Payday 2

Payday 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter video game developed by Overkill Software and published by Starbreeze Studios. It is a sequel to Payday: The Heist. The game was initially released in August 2013 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, with subsequent releases for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Linux.

Payday 2 places players in the role of criminals who participate in heists, ranging from bank robberies and armored car assaults to drug trafficking and election rigging. These heists are presented as "contracts" which can be selected and played solo with AI companions or cooperatively with up to three other players online.

Gameplay revolves around planning and executing heists, emphasizing stealth and coordination. While some heists can be completed entirely stealthily, many involve intense firefights with law enforcement. Players use a variety of weapons, skills, and equipment to achieve their objectives. A key mechanic is the "Loud" versus "Stealth" approach; players can choose to attempt a heist quietly or go in guns blazing, each method offering different challenges and rewards.

The game features a progression system where players earn experience and cash by completing heists. Experience unlocks skill points which can be used to customize characters within several specialized skill trees. Cash is used to purchase weapons, modifications, masks, and other equipment. The game has been continually updated with downloadable content (DLC), adding new heists, weapons, characters, and gameplay features. These updates, both free and paid, have significantly expanded the game's content over the years.

Payday 2 is known for its challenging gameplay, cooperative focus, and the sense of accomplishment derived from successfully completing difficult heists. The game's frequent updates and large amount of customizable content have contributed to its long-lasting popularity.