PAYDAY 2 Now in Beta for Career Criminals

“Looks like we’re back in business, boys.”

The original PAYDAY: the Heist is a four player co-op first person shooter by Overkill Software published by Sony Online Entertainment, and was released in 2011 on the PlayStation 3 and on Steam. 

With seven different missions (including a free “No Mercy” DLC released in July 2012), each mission contained randomized elements with the intention of encouraging constant replayability. Later on in August 2012, the “Wolf Pack” DLC was released for both PS3 and PC which added two new heists, additional weapons, and more player upgrades. As of October 2012, the game had sold over 700,000 copies.

The game was highly rated in the fan community for its striking similarities to the Left 4 Dead franchise… a similarity they built upon, and then expanded in the crossover DLC “No Mercy” as a prequel to the events in Left 4 Dead. 

PAYDAY 2 promises to follow in the hit footsteps of its predecessor with the same action-packed four-player co-op shooter model, once again donning the masks of the original PAYDAY crew. Whereas the first PAYDAY took place in an unnamed city, this time around they have definitively staked out Washington DC as their high-stakes criminal playground. 

Players who purchased the Career Criminal Edition of PAYDAY 2 are now able to jump in and experience the Beta on Steam.

The game features a new CRIMENET network for a larger range of dynamic contracts, where players can choose between small-time convenience store hits and major bank heists a la Saints Row and GTA, and even carry out political agendas. It also promises new character customization and crafting so that crews can build and customize their own guns and gear. 

If you’re interested in trying it out right away, the PAYDAY 2: Career Criminal Edition is a limited offer including an exclusive shipment of digital content and will set you back $50 USD:

• PAYDAY Loot Bag – Includes the PAYDAY Loot bag that is described above. 
• 2 Beta Keys – 1 to keep and 1 to give to a friend! Before the release of PAYDAY 2, fans with a Beta key will get the chance to play the PAYDAY 2 Beta during a limited time prior to release. 
• PAYDAY 2: The Original Soundtrack – Receive a digital copy of the PAYDAY 2 Original Soundtrack, available for download pre-release! The PAYDAY 2 Original Soundtrack will consist of tracks made by Simon Viklund. 
• The Crime.net Deal – Bain is a businessman and you’ve managed to get yourself a good deal. You receive in-game discounts on all purchases in PAYDAY 2’s Crime.net when the game is released. Please note: PAYDAY 2 has no micro-transactions. This is tied to the in-game store where you purchase items for in-game cash, like in any other classic RPG game. 
• BAIN’S GUIDE TO THE CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD – You receive a digital issue of the must-have guide on heisting, written by the mastermind himself – Bain. The hunt for Baldwin continues. 
• Blueprints for places to heist – Opportunities multiply as they are seized, every career criminal knows that. With these printable blueprints that also are available in your safe house planning room, you’ll be set for the big heists.

Not interested in shelling out the dough but still looking for extra goodies? The regular pre-purchase is going for $30 USD and includes:

• A unique red dot weapon sight modification available for use on all rifle weapons. 
• A unique Skull mask. 
• A unique mask pattern titled ”I LOVE OVERKILL”. 
• A unique color pattern consisting of the colors red and black. 
• A bundle of in-game cash.

None of these items will be available to purchase after the game has launched on August 13.