UL 25, $557k) - Semi-automatic only. Unlocks after completing the Rapid Retribution side job. Added on August 31, 2017.
• Union 5.56 (UL 0, $42k) - Added on December 14, 2017.
• MTAR 21 (UL ?, $871k) - Added on October 28, 2018

Shotguns

• Reinfeld 880 (UL 8, $176k, pump-action)
• IZHMA 12G (UL 26, $581k, full/semi-automatic)
• Mosconi 12G (UL 39, $896k, break-action)
• M1014 (UL 15, $327k, semi-automatic) - Requires the Gage Shotgun Pack. Added on July 3, 2014.
• Raven (UL 22, $487k, pump-action) - Requires the Gage Shotgun Pack. Added on July 3, 2014.
• Predator 12G (UL 0, $42k, semi-automatic) - Added on October 26, 2014 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only)
• Steakout 12G (UL 52, $920k, full/semi-automatic) - Requires The Butcher's BBQ Pack. Added on March 26, 2015.
• Joceline O/U 12G (UL 43, $920k, break-action) - Added on March 15, 2015 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only)
• Breaker 12G (UL 3, $76k, lever-action) - Requires the Biker Character Pack. Added on June 16, 2016.

Light Machine Guns

All Light Machine Guns have only one firing mode: fully-automatic.

• RPK (UL 0, $42k) - Requires the Gage Weapon Pack #02. Added on January 30, 2014.
• KSP (UL 45, $921k) - Requires the Gage Weapon Pack #02. Added on January 30, 2014.
• Brenner 21 (UL 75, $920k) - Requires the Gage Weapon Pack #02. Added on January 30, 2014.
• Buzzsaw 42 (UL 71, $921k) - Requires the Gage Historical Pack. Added on November 13, 2014.
• KSP 58 (UL 23, $510k) - Added on October 19, 2015.
• M60 Light Machine Gun (UL ?, $749k) - Requires the Fugitive Weapon Pack. Added on June 30, 2020.

Sniper Rifles

All Sniper Rifles can pierce armor.

• Rattlesnake (UL 15, $327k, bolt-action) - Requires the Gage Sniper Pack. Added on May 8, 2014.
• R93 (UL 35, $798k, bolt-action) - Requires the Gage Sniper Pack. Added on May 8, 2014.
• Thanatos .50 cal (UL 65, $921k, bolt-action) - Requires the Gage Sniper Pack. Added on May 8, 2014.
• Nagant (UL 54, $921k, bolt-action) - Requires the Gage Historical Pack. Added on November 13, 2014.
• Repeater 1874 (UL 36, $822k, lever-action) - Requires The Butcher's Western Pack. Added on April 30, 2015.
• Lebensauger .308 (UL 33, $749k, semi-automatic) - Requires the Gage Ninja Pack. Added on July 16, 2015.
• Platypus 70 (UL 32, $725k, bolt-action) - Added on December 3, 2015.
• Desertfox (UL 34, $773k, bolt-action) - Requires the John Wick Weapon Pack. Added on October 20, 2016.
• Contractor .308 (UL 34, $883k, semi-automatic) - Requires the John Wick Heists DLC. Added on February 9, 2017.
• Grom (UL 46, $921k, semi-automatic) - Requires the Gage Russian Weapon Pack. Added on March 23, 2017.
• R700 Sniper Rifle (UL ?, $510k) - Requires the Fugitive Weapon Pack. Added on June 30, 2020.

Bows

Considered part of the Special category, bows can optionally be fitted with Explosive arrows/bolts (sacrificing some direct impact damage for an explosion on impact) or Poisoned arrows/bolts (sacrifices most direct impact damage for an immediate poison effect, temporarily disabling them and dealing damage over time).

Although they cannot be refilled with enemy ammo drops, bolts/arrows can be retrieved from obstacles and surfaces.

• Plainsrider Bow (UL 15, $327k) - Primitive bow. Requires The Butcher's Western Pack. Added on April 30, 2015.
• Light Crossbow (UL 17, $372k) - Medieval crossbow. Requires the Gage Chivalry Pack. Added on September 10, 2015.
• English Longbow (UL 29, $652k) - Medieval longbow. Requires the Gage Chivalry Pack. Added on September 10, 2015.
• Heavy Crossbow (UL 38, $871k) - Medieval heavy crossbow. Requires the Gage Chivalry Pack. Added on September 10, 2015.
• Airbow (UL 0, $372k) - Semi-automatic "crossbow". Requires the h3h3 Character Pack. Added on November 22, 2017.
• DCEA Technologies Compound Bow (UL ?, $749k) - Modern longbow. Added on October 28, 2018.

Other Weapons

• OVE9000 (UL 0, $42k) - Electric saw that can be used for close-ranged enemy kills and for cutting open door and other objects. It cannot be refilled with enemy ammo drops.
• GL40 (UL 46, $921k) - Single-shot grenade launcher. Can be fitted with Incendiary rounds (sacrificing most damage for a chance to ignite enemies). Requires the Gage Assault Pack. Added on September 4, 2014.
• Vulcan Minigun (UL 40, $871k) - Heavy minigun. Requires The OVERKILL Pack. Added on March 6, 2015.
• Piglet (UL 43, $921k) - Six-shot revolver-type grenade launcher. Can be fitted with Incendiary rounds (sacrificing most damage for a chance to ignite enemies). Requires The Butcher's BBQ Pack. Added on March 26, 2015.
• Flamethrower Mk.1 (UL 44, $920k) - Standard flamethrower used to damage and ignite enemies. Requires The Butcher's BBQ Pack. Added on March 26, 2015.
• XL 5.56 Microgun (UL ?, $676k) - Heavy minigun. Added on April 27, 2018.

Secondary

Pistols

Unless otherwise specified, all pistols have a single firing mode: semi-automatic (double-action for revolvers).

As of April 27, 2018, all pistols (other than the Peacemaker .45 and 5/7 AP) can be dual-wielded as primary weapons. Most of these variants do not require the weapon's DLC or special requirement for unlocking.

• Chimano 88 (UL 0, $43k, given by default)
• Crosskill (UL 2, $59k)
• Bernetti 9 (UL 6, $135k)
• Bronco .44 (UL 6, $135k)
• STRYK 18c (UL 29, $652k) - Can only be fired in fully-automatic.
• Deagle (UL 36, $822k)
• Interceptor .45 (UL 0, $43k) - Added on October 31, 2013 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only).
• Gruber Kurz (UL 0, $43k) - Requires the Armored Transport DLC. Added on November 14, 2013.
• Signature .40 (UL 0, $43k) - Requires the Gage Weapon Pack #01. Added on December 5, 2013.
• Chimano Custom (UL 22, $487k) - Added on March 20, 2014 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only).
• Chimano Compact (UL 27, $605k) - Added on October 22, 2014 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only).
• Broomstick (UL 23, $511k) - Requires the Gage Historical Pack. Added on November 13, 2014.
• LEO (UL 28, $629k) - Requires The Bomb Heists DLC. Added on January 22, 2015.
• Peacemaker .45 (UL 31, $701k) - Requires The Butcher's Western Pack. Added on April 30, 2015.
• Matever .357 (UL 34, $773k) - Requires The Alesso Heist DLC. Added on May 21, 2015.
• Baby Deagle (UL 14, $305k) - Requires The Point Break Heists DLC. Added on December 3, 2015.
• White Streak (UL 14, $305k) - Added on March 31, 2016.
• Contractor (UL 26, $581k) - Requires the John Wick Weapon Pack. Added on October 20, 2016.
• 5/7 AP (UL 26, $581k) - Can pierce armor. Added on April 8, 2017 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only)
• Castigo .44 (UL 26, $581k) - Added on May 4, 2017.
• Parabellum (UL 25, $557k) - Unlocks after completing the Knife Legislation side job. Added on August 31, 2017.
• Crosskill Guard (UL 27, $605k) - Added on October 25, 2017.
• M13 9mm (UL ?, $327K) - Added on October 26, 2018.
• Bernetti Auto Pistol (UL ?, $652k) - Requires the Federales Weapon Pack. Added on February 27, 2020.
• Czech 92 Pistol (UL ?, $652k) - Requires the Federales Weapon Pack. Added on February 27, 2020.
• Igor Automatik Pistol (UL ?, $652k) - Requires the Federales Weapon Pack. Added on February 27, 2020.
• HOLT 9mm Pistol (UL ?, $676k) - Requires the Fugitive Weapon Pack. Added on June 30, 2020.

Sub-Machine Guns

Unless otherwise specified, all SMGs have two firing modes: fully-automatic and semi-automatic.

As of April 27, 2018, all SMGs can be dual-wielded as primary weapons. These variants do not require the weapon's DLC or special requirement for unlocking.

• Mark 10 (UL 2, $59k)
• Compact-5 (UL 13, $283k)
• CMP (UL 19, $418k)
• Para (UL 19, $418k)
• Krinkov (UL 29, $652k)
• Kobus 90 (UL 35, $822k)
• Swedish K (UL 0, $42k) - Can only be fired in fully-automatic. Requires the Armored Transport DLC. Added on November 14, 2013.
• SpecOps (UL 0, $43k) - Requires the Gage Weapon Pack #01. Added on December 5, 2013.
• Cobra (UL 18, $395k) - Requires the Hotline Miami DLC. Added on September 30, 2014.
• Blaster 9mm (UL 32, $725k) - Requires the Hotline Miami DLC. Added on September 30, 2014.
• Uzi (UL 55, $921k) - Requires the Hotline Miami DLC. Added on September 30, 2014.
• Patchett L2A1 (UL 51, $921k) - Requires the Gage Historical Pack. Added on November 13, 2014.
• Chicago Typewriter (UL 14, $305k) - Can only be fired in fully-automatic. Added on December 4, 2014 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only).
• Jacket's Piece (UL 12, $261k) - The Steam version of the game requires players to own the Digital Special Edition of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number on the same platform to be able to equip/purchase this weapon. Added on March 10, 2015.
• Kross Vertex (UL 39, $896k) - Requires the Gage Ninja Pack. Added on July 16, 2015.
• Micro Uzi (UL ?, $585k)- Requires the Yakuza Character Pack. Added on August 27, 2015.
• Heather (UL 25, $557k) - Added on March 31, 2016.
• CR 805B (UL 2, $58k) - Requires The Biker Heist DLC. Added on June 16, 2016.
• Jackal (UL 20, $441k) - Requires the John Wick Weapon Pack. Added on October 20, 2016.
• Tatonka (UL 42, $920k) - Requires the Gage Russian Weapon Pack. Added on March 23, 2017.
• MP40 (UL 25, $557k) - Unlocks after completing the Prepare for War side job. Added on August 31, 2017.
• Signature (UL ?, $441k) - Added on February 27, 2018 (Switch version only) and on August 13, 2018.

Shotguns

As of April 27, 2018, three Shotguns (the Judge, Goliath 12G, and Grimm 12G) can be dual-wielded as primary weapons. These variants do not require the weapon's DLC or special requirement for unlocking.

• Locomotive 12G (UL 13, $283k, pump-action)
• Sweet Sweeper (UL 33, $749k, double-action) - Requires the Gage Shotgun Pack. Added on July 3, 2014.
• The Judge (UL 35, $798k, double-action) - Added on August 7, 2014 and can only be purchased by joining the Community Group (Steam version only).
• GSPS 12G (UL 23, $510k, pump-action) - Requires The Goat Simulator Heist DLC. Added on January 14, 2016.
• Goliath 12G (UL 23, $511k, double-action) - Added on October 15, 2016.
• Grimm 12G (UL 27, $605k, full/semi-automatic) - Added on October 23, 2017.
• Claire 12G (UL ?, $920k, break-action) - Added on October 28, 2018.

Other Weapons

• OVE9000 (UL 0, $42k) - Electric saw that can be used for close-ranged enemy kills and for cutting open door and other objects. It cannot be refilled with enemy ammo drops. Can only be equipped/purchased when certain Skills are equipped.
• HRL-7 (UL 38, $871k) - Heavy single-shot rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Cannot be refilled with enemy ammo drops. Requires The OVERKILL Pack. Added on March 6, 2015.
• Pistol Crossbow (UL 16, $350k) - Handheld crossbow. All information from the Primary Bows section applies here. Requires the Gage Ninja Pack. Added on July 16, 2015.
• China Puff 40mm (UL 39, $896k) - Three-shot pump-action grenade launcher. Can be fitted with Incendiary rounds (sacrificing most damage for a chance to ignite enemies). Requires the Wolf Pack. Added on February 11, 2016.
• Arbiter (UL 47, $921k) - Semi-automatic grenade launcher. Can be fitted with Incendiary rounds (sacrificing most damage for a chance to ignite enemies). Requires the Gage Spec Ops Pack and can only be unlocked after completing special side jobs. Added on November 24, 2016.
• Commando 101 (UL 41, $921k) - Four-shot missile launcher. Cannot be refilled with enemy ammo drops. Requires the Scarface Heist DLC. Added on December 15, 2016.
• Compact 40mm (UL 20, $441k) - Single-shot grenade launcher. Can be fitted with Incendiary rounds (sacrificing most damage for a chance to ignite enemies). Added on December 24, 2017.
• MA-17 Flamethrower ($920k) - Standard flamethrower used to damage and ignite enemies. Added on July 19, 2018.

Throwable

Explosive

Explosive throwables detonate automatically after a short amount of time once thrown, causing damaging or debuffing effects in a short range. The projectiles themselves can bounce off of surfaces.

• Frag Grenade (3 pk., UL 0) - Releases a powerful explosion. It can be detonated prematurely by gunfire. Requires the Gage Weapon Pack #01. Added on December 5, 2013.
• Molotov Cocktail (3 pk., UL 0) - Releases a weak flame explosion that lights nearby enemies on fire and leaves a large pool of residual flame that damages enemies (and players) over time. Requires The Butcher's BBQ Pack. Added on March 26, 2015.
• Dynamite (3 pk., UL 0) - Similar to the Frag Grenade. However, it cannot be detonated prematurely by gunfire. Requires The Butcher's Western Pack. Added on April 30, 2015.
• HEF Grenade (3 pk., UL 1) - A non-DLC re-skin of the standard Frag Grenade. Steam version requires players to join the Community Group. Released on June 2, 2016.
• Concussion Grenade (6 pk., UL 1) - Releases a non-lethal explosion that stuns nearby enemies for 4 seconds. Added on October 10, 2016.
• Incendiary Grenade (6 pk., UL 1) - Releases a weak flame explosion that lights nearby enemies on fire. Steam version requires players to join the Community Group. Released on April 8, 2017.
• Matryoshka Grenade (3 pk. UL 1) - A non-DLC re-skin of the standard Frag Grenade. Steam version requires players to join the Community Group. Released on June 12, 2017.

Projectile

Projectile throwables focus on direct damage. They can be retrieved from obstacles and surfaces, can be held to "aim" the weapon, can deal headshot damage, and do not create noise (unless they break glass).

• Shuriken (10 pk., UL 25) - Simple projectile that deals direct damage and poisons enemies (giving them a high chance to temporarily disable them and deal damage over time). Requires the Gage Ninja Pack. Added on July 16, 2015.
• Ace of Spades (21 pk. UL 31) - Simple projectile that deals weak direct damage. Steam version requires players to join the Community Group. Added on August 13, 2015.
• Javelin (3 pk., UL 41) - Large projectile, with a slow drawing time, that deal an incredible amount of direct damage. Requires the Gage Chivalry Pack. Added on September 10, 2015.
• Throwing Axe (3 pk., UL 41) - Simple projectile that deals a large amount of direct damage. Requires The Biker Heist DLC. Added on June 16, 2016.
• Throwing Knife (6 pk., UL 34) - Simple projectile that deals a large amount of direct damage. Requires the John Wick Weapon Pack. Added on October 20, 2016.

Perk Deck

While equipping some Perk Decks, players can opt to use their Deck's special "throwable" instead of the standard ones above.

• Kingpin Injector (Kingpin, 30s cooldown) - Self-buffing injection that temporarily converts most incoming damage taken into health. Requires the Scarface Character Pack. Added on December 15, 2016.
• Smoke Bomb (Sicario, 60s cooldown) - Releases a non-lethal smoke screen that improves the dodge of nearby players and reduces the accuracy of nearby enemies. Added on May 4, 2017.
• Stoic's Hip Flask (Stoic, 10s cooldown) - Self-buffing drinkable that transfers most incoming damage to a damage-over-time effect once the main effect is over. Added on October 25, 2017.
• Gas Dispenser (Tag Team, 12s cooldown) - Buffs both the player and a player with clear line-of-sight. When "tagged", each enemy killed by either player heals both players (with double healing for the wielder) and extends the effect's duration. Requires the h3h3 Character Pack. Added on November 22, 2017.
• Pocket ECM (Hacker, 2 charges, 100s cooldown) - Activates a shorter six-second version of the ECM Jammer, either jamming devices (stealth) or stunning enemies (loud). Added on February 27, 2018 (Switch version only) and August 13, 2018.

Enemies

Payday 2 includes a wide variety of enemies ready to take down the Payday crew. As the difficulty gets higher, new types of enemies appear and other enemies get higher vitality. On the Death Wish and One Down difficulties, enemies get a higher resistance to headshots.

Normal Enemies

Normal enemies are the most common type of enemies encountered and usually carry no special traits. They can be intimidated with the Dominator ability to surrender (as a hostage) and can be persuaded to fight on the players' side by someone with the Joker skill. Other skills in the Mastermind's Controller tree can give persuaded enemies buffs.

Security Guards

Weak security guards who patrol a given area, causing difficulty to players who want to stealth the mission. They have a variety of outfits and weaponry, sometimes having increased durability (as the case with the Murkywater guards in the Shadow Raid heist).

In addition to bypassing them, they can be taken down in one hit (when not alerted) and can be dominated easily. Either way, a player must answer a pager located on the dead/cuffed enemy in order for the alarm not to be raised. If the player answers more than four pagers, cancels interaction with the pager, or fails to respond to the pager after a short amount of time, the alarm is immediately raised.

If the guard detects suspicious behavior (such as loud gunfire, broken cameras, and loot bags), they will raise an alarm and call their operator using their earpiece. If the player fails to eliminate them while he's calling their operator (and there is no ECM Jammer in place), the alarm is immediately raised. Guards also draw their weapons and can fire at a nearby player (causing all other guards to be alarmed).

It is possible for the guard, when detecting a nearby player, to place that player in handcuffs, causing temporary incapacitation. Players who are cuffed can be uncuffed by another player or can successfully lockpick their handcuffs (after one minute elapses).

SWAT Teams

The most common enemies found in the game, these squads are known for being distinct based on their difficulty level:

• Regular SWAT squads with blue uniforms and either SMGs and pump-action shotguns. They are commonly found in the Normal and Hard difficulties. In the Hard difficulty, they are given heavier armor, distinct yellow shoulder armor, and assault rifles.

• FBI SWAT squads with green uniforms and either assault rifles or pump-action shotguns. They are commonly found in the Very Hard and Overkill difficulties.

• Elite SWAT squads with urban camo uniforms and a variety of weapons (including modified assault rifles). They are commonly found in the Mayhem and Death Wish difficulties.

• ZEAL SWAT (Force-Z Elite Assault Legion). They are only found in the Death Sentence difficulty.

In addition, heavily-armored squads can be found in the Very Hard difficulty and above. Known as either "Heavy SWAT", "Maximum Force Responders", or "MFRs", they have body armor (distinctly tan/brown in the Very Hard and Overkill difficulties) that grant extra resistance to most small-arms fire.

Unique Units

There are three special types of normal enemies that arrive in scripted sequences:

• First Responders resemble traditional police officers and usually arrive at the heist location in lower difficulties shortly after an alarm is raised. Similar to Security Guards, they are unarmored and have low vitality. They can also handcuff unattentive players that are close to them. Eliminating them before the first assault wave begins quickens the arrival of that wave. They can also appear during stealth missions, where they do not have pagers that needs answered.

• Hostage Rescue Teams resemble casually-dressed FBI agents and are sometimes sent in at lower difficulties for the sole purpose of rescuing hostages in the area. Sometimes these units wear light armor (distinct by their balaclavas) and utilize powerful sub-machine guns.

• Murkywater Units are distinct by their tactical green armor and only appear briefly in certain heists involving the PMC (Private Military Contractors). In the Shadow Raid heist, they act as more powerful Security Guards. In other heists, they act as normal enemies with more powerful weaponry.

Special Enemies

Special enemies (sometimes referred in-game as "specials") are unique enemies that carry special traits. Their ability to take down players quickly forces players to adjust their strategy.

While they cannot be intimidated into surrendering, they can be marked by players, temporarily alerting other players of their location (by showing a thin red outline around them, even through walls).

Shields

Standard pistol-equipped SWAT officers who carry riot shields to protect them and any units behind them. In later difficulties, these are changed to FBI SWAT officers with larger shields and sub-machine guns.

While most weaponry cannot penetrate the riot shields (without special ammo, skills, or weapons), they can be flanked from the sides (and from behind) and can be stunned by grenades (or through melee attacks with a special Enforcer skill). Dropped riot shields can still block covering fire, to the benefit or detriment of the player.

As players progress through the Crime Spree endurance mode, all Shields can receive a more powerful shield (that can bounce projectiles like rockets and arrows). In addition, they can be replaced by the same elite Shields as Captain Winters' squadron.

Tasers

Heavily-armored SWAT units with tasers (in addition to their assault rifles) that can paralyze players where they stand.

When they are close enough to a player (and have line-of-sight), they will charge their tasers (as noted by a high-pitched buzzing noise) before firing. The player who is hit will convulse (not allowing them to move or interact with any object) and randomly fire their weapons until the Taser is staggered/dead or until ten seconds elapses (in which the player will immediately become incapacitated).

A special Ghost skill can allow quick-minded players to escape the effects of the Taser.

As players progress through the Crime Spree endurance mode, all Tasers can receive a buff that reduces the amount of time required to incapacitate a tased player (from ten seconds to five seconds).

Medics

Lightly-armored SWAT units (noted by their bright red outfit) that are commonly found in the Overkill difficulty and above. Along with assault rifles and shotguns, they have the ability to heal injured enemies close to them (as shown by a small green outline around them).

As players progress through the Crime Spree endurance mode, all Medics can receive numerous buffs to make them formidable enemies. These include an improved cooldown for their healing ability, a damage buff for other enemies healed, an instant heal to every enemy around a killed Medic, and a stackable damage buff for every enemy killed around a live Medic.

They were added on October 13, 2016 and are not available in early console versions.

Snipers

Weak sniping enemies who, far away on windows and rooftops, can take out a large chunk of health and armor with their long-ranged rifles. After finding their perch, they will scan for players with a bright red laser sight.

Unlike most special enemies, Bain will usually announce their arrival when they arrive in groups.

Cloakers

Powerful stealth units who are quick and nimble, allowing them to bull-rush forward and incapacitate players with one well-placed kick. Fortunately, their lightly-armored helmets make their heads very weak targets.

They will normally appear from unexpected locations, such as manhole covers and ventilation ducts (sometimes in close proximity to a player) and will always emit a low-pitched humming noise. Often times, they either hide in various locations (such as behind doors and under vehicles) or fire against the player (with their sub-machine guns) while evading player fire.

When a Cloaker is ready to ambush a player, he will emit a higher-pitched shrill and rush towards the player (even following it around corners) before delivering a special kick (roundhouse, drop-kick, or somersault). If the player is close enough and behind an object, the Cloaker will instead perform a jump-kick over the object (rarely missing the player). Once the player is down, he will relentlessly beat the player with a baton while taunting (often breaking the fourth wall). If he is spotted by other players, he will throw down a smoke grenade and back away. If players are playing solo (without the use of Team AI), Cloakers will avoid this ambush and act like a regular enemy.

As players progress through the Crime Spree endurance mode, all Cloakers can receive numerous buffs, including the ability to drop a smoke screen once they rush a player, drop tear gas once they die, and cuff a player once they rush them (ignoring all player "downed" effects).

They were added on February 27, 2014.

Bulldozers

One of the strongest enemy in the game (and deadly in groups), Bulldozers wear huge bomb disposal suits and carry powerful weapons (causing massive damage if the player is in line-of-sight).

While they have a large amount of vitality and heavy armor, they wear lightly-armored visors (which must be exposed by constant shots to the layered headpieces).

They have received numerous updates since the game's official release to make them more difficult, such as giving them the ability to sprint and immunity to both stun and fire effects.

There are five types of Bulldozers found in the main game:

• Green Bulldozers that wield pump-action shotguns. Powerful damage per shot, but low rate-of-fire and shorter range efficiency.

• Black Bulldozers that wield semi-automatic shotguns. Less damage per shot, but high rate-of-fire and longer range efficiency.

• GenSec Elite Bulldozers (known as "Skulldozers" due to wearing a skull decal on their faceplates) that wield light machine guns. Powerful damage and high rate-of-fire, despite a longer reload time. They were added in a later update, and are only found in the Mayhem difficulty and above (although a Crime Spree modifier replaces normal Bulldozers with them).

• Minigun Bulldozers (sporting woodland camo and a unique "shark teeth" visor) that sacrifice their movement speed for a powerful Vulcan Minigun. They were added in a later update (as a Crime Spree modifier), and was later made standard in the Death Sentence difficulty.

• Medic Bulldozers (sporting a red/white color scheme similar to other Medics) that sacrifice their firepower (giving them standard assault rifles) for the same healing ability as Medics (which can have the same Crime Spree buffs as them). They were added in a later update (as a Crime Spree modifier), and was later made standard in the Death Sentence difficulty.

The Green, Black, and GenSec Elite Dozers have unique-looking counterparts when played on the Death Sentence (formerly One Down) difficulty. These are called ZEAL-Force Bulldozers (or "Zealdozers").

An additional type of Bulldozer, the Headless Bulldozer, was found in the Safehouse Nightmare heist during the Halloween 2013 update. They are similar to Black Bulldozers, but they have no additional bonus to headshots (due to having no heads). For all Halloween updates afterwards, it was replaced with the Headless Titandozer. They are similar to Skulldozers, but have a very tiny headshot area (the neck stump) and a riot shield on their backs.

As players progress through the Crime Spree endurance mode, all Bulldozers can receive numerous buffs (including immunity to explosive damage, and a "berserker rage" damage buff once their faceplates are destroyed).

Turrets

Located at special locations of certain heists (either mounted on SWAT vans, helicopters, or indoor ceilings), Turrets are essentially enemy automated sentry guns that follow players around (with a bright red laser sight similar to Snipers) and provide powerful suppression fire (in which the Turret sometimes has to reload, as noted by a blinking yellow laser sight). Players with ECM Jammers can use it to automatically "hack" nearby Turrets to fight for them.

While the bases of the Turrets themselves are indestructible, they have a shield around their "targeting lens", which serves as their weak point. Once the Turret is severely damaged, it retreats into the Turret base, where it is repaired to full strength. This can be repeated twice before it is permanently destroyed. The SWAT van Turret is unique as it deploys tear gas around it to ward off players that are too close.

They were added on February 10, 2015 and are not available in early console versions.

Captain Winters

A unique "boss" enemy, Captain Neville Winters commands the Phalanx Defense Unit, a squadron of elite Shields that forms a phalanx to protect him. They only appear in certain heists and do not appear in the Normal or Hard difficulties. While his squadmates can be killed, he cannot die and will instead retreat after taking enough damage (removing him from the rest of the heist "day").

The squadron moves in a tight group, carries short-ranged sub-machine guns, and remains stationary once it arrives at its destination. Despite this, each unit is heavily resistant to high single-burst damage (the only exception being explosive damage).

While their presence is enough to lock down an area, his presence also has a unique effect for all enemies on the map. As long as the Captain is still active, the damage resistance of all enemies slowly rises (as a morale boost) to a point. Also, the Assault wave remains in effect as long as the Captain is still active, and goes away once the Captain retreats.

He was added on September 14, 2015 and is not available in early console versions.

Neutral Units

Sometimes, players encounter units that are not directly affiliated with the police. They cannot be intimidated by the Dominator ability and, in some cases, in-fight with the police.

• Only found in the beginning of some heists, standard gangsters and mobsters are weak unarmored enemies that use pistols or sub-machine guns. In some occasions, players can use stealth to bypass a loud fight with them. While they do not utilize pagers, alerting one of them can quickly alert the entire gang/mob. Also, in some occasions, these enemies initially appear friendly towards the players (but quickly turn when things go sour).

• Some heists have special boss characters that need to be eliminated before the heist can progress. This includes the Commissar in the Hotline Miami heist and the Informant in the Hoxton Revenge heist. While they are easy to kill in Stealth (due to weak weaponry and no armor), all bosses carry heavy armor and powerful weaponry when things go loud (making them nearly as powerful as Bulldozers).

Skills

Replacing the Upgrades system of Payday: The Heist is the "Skills" system, in which players can upgrade each of five unique skill trees using a limited amount of "Skill Points" (corresponding to their current overall reputation level), granting them unique and beneficial bonuses (which can be further upgraded for additional bonuses).

Unlike the Upgrades system, access to weapons, deployables, and specific weapon upgrades are not tied to skill trees (with the exception of akimbo weapons in some versions of the game and deployables in earlier versions of the game).

The Skills system received a major overhaul in the Steam and later console versions, adding separate sub-trees for each skill tree while revamping all skills and reducing the number of skill tiers (allowing a wider variety of powerful combinations). Players can now unlock new "Skill Sets", which allows them to use separate skill combinations for different loadouts (which can be swapped in the middle of multi-day heists). Unlocking new skill tiers formerly gave passive bonuses for the player, which are now instead put into the Perk Deck system. Unlocking (and upgrading) skills formerly required cash and could not be refunded individually (instead refunding an entire skill tree with most of the cash used).

Mastermind

The Mastermind tree is beneficial for players who want to medically support their teammates and control tense situations (from any range).

• The Medic sub-tree improves the efficiency of both Doctor Bags and First Aid Kits while improving he player's ability to revive other players. The tier-4 Inspire skill allows players to shout at friendly players to improve their mobility and, at times, instantly revive them.

• The Controller sub-tree improves the player's ability to control civilians while allowing dominated enemies to fight for them. The tier-4 Hostage Taker skill allows players to regenerate health by having hostages or converted enemies.

• The Sharpshooter sub-tree improves the efficiency of weapons in single-shot mode, most notably Assault Rifles, SMGs, and Sniper Rifles. The tier-4 Graze skill allows players to deal damage in an area-of-effect when hitting with a Sniper Rifle.

In earlier version of the game, spending SP on the Mastermind tree unlocks the Doctor Bag, which can be placed to allow players to fully heal and reset the number of "bleedouts" before being taken into custody. Each Doctor Bag has a limited amount of uses for being removed from the game.

Enforcer

The Enforcer tree is beneficial for players who prefer close-combat aggression, increasing their armor and ammo capabilities.

• The Shotgunner sub-tree improves the player's efficiency with shotguns. The tier-4 Overkill skill gives the player a temporary damage buff after killing with a shotgun or portable saw.

• The Tank sub-tree improves armor efficiency. The tier-4 Iron Man skill significantly improves the total armor value while granting access to the bulkiest armor of the game: the Improved Combat Tactical Vest.

• The Ammo Specialist sub-tree improves the efficiency of dropped ammo boxes, Ammo Bags, and the OVE9000 portable circular saw (allowing players to take it as a secondary weapon). The tier-4 Fully Loaded skill increases ammo capacity and ammo box gain while giving players a chance to pick up throwables from dropped ammo boxes.

In earlier version of the game, spending SP on the Enforcer tree unlocks the Ammo Bag, which can be placed to allow players to fully restock their weapons. Each Ammo Bag has a limited amount of uses (depending on the amount of ammo restocked) before being removed from the game.

Technician

The Technician tree is beneficial for players who work with a variety of devices (including drills, multi-functional explosives, and automated sentry guns), as well as players who use full-auto weaponry.

• The Engineer sub-tree improves the efficiency of Sentry Guns. The tier-4 Tower Defense skill allows players to carry up to 3 additional Sentry Guns (which can be combined with an upgraded Jack of All Trades skill to allow players to carry a second deployable at half-capacity).

• The Breacher sub-tree improves the efficiency of both Drills and Trip Mines. The tier-4 Fire Trap skill turns the Trip Mine into an incendiary mine for area-of-denial.

• The Oppressor sub-tree improves the efficiency of weapons in full-auto mode, most notably Assault Rifles, SMGs, and LMGs. The tier-4 Body Expertise skill allows players to apply the headshot bonus to any area of the body when using certain full-auto weapons.

In earlier version of the game, spending SP on the Technician tree unlocks the Trip Mine, which can be placed to explode when an enemy passes through its laser sensor (and later allow players to use them to non-exploding motion sensors and specialized "shaped charges" for breaching certain doors and objects). Certain skills in the game would also unlock the Sentry Gun, which can be deployed to automatically fire upon enemies for a short amount of time (until it runs out of ammo, in which the player can replenish it with their own ammo, or until it is destroyed by enemies).

Ghost

The Ghost tree is beneficial both for players who want new tricks in stealthy situations and for agile players who want to avoid enemy gunfire.

• The Shinobi sub-tree improves the player's stealth abilities and tools, including improved body bag and lockpicking efficiency, new uses for ECM Jammers, improved casing mode, new heist assets, and the ability to disable cameras and detect nearby enemies. The tier-4 ECM Specialist skill further improves use of ECM Jammers while having them delay pager calls.

• The Artful Dodger sub-tree improves the player's overall speed and stamina while allowing them to escape certain situations (such as staggering enemies on broken armor and freeing themselves from Tasers). The tier-4 Sneaky Bastard skill significantly improves dodge chance on light builds.

• The Silent Killer sub-tree improves the efficiency of silenced weapons while improving the "enemy marking" ability and granting critical hit chance depending on the player's situation. The tier-4 Unseen Strike skill improves the chance for critical hits while undamaged.

In earlier version of the game, spending SP on the Ghost tree unlocks the ECM Jammer, which can be placed to temporarily disable electronic devices, such as surveillance cameras and pagers (and later allow players to interact with it to cause a "feedback loop", which has a chance to stun nearby enemies).

Fugitive

The Fugitive tree is beneficial for riskier players who prefers secondary handguns and melee combat, while improving their survivability from a downed state.

• The Gunslinger sub-tree improves the efficiency of handguns and akimbo weapons. The tier-4 Trigger Happy skill allows players to significantly buff their damage with quick consecutive pistol hits.

• The Revenant sub-tree gives new tools for the player's "downed" state and improves their recovery from that state. The tier-4 Messiah skill allows players to revive themselves from killing an enemy (using a charge that, once the skill is Aced, can be recovered with Doctor Bags).

• The Brawler sub-tree improves the player's melee capabilities. The tier-4 Frenzy skill reduces the player's maximum health and healing, but gives them improved damage resistance (which can be combined with the Berserker skill for improved damage output).

This skill tree was added in the Hoxton Breakout update and is unavailable in the early console versions. Earlier versions of the skill tree was different and focused instead on agility and survivability with light armor. In some versions of the game, spending SP on the Fugitive tree unlocks the First Aid Kit, smaller one-use versions of the Doctor Bag which can be placed to allow players to quickly and fully heal (without resetting their number of "bleedouts"). Certain skills in the game would also unlock the Body Bag Case, which can be placed to allow players to replenish their count of body bags.

Heists

There are multiple contract brokers that players can earn (or purchase) jobs from. Some heists are sold as downloadable content, in which players can only receive those jobs if they own the corresponding DLC packs. Players without the DLC can still join games of other players who do and can still earn job-specific achievements; however if those achievements would unlock cosmetic items, the items remain locked until that player has purchased the DLC.

Early console versions of the game only include the base game heists and two post-release heists (Diamond Store and all Transport heists).

Crime Spree

Replacing the Pro Jobs feature of earlier versions of the game is the Crime Spree endurance mode, which allows players to chain together heist "days" in a row to earn bigger rewards (including continental coins and unique loot). Players can only start a Crime Spree once they reach non-Infamous level 60.

Players start at a Spree Rank of 0 and increase this rank by completing more heists without failure. Like Pro Jobs, players cannot reset the mission mid-game. If the player fails a heist or leaves in the middle of a game, they must spend continental coins (relative to the Spree Rank) to continue their spree. Otherwise, they will have to "cash out" their rewards and start over from the beginning. Optionally, they can start at later Spree Ranks by spending continental coins.

As players earn a higher Spree Rank, the game gets progressively harder for both Loud and Stealth missions, as lobby leaders are forced to choose special modifiers to increase enemy efficiency (including powerful buffs for special enemies) and make it easier for the alarms to be raised (including a strict limit in the amount of civilians that can be killed). For every Spree Rank interval of 50, enemies gain extra health and deal extra damage.

Pro Jobs

In earlier console versions (and the Steam version prior to October 8, 2016), some heists also have an alternate "Pro Job". Although these missions earn players more experience points and cash, failure to complete the mission terminates the contract entirely (disabling the ability to reset the mission, even mid-game).

Missions that included a Pro counterpart were The Biker Heist, Election Day, Firestarter, Framing Frame, Goat Simulator, Hotline Miami, Hoxton Breakout, Rats, and Watchdogs. Missions that could ONLY be completed as Pro Jobs were Bank Heist (random), Bank Heist (gold), Big Oil, and Ukrainian Job.

Unique Missions

There are three types of missions that are not accessible via normal means:

• Accessing the crew's safehouses without any firefights. The first safehouse players encounter, taking place hidden within a Laundromat, serves as the game's initial single-player tutorial sequence and contains an assortment of decorative and training rooms. On later console versions and the Steam version (after October 9, 2016), reaching reputation level 25 and visiting the Laundromat safehouse will cause the player to "move" to a larger Safe House building. This building contains upgradable rooms (using continental coins as currency) and contain a variety of interactive things to do with the game lobby (including changing the escape van color scheme, gambling, and running through a killhouse course). Players can earn decorative trophies for the Safe House by performing tasks in the game. In addition, the Safe House hosts a butler (named Aldstone) with the voice and likeness of veteran comedy actor John Cleese.

• Basic Heists, introduced on June 9, 2016. There are 2 two-day single-player variations of this: one as a tutorial for Loud mechanics (Get the Coke) and one as a tutorial for Stealth mechanics (Flash Drive). Players are locked into a single pre-made loadout (playing as Dallas with the default AMCAR and Chimano 88 weapons) and learn the basic mechanics of the game.

• Safe House Raids, introduced on October 11, 2016. is unlocked once the player unlocks the Safe House building. Every three days, the player gets an alert that the safehouse is being raided by police and can either skip it ("let the crew take care of it", which postpones the event until the next day) or defend money bags from multiple waves of enemies. Other players can join in on this defense and claim the same rewards.

Escapes

• Cafe
• Garage
• Overpass
• Park
• Street

Bain

A mysterious figure, Bain is the main handler of the Payday crew (whose voice guides players throughout each mission) and the creator of CRIMENET. Originally, his missions involved simple no-nonsense robberies (including jewelry stores and banks). Over time, Bain issued numerous simple missions with no real story (just rewards for the gang).

• Bank Heist - A simple bank robbery in downtown D.C. Unlike most missions, Bank Heist is split up into four separate heists, each with deposit boxes inside the bank's vault as well as other loot (either bundles of cash, bundles of gold, nothing, or either one of the three scenarios at random). Can be completed in stealth.

• Jewelry Store - Generally regarded as the simplest heist in the game, the crew have to hold-up a jewelry store to steal its goods. Can be completed in stealth.

• Diamond Store - Similar to Jewelry Store, Diamond Store has the crew robbing a fancier jewelry store in downtown D.C. Stealth tactics are much harder here, as the area has extra security precautions. Can be completed in stealth. Introduced on September 13, 2013.

• Transport (DLC) - A series of missions based around stopping an armored truck convoy and breaking into them to get the loot inside. Like Bank Heist, Transport is split up into five separate heists, each in a different location: Crossroads, Downtown, Harbor, Park, and Underpass. Originally, players can find hidden "intel" that adds a bonus day to the mission (see Train Heist below). Added on November 14, 2013.

• Transport: Train Heist (DLC) - The gang have to break into a parked train to steal a prototype turret (closely resembling the Sentry Gun from Team Fortress 2) and many bags of ammunition (that are highly volatile). Can be completed in stealth. Added on November 14, 2013.

• GO Bank - A winter-time bank robbery that's a little more complicated than the usual Bank Heist. Robbing the place without a firefight is a race against time, while doing it loud requires a tricky method of evacuating the loot (involving airlifting a cage with a biplane). A cross-promotion with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the area itself is based off of the latter's "Bank" map. Can be completed in stealth. Added on December 16, 2013.

• Shadow Raid - Break silently into the storage depot for the Murkywater mercenary organization and steal a variety of confiscated goods (from weapon caches to ancient artifacts). This heist can only be done in stealth, as players have one minute to evacuate with the minimum required loot once the alarm is raised. Added on May 29, 2014.

• Art Gallery - Returning to the art gallery from the first day of the Framing Frame heist, the crew now steal the art for themselves. Can be completed in stealth. Added on October 24, 2014.

• Cook Off - Returning to the dilapidated house from the first day of the Rats heist, the crew now cooks as much meth as they can for profit. Unlike the version in the Rats heist, players call in airdrops of ingredients at regular intervals (allowing the heist to continue indefinitely). Added on March 13, 2015.

• Car Shop - The crew has to break in to a high-end car dealership to steal sports cars. The heist is notable for introducing drive-able vehicles to the game. As firefights risk heavily damaging the cars, this heist can only be done in stealth. Once the alarm is raised (as the getaway path requires an explosion), players have a limited amount of time (dependent on difficulty) to both steal the cars and reach the exit. Added on March 18, 2015.

• The Alesso Heist (DLC) - The GenSec security corporation is showing off their latest safe in an sports arena currently hosting a concert by famous swedish DJ Alesso. The crew must maneuver the heavily-guarded back areas of the arena and use the concert's pyrotechnics to mask an explosive break-in. Can be completed in stealth. Added on May 21, 2015.

• Reservoir Dogs Heist - A cross-promotion with the 1992 film Reservoir Dogs. Unlike other heists, this one is presented in reverse order (with players playing through Day 2 first). After a hit of a Los Angeles jewelry store with the crew of the Cabot crime family goes wrong (with Bain himself kidnapped), the gang must hold out in a morgue while securing bags of diamonds. Added on December 14, 2017.

Vlad

An eccentric Ukrainian mob boss, Vlad's heists are off-beat and are usually done loud. He is also the main contractor for the game's holiday events (involving his drug-smuggling operation in wrapped gifts).

• Four Stores - Vlad needs the payday gang to knock over some stores his rival owns. Can be completed in stealth.

• Mallcrasher - Vlad needs the payday gang to go show the owner of a mall what happens when he doesn't pay protection money.

• Nightclub - Vlad's nightclub isn't that popular, so he asks the payday gang to go steal from his competitor. Can be completed in stealth.

• Ukrainian Job - The person who ratted Vlad out and got him sent to prison is getting married, and his wife to-be is going to be wearing a very expensive tiara. The payday gang are sent to steal it. Can be completed in stealth.

• White Xmas - Vlad's pilot crashed a plane full of high-quality Colombian cocaine on Christmas. The payday gang are sent to retrieve the pilot and as much of the cocaine as they can get out. Added on December 4, 2014.

• Meltdown - Based in the same warehouse as Shadow Raid, this is a loud only heist where the payday gang have to use forklifts to steal nukes. Added on May 7, 2015.

• Aftershock - Added on October 17, 2015.

• Santa's Workshop - Added on December 11, 2015.

• Goat Simulator (DLC) - A cross-promotion with the game of the same name. Added on January 14, 2016.

• Stealing Xmas - Added on December 8, 2016.

• San Martín Bank (DLC) - Can be completed in stealth. Added on February 27, 2020.

• Buluc's Mansion (DLC) - Can be completed in stealth. Added on November 11, 2020.

• Black Cat (DLC) - Can be completed in stealth. Added on October 13, 2021.

The Elephant

A shady Republican congressman (later a senator), the politician known as The Elephant recruits the Payday gang to help him with his political interests. His main missions benefit highly from stealth (as going loud makes the situation more difficult), giving high rewards for a successful completion. His missions also require multiple "days" to complete.

• Big Oil - A scientist has come up with an alternate clean energy source that could put a lot of The Elephants benefactors out of business. The payday gang are sent in to steal it. Both parts can be completed in stealth.

• Framing Frame - Framing Frame is a heist based around ruining The Elephant's opponent's reputation. First the payday gang steals paintings from an art gallery (Later seperated off into a seperate heist contracted by Bain), then gets cameras placed inside them covertly, then sells them to The Senator's people and uses the cameras to break into his penthouse apartment and plant cocaine in his vault. All parts can be completed in stealth.

• Election Day - The mayoral elections are happening and The Elephant wants to make sure that his candidate is the one that is elected. The payday gang have to break into a shipping yard to track the voting machines, then go hack them in favor of The Elephants candidate. Both parts can be completed in stealth (provided the first part leads to the correct warehouse). Added on March 20, 2014.

• The Biker Heist (DLC) - Added on June 16, 2016.

Hector

A powerful Colombian drug lord, Hector recruits the Payday gang to not only help out with his drug trafficking, but to escalate the conflict with a rival cartel (the Mendozas). His missions require multiple "days" to complete and are usually done loud.

• Firestarter - Firestarter is a mission where Hector wants the payday gang to cripple the resources of a rival cartel, the Mendozas. This involves stealing guns from an airport (With the option to destroy them), stealing a server from the FBI, and then finally breaking into the bank from Bank Heist and burning the Mendoza cash reserves. While all parts can be completed in stealth, it is very difficult to do so.

• Rats - In Rats, Hector wants the payday gang to take out a rival cartel. This requires the gang to cook meth to sell to gangsters, who have a file that describes where and how the cartel are being taken out of the country by the FBI.

• Watchdogs - Watchdogs is a mission where the payday gang have to escort Hector's cocaine to the dropoff, however they are ambushed by the police on the first day and have to get the cocaine onto a boat in the second part of the heist.

The Dentist

A mysterious agent who hides in plain sight as a practicing dentist, the contractor known as The Dentist recruits the Payday gang for three high-risk high-reward heists (requiring either aggressive shootouts or complex stealth routes) that require careful pre-planning. In return, he assists the crew find and retrieve the original Hoxton. He is played by American actor Giancarlo Esposito.

• The Big Bank (DLC) - The Benevolent Bank has never been broken into, but the Dentist believes the payday gang can do it. This heist is notable for being the introduction of the 'Preplanning' feature, whereas before assets in the levels were randomly placed. Can be completed in stealth. Added on June 17, 2014.

• Hotline Miami (DLC) - The Dentist asks for a favor before he helps break Hoxton out of jail. A cross-promotion with the game series of the same name. Added on September 30, 2014.

• Hoxton Breakout - The payday gang has to break Hoxton out while he's headed to a retrial. This heist culminates in breaking into the FBI to find out who betrayed Hoxton in the first place. Added on October 27, 2014.

• The Diamond (DLC) - A heist based around stealing a famous Diamond while it's on display in a museum. Can be completed in stealth. Added on December 16, 2014.

• Hoxton Revenge - Hoxton finally knows who betrayed him, and they're located in an FBI safehouse. The gang has to break in and kill the rat. Can be completed in stealth. Added on March 21, 2015.

• Golden Grin Casino (DLC) - The gang heads to Las Vegas to break into a large Casino. Can be completed in stealth. Added on June 25, 2015.

Locke

A mercenary from South Africa and the former head of Murkywater's cyberwarfare division, Locke became involved with Bain and the Payday gang as an opportunity to get rich.

After the disappearance of Bain, Locke becomes the group's main handler.

• Beneath the Mountain (DLC) - A cross-promotion with the 2015 Point Break film. Added on December 3, 2015.

• Birth of Sky (DLC) - A cross-promotion with the 2015 Point Break film. Added on December 3, 2015.

• Alaskan Deal - Added on October 23, 2017.

• Brooklyn Bank - Added on December 21, 2017.

• Breakin' Feds - This heist can only be done in stealth, as players have a very limited amount of time to evacuate with the minimum required loot once the alarm is raised. Added on April 23, 2018.

• Henry's Rock - Added on April 29, 2018.

• Shacklethorne Auction - Can be completed in stealth. Added on August 15, 2018.

• Hell's Island - Added on October 26, 2018.

• White House - The "greatest heist of all" and the canonical final mission of the game, as the gang must infiltrate the White House (swarmed by Murkywater mercenaries), gain access to the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, and retrieve presidential pardons. Completing this unlocks an ending cutscene. A secret alternate path, requiring numerous prerequisites and completion of a difficult puzzle, unlocks the game's true canonical ending and a longer epilogue cutscene. Main path can be completed in stealth. Added on November 1, 2018.

• Border Crossing (DLC) - Both parts can be completed in stealth. Added on November 7, 2019.

• Border Crystals (DLC) - Similar to the Cook Off heist, players return to a familiar location (Day 2 of Border Crossing) to cook as much meth as they can. Added on November 7, 2019.

• Breakfast in Tijuana (DLC) - Can be completed in stealth. Added on June 30, 2020.

The Butcher

A veteran of the Bosnian Conflict and an infamous contraband smuggler throughout Europe, who contracts the Payday gang to aid with her operations.

• The Bomb: Dockyard (DLC) - The payday gang has to sneak into a dockyard and steal a bomb in three parts. Can be completed in stealth. Added on January 22, 2015.

• The Bomb: Forest (DLC) - An alternate approach to the dockyard heist, instead the payday gang blows up a bridge as a train transporting the bomb is travelling over it, then steals the bomb from there. Added on January 22, 2015.

• Scarface Mansion (DLC) - A cross-promotion with the 1983 Scarface film. Can be completed in stealth. Added on December 15, 2016.

Jimmy

A morally-bankrupt scientist who specializes in neural-linked cyborg clones, made quadriplegic from the head of Akan Industries for failing to yield results. Along with joining the Payday gang to fund his research (using his coke-addicted maniac clone to aid the gang directly), he contracts them to help him raid one of Akan's research stations.

These missions are part of a cross-promotion with the Hardcore Henry film.

• Murky Station - This heist can only be done in stealth, as players have a very limited amount of time to evacuate with the minimum required loot once the alarm is raised. Added on March 31, 2016.

• Boiling Point - Added on March 31, 2016.

The Continental

A series of hotels that serve as an underground safe-haven for assassins. Unlike other contractors, these missions are given from two separate people: John Wick (Brooklyn 10-10) and Charon (The Yacht Heist).

These missions are part of a cross-promotion with the John Wick film series.

• Brooklyn 10-10 (DLC) - Added on February 9, 2017.

• The Yacht Heist (DLC) - This heist can only be done in stealth, as players have a very limited amount of time to evacuate with the minimum required loot once the alarm is raised. Added on February 9, 2017.

Jiu Feng

A former member of the Golden Dagger Triad and a weapons smuggler for the Payday gang.

• Dragon Heist (DLC) - Can be completed in stealth. Added on March 17, 2021.

• The Ukranian Prisoner (DLC) - Can be completed in stealth. Added on June 16, 2021.

Special

Halloween Events

• Safe House Nightmare - Added on October 31, 2013. Prior to the Halloween 2017 update, it was only available for one week (during Halloween) each year.

• Lab Rats - Added on October 29, 2015.

• Prison Nightmare - Added on November 4, 2016.

• Cursed Kill Room - Added on October 31, 2017.

Classics

• First World Bank - Unlike the original game, this version adds a new stealth path and can be completed in stealth. Added on October 20, 2015.

• Slaughterhouse - Added on October 23, 2015.

• Counterfeit (DLC) - Added on February 11, 2016.

• Undercover (DLC) - Added on February 11, 2016.

• Panic Room - Added on October 16, 2016.

• Heat Street - Added on April 4, 2017.

• Green Bridge - Added on April 12, 2017.

• Diamond Heist - Can be completed in stealth. Added on October 27, 2017.

• No Mercy - Added on October 30, 2018.

System Requirements

Minimum

• OS: Windows XP SP3
• Processor: 2 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8800/ATI Radeon HD 2600 (256MB minimum)
• DirectX®: 9.0c
• Hard Drive: 10 GB HD space
• Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible

Recommended

• OS: Windows XP SP3/Vista/Windows 7
• Processor: 2.3 GHz Intel Quad Core Processor
• Memory: 3 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX460/ATI Radeon HD 5850 (512MB minimum)
• DirectX®: 9.0c
• Hard Drive: 10 GB HD space
• Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible