Payday 3, developed by Starbreeze Studios, continues the legacy of its predecessors as a premier cooperative multiplayer heist game. However, newcomers to the series might find themselves looking for a way to dive into the game’s challenges alone before teaming up online. Understanding how to initiate solo play in Payday 3 can be less straightforward than expected, as the game primarily emphasizes its multiplayer setup.
Setting Up a Solo Game
Unlike many games that offer a distinct single-player mode, Payday 3 requires a bit of navigation to set up a game that allows for playing alone with AI-controlled teammates. The game does not currently support an offline mode directly; instead, players who wish to engage in solo play must set up an “Invite Only” lobby. This approach ensures that no other live players can join the game, allowing for an uninterrupted solo experience with bots.
Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Solo Heist
Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up a solo heist in Payday 3:
- Start on the Main Menu: Access the main menu and locate the “Play” option to begin setting up your game.
- Access Heists: Within the play screen, you will find the “Heists” button. Clicking on this will direct you to the mission selection area.
- Adjust Lobby Settings: Before choosing your mission, look for the option that indicates the lobby status, which by default is set to “Public.” Click on the arrow beside it to toggle through the options until you reach “Invite Only.”
- Select Your Mission: With the lobby set to invite only, you can now select any available mission to undertake. The game will not match you with other players, ensuring that you’re gearing up for a solo experience.
- Matchmaking and Loadout: Hit the matchmaking button to proceed to your private lobby. Here, you can finalize your gear and loadout without the interference or participation of other players.
- Ready to Play: Once your setup is complete, press “Ready” to start your heist. The game will populate your team with AI bots that will assist you during the mission.
The Current State and Future of Solo Play in Payday 3
While the current mechanism to play solo might not be ideal for all players, it is the only method available at the game’s launch. Starbreeze Studios has not included a dedicated offline single-player mode, possibly due to the game’s heavy emphasis on cooperative play which is central to the Payday series’ identity.
However, the community’s response and feedback may influence future updates. There is potential for the developers to introduce a more streamlined and accessible solo play feature in a forthcoming patch, especially if there is significant demand for such an option.
Conclusion
For players new to Payday 3, setting up a solo game involves a few more steps than might be expected, requiring one to navigate through multiplayer setups to create a private and bot-assisted session. This setup ensures that newcomers can practice and familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics and missions without the pressure of live team dynamics. While the current system for initiating solo play may seem like a workaround, it serves as a viable option for those looking to get their feet wet before plunging into the full cooperative multiplayer experience. As Starbreeze Studios continues to develop and refine Payday 3, players can look forward to potential updates that might enhance solo play accessibility.