Starbreeze Entertainment's Payday 3 is finally getting an offline mode later this month, though it requires an internet connection – a significant caveat following player backlash over the game's initial lack of offline play.

The Payday series, known for its cooperative heist gameplay and blend of stealth and action, debuted in 2011 with Payday: The Heist. Payday 3 enhanced stealth mechanics, offering players diverse mission approaches. The upcoming "Boys in Blue" update introduces a new heist and the much-anticipated offline mode.

Launching as a beta on June 27th, the offline mode aims to improve solo play. However, it initially requires an online connection, a temporary measure while developers refine the experience. Future updates will enable complete offline functionality. This beta does eliminate the need for solo players to use the matchmaking system, addressing a key complaint. Other missing features, like The Safehouse, remain absent.

Payday 3's New Offline Mode

Starbreeze emphasizes that this solo mode is a work in progress, promising ongoing improvements. Almir Listo, Head of Community and Global Brand Director, stated that the solo mode will be enhanced post-launch. The June 27th update also includes a new heist, free items, and improvements such as a new LMG, three masks, and customizable loadout naming.

Payday 3's launch was plagued by server issues and criticism over its limited initial content (eight heists). Starbreeze CEO Tobias Sjögren apologized for these shortcomings. While future updates will add more heists, they will be paid DLC, like the $10 Syntax Error heist.