Key Highlights:
- Payday 3’s first DLC is Syntax Error, introduces Scrambler skill tree, launching week of Dec 11th.
- Allows players to access DLC heists as long as host owns it.
- Two classic heists from Payday 2 added in free update and available now.
Quick Links:
PAYDAY 3 Legacy Heists Trailer
The co-op heist shooter Payday 3 continues expanding in December with both new and familiar content for crews to take on. Developer Starbreeze has outlined features of the first premium DLC pack Syntax Error, while November saw a free update introducing two remastered heists from Payday 2.
Play Any DLC Heist If Host Owns
Mirroring an appreciated feature of the previous instalment, only the host needs to own a Payday 3 DLC pack for the whole squad to play it together. As community manager Elisabeth Elvestad confirms:
“If you don’t own a heist but your friend does, you’ll be able to join your friend either via invite or by joining their game directly.”
This ability to access DLC heists even without buying them personally should continue encouraging friends to organise co-op runs. It also shows Starbreeze respects players’ time and wallets amidst Payday 3’s uneven launch state.
What’s in Syntax Error?
The Syntax Error expansion debuts a brand new multi-stage heist taking place across a prison, bank, and NSA facility. A central addition is the enemy hacker known as the “Techie” who utilises drones to impede your crew’s progress from afar.
Taking the Techie down requires finding and eliminating them at a hidden location. A new Scrambler skill tree focused on tech counters like hacking and improved jammers helps here. Syntax Error releases alongside new outfits, gloves, masks weapon packs enabling further customisation.
Legacy Heists Reimagined
November’s free update brought back two memorable heists from Payday 2 redesigned for Payday 3. Veterans can now revisit classics like the volatile meth cooking of Cook Off or infiltration of Murky Station (now Turbid Station). Starbreeze altered and upgraded their gameplay to match modern standards.
So while new content like Syntax Error expands options, the revived heists tap into nostalgia and goodwill amongst the community. This one-two combo exemplifies Starbreeze’s efforts to keep improving the stealth title through substantial post-launch support.
Some of the hardcore fan-base have been getting a little upset about this, but with this content being implemented via a completely free update, there’s not much to complain about. The downloadable content however, when that arrives fans complaining is understandable.
You can’t really go wrong with a free update though and it shows the devs are still committed to make up for the nightmarish launch day that they had back in September.
The weeks ahead are shaping up nicely for both new and existing players between the incoming Syntax Error DLC and recent legacy heist additions. As long as Starbreeze maintains this momentum, Payday 3 can still realise its potential as the ultimate co-op heist simulator.