Payday 3 provides players with an exceptional co-op experience that combines stealth, shooter combat, and meta progression. While the game had a rocky start, there are plenty of other titles out there that offer a similar experience and are worth trying. Here are 8 of the best games that are like Payday 3:
1. Payday 2
If you’re new to the Payday series, it’s worth checking out its predecessor, Payday 2. Although it has a more light-hearted tone, it still offers an enjoyable gameplay experience with almost a decade’s worth of DLC. While it may have some mechanical differences from Payday 3, it’s still a great choice if you can’t get enough of robbing banks.
2. Deep Rock Galactic
Don’t let the fact that Deep Rock Galactic is about Dwarves in space deter you. This co-op first-person shooter offers a wholesome community and dangerous mining operations to tackle. Each Dwarf has unique skills, and teamwork is essential for success. With its rewarding gameplay loop and customization options, there’s plenty to enjoy here.
3. World War Z
While not strictly a heist game, World War Z offers wave-based shooter gameplay and a skill tree system similar to Payday 3. Set in a zombie-infested world, this game provides intense combat and replayable story missions. Surviving against hordes of zombies with friends is a thrilling co-op experience.
4. Destiny 2
Although it may seem like an unlikely recommendation, Destiny 2 shares enough similarities with Payday 3 to make it worth trying. This first-person shooter offers sublime combat mechanics and an extensive amount of content, especially when playing with friends. While there’s no stealth element, the rewarding co-op gameplay makes it a solid choice.
5. Killing Floor 2
Killing Floor 2 is a wave-based horde shooter that has stood the test of time. It offers tight gunplay and challenging combat against hordes of ZEDs. With its perk system and various play styles to choose from, this game is perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced co-op shooters.
6. Borderlands 3
Similar to Payday 3, Borderlands 3 is a first-person shooter that is best experienced with friends. While it may not involve heists or replayable content, it offers a fun and humorous gameplay with plenty of loot to collect. The game’s multiple skill trees and extensive content make it a great choice for co-op play.
7. Grand Theft Auto V
While mechanically different from Payday 3, Grand Theft Auto V offers a vast open world and a variety of criminal activities, including heists, in its online mode. Playing with friends in GTA: Online can provide a similar thrill to robbing banks, making it worth considering if you enjoy the modern world setting and the criminal occupation.
8. Hood: Outlaws and Legends
Hood: Outlaws and Legends is a challenging stealth game that can be enjoyed with friends. Although it has its drawbacks, such as a dwindling player base, the PvE mode offers heist-like experiences where teamwork and stealth are crucial. Despite its flaws, it’s worth considering if you can access it through PlayStation Plus or at a discounted price.
These games offer solid co-op experiences and share similarities with Payday 3. While they may not all be heist-focused, they provide enjoyable gameplay that fans of Payday 3 will appreciate.