PAYDAY 2 is about to join the Nintendo Switch's very small selection of first person shooters. But where this differs from the likes of DOOM, is in that multiplayer takes priority over single player.
More importantly though, it focuses on co-op, which is an area in which the Switch specialises in. You'll play with up to three other players as you aim to pull off heist after heist to earn the big bucks.
But more on that in a bit. We've created this FAQ to help those unfamiliar with the franchise understand what they're getting themselves into. If your question isn't answered, give us a shout in the comments and we might just update this.
What is Payday 2?
Let's start with the basics. Payday 2 is a co-operative shooter in which you and up to three friends perform a variety of heists to generate cash. You then spend that cash on upgrades for your character, and it combines to provide a pretty addictive loop.
The most important feature you'll want to upgrade is your weapon, and there are a whole host of these that are designed to fit any play style. These range from shotguns, to sniper rifles, and even assault rifles. You can also modify your weapon with optics, suppressors, reticles, stocks – you name it.
Then there's cosmetic customisation, which largely revolves around your mask. You can craft one of these from scratch, completely customising the colour and pattern.
How does Payday 2 play?
That's pretty much up to you really! At root level it's a first-person shooter, but given the sheer number of options at your disposal, you can approach each heist in whatever fashion you fancy.
Sure, you can go in all guns blazing and walk out with all of the loot if you're organised, but you can also sneak in. There are five skill trees you can develop to customise your character to suit your play style.
But regardless of how you approach your play, one thing remains consistent: that you're robbing banks.
What are the different play styles in Payday 2?
There are five different skill trees in Payday 2, and each of them offer a completely different play style. Within each skill tree, there are a bunch of other skill trees too, so you can further specialise in a particular area.
These skill trees are Mastermind, Enforcer, Technician, Ghost, and Fugitive.
So do I just do the same heist over and over?
That would be a little boring, wouldn't it. Thankfully, the developers have added a bunch of features to help keep things interesting.
For a start, you probably won't know who you're playing with each time, or what their intentions are. You can play with total strangers and try your heist together, but bear in mind that you can kill each other. That means you could get to the end of a heist and have one team member blow all of the others away, running off with all of the cash.
That might sound irritating, but it can lead to some very interesting outcomes and helps keep the experience fresh.
Each heist also has a random layout, so you can't go in with a strategy that works every time and exploit it. Random events will even crop up too, forcing you to react. This means you can't ever really get too comfortable.
How does multiplayer work in Payday 2?
You access multiplayer by the aptly titled CRIME.NET. This is basically an in-game online service that provides a list of 'contracts' with various different settings. You can tweak these yourself by creating your own contract, or just risk it and play with another's.
Can I play with friends in Payday 2?
Of course! What sort of Switch multiplayer game wouldn't let you play with your friends?! You can either invite them into another player's lobby, or create your own and invite them in that.
If you don't have enough to make up the four required for a heist, you can also open up your contract to other players.
Is there a single-player campaign or an offline mode?
There's no single-player campaign, but there is a story that links all of the heists - and its cast - together, but you can play any of its missions in any order you please. There's also an offline version of CRIME.NET, so you tackle all the game's heists on your own with a squad of AI-controlled teammates.
I've already played Payday 2, is there anything new in the Switch version?
Not an awful lot to be honest – at least not to justify a second purchase if you've played the original to death. Here's all of the new stuff in bullet points:
- A new character, Joy, complete with her own mask and weapons (she's a timed exclusive).
- Local multiplayer, so you can all play on your own Switch on the same network.
- Full touch screen menu support.
- Support for HD Rumble. This adds more impact to your weapon fire and grenades.
Of course, there is the added bonus of it being playable on a handheld system for the first time ever. If you're addicted to Payday 2, you can now bring it with you everywhere.
How much does Payday 2 cost on Nintendo Switch?
Payday 2 will cost £44.99 or $49.99 in the eShop, and the same price for the physical version. Prices may vary between retailers though, for the physical version.
Are any amiibo supported in Payday 2?
At the time of press, it appears that Payday 2 doesn't support any amiibo functionality. That being said, considering the sheer amount of customisation involved, we wouldn't be surprised if that changed post launch.
Are motion controls supported in the Switch version of Payday 2?
Sadly not! At least not at launch.
How much storage space will I need on my Switch for Payday 2?
Payday 2 takes up 10507.78 MB specifically, or 10.5 GB for the laymen.
When is Payday 2 out on Nintendo Switch?
Very soon! Payday 2 will launch on 23rd February in the EU, and 27th February in North America.
Is there a special edition version of Payday 2 on Nintendo Switch?
None are planned at this time.
We'll be updating this FAQ over time, so be sure to feed back your questions or queries and we'll attept to update this guide for you.
Comments 50
They really should have added splitscreen.
Can't wait.
What is Payday 2?
Payday 2 is a 2013 xbox 360 and PS3 game and port to the xbox one and PS4 in 2015. Its a 5 year old game port to the switch. Instead of getting new games we getting old ports that many of us already played.
I was interested in this, but I'm not a fan of the big emphasis on multiplayer. I've heard it's not worth playing solo either. So with that in mind, where's muh Wolfenstein 2?!
@EmirParkreiner If this had split screen this would have been a day one buy.
Another "meh" old game on the Switch. Not sure why they now rehashing old mediocre games. And $50 bucks - This really should be 19.99 eShop games at most.
Rather just get TypoMan for $10 on the 22nd.
Well, to each their own I guess. As a PC player in regards to shooters, this is a 100% skip for me anyway, and I don't agree on the Switch tax in regards to old ports, which this game most certainly qualifies for.
But eh, I'm just one person. It'll sell on account of "Muh portability" as always /shrug.
This game sounds awesome!
The developers on consoles have dropped support soon ad the game released on them. Only version worth getting is pc version otherwise i recommend skipping.
This seems like it’d have been really fun as a couch co-op. Without split screen, what’s the point? Especially at $55 after tax
@illmatic20xx As per usual I second this. Do not support this game at launch at least. The developers lost touch with long time fans by pushing relentless amounts of DLC and had to rework a lootbox system that still locks the best weapon upgrades in the game as dice roll paid content. Unlocking guns and most upgrades is simple and pretty fast, but grinding for skins and masks takes way too long. Do not recommend.
@EmirParkreiner You saved me. I thought for sure this was split-screen, so I pre-ordered it at Best Buy. Until I saw your comment I didn't even think twice about it, being a multiplayer focused game. Looked it up and sure enough, Payday 2 is not split-screen on any device. I now cancelled my pre-order and am not buying this. Thank you for that warning!
I'll consider it after reading some reviews.
Probably gonna get this, there's not enough shooters on the switch and a multiplayer bank robbing game sounds fun.
@therealgamer what's your problem exactly? Do you really think developers release game based on your preferences or the fact that you might have played them elsewhere? Get a grip
How can they justify AU$80 ($50) price tag on 5 years old mediocre game?
I, like many, am not really interested unless it had split screen coop. i'm not rich enough to buy 2 switches and 2 copies of the game just to play with my mate/sibling/partner. especially with a game like this, where you just defend against waves of enemies. i can play COD blackops 2 on the wiiU with 4 player splitscreen and bots, and with a little bit of role play, can have a nearly identical experience. oh and codBO2 on wiiU costs 4 dollars brand new...
Buying three copies, looking forward to this.
no motion control? but why?
i mean, ALL FPS on switch should have that feature!
Sounds crap.
I know this isn't a review, my question is does it run well?
I was curious about this when it was first announced a while ago...and then we were given DOOM. Expectations have changed.
I realise this article is actually an advert, but someone needs to mention that the game is gimped on Switch. Apparently it's an earlier version (117) than the current PC version (172), and it's severely lacking content.
Does it all come on the one cart or does it have a huge download like LA Noire?
You tell us it is 10.5 gb but is that digital only?
@therealgamer not you though, you were only in nursery when it first came out, and you're still too young to play it son.
I'm sure the price will drop fast. It's a really good game though.
@therealgamer I guess you are getting paid for writing the same things on every port of a game for the switch?
Yeah I know you are just telling the truth how the Switch do not have new, fresh and original games ...
I'm actually looking forward to this but...for the love of God, add gyro aim to first person shooters! Dual analogue is archaic. Granted it appeals to the lowest common denominator...but this isn't a PlayStation!
I was all up for getting this, but no motion controls?! I just can’t get on with FPS games without them. Now that Doom has just patched in motion controls, I think that will be my next priority AAA purchase instead.
Reddit community has spoken... https://www.reddit.com/r/paydaytheheist/comments/7yuljb/the_switch_version_is_below_update_130/
I got this game a while back when they had on it on sale on Xbox. It's alright, kinda fun for a while but it gets really repetitive. I guess like if you are really into it's style of online multiplayer you might like it, but there isn't much to do by yourself.
It's actually 10.26GB, but I am just being picky ...
That's because there is actually 1024MB in a GB, not 1000
When's the review?
I’m definitely interested
This game sounds like fun.
edit
Especially the part where you can do a heist with a stranger and then double cross them if you want to..... sounds really good.
Is it really true that a Switch version is under Update 130 (PC version is over 170)?
@uximal except that it's not true. You can't do that at all it's purely a coop game... I believe this is a paid ad, and the writer hasn't got a clue about the game...
@randomswitcher Really..well that's disappointing....Anyway I will decide if I will give it a go, I missed this game on ps3.
@RetroGamerAndrew Its been confirmed that the Switch version will release at version 147, which is still behind the PC version but nowhere near as bad as that Reddit thread made out.
Day one buy for me, I enjoyed Payday 2 when it was originally released on the X360 and the Switch version will have considerably more content so I'm good. Its a solid online co-op shooter, I had a blast with it then and I know I will now.
The only thing I had to know was about gyroaiming: so it’s a no buy for the moment.
@Slapsillium Where was that confirmed about the version number?
I've got this pre-ordered regardless and really looking forward to it. The Reddit thread is really blown out of proportion (shock). 99% of people slating the game, the 1 person that actually has a copy says its ok. Wheres the logic?!
@EasyDaRon Well that is just crazy. Splatoon 2 is one, if not THE best game on the Switch. What a crazy reason to pass on it.
@pbb76 lol yeah portions of the sub are gripped in a kind of mass hysteria at the moment.
This link confirms that the Switch version will have the Most Wanted update:
https://www.starbreeze.com/sv/qa-efter-rapporten-q4-2017/
This link confirms that Most Wanted is at version 147:
http://www.overkillsoftware.com/payday-2-a-status-update/
Who writes a guide but fails to mention how we co-ordinate our heists......Voice chat? Text chat? Telepathy?
Come on Nintendo life your really getting lazy recently!
Played a lot of this game on PC, and loved playing with friends, but not sure how it will play on console since I never played it on console.
@Lord The entire premise of the game is about co-op/coordination, and yet we still DO NOT have any sort of decent Voice Chat on the system nor does it look like they even attempted to add anything to their game, so once again yet another dev/publisher just out for another quick cash grab, too bad they all tarnished some decent titles when they look back in a cpl years..
@Reignmaker Not to mention Wolfenstein: SotC inbound. Sure, online coop is a different genre, and this game has such a cool idea implemented so poorly across platforms, but yeah the standard for shooters really has SWITCHed.....and with Doom adding motion controls this week, the bar has been raised tremendously. I hope that becomes a trend, because Switch will, for me, become THE platform for shooters, graphics be darned. The console that gives me mouse like controls wins for this genre and right now that's Switch.
@NEStalgia Absolutely. Since the latest patch, I have breezed through many areas that previously gave me trouble. A very nice change, that will likely incentivize further replays from me. I'm also excited for Wolfenstein. The fact that ID has revitalized these two IPs is a beautiful thing. Now we just need a Commander Keen reboot.
@Reignmaker Yeah motion in Doom all but guarantees motion in Wolfenstein.....that moved it from "wait for inevitable sale" to "heck yeah!" Finally playing shooters as they were meant to play in my post-PC gaming life is a dream.
I was going to dismiss a Commander Keen reboot but....this is Bethesda....they're just so crazy they may actually do it!
@EasyDaRon You know this means its time to buy a second switch!!
Its what I had to do. I had my Switch, my GF was a bit meh towards it. Then I got Minecraft. Thats when I lost my switch for large parts of the day!!
In the end I relented and got her her own Switch and MC and was good as we could play co-op on our Switches.
I know its a big investment and not everyone can afford 1 Switch, let alone 2, but its definitely been fun for us to play MP games with.
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