The long wait for a single-player mode in Payday 3 is almost over, but there’s a small catch. Starbreeze Studios recently announced an upcoming patch for Payday 3, scheduled to launch on Thursday, June 27th, bringing a slew of exciting features, including a solo mode (in beta form) and long-awaited NVIDIA DLSS 3 support.
A Step Towards Solo Heists: Beta Testing Begins
One of the most anticipated additions is the solo mode beta. This long-requested feature allows players to tackle heists on their own, offering a different experience from the team-oriented gameplay Payday is known for. However, there’s a catch: for now, the solo mode still requires an online connection.
Transparency from the Developers
Payday 3 Global Brand Director and Head of Community, Almir Listo, acknowledged this limitation in a developer diary.
He explained that the current iteration is a beta test to gauge performance and functionality. Since the solo mode will handle tasks previously managed by the game’s servers on your local machine, some performance impact is expected.
Progression Still Carries Over
Despite the online requirement, Listo assures players that the solo mode is fully functional. Progression earned during solo play will be uploaded and saved upon reconnecting online. The developers plan to refine the online requirement in future updates, aiming for a truly offline solo experience.
Not Quite Offline Yet: Setting the Stage for the Future
It’s important to remember that this is not a full offline mode. Solo players will be essentially running their own server locally. This is a stepping stone towards a more complete solo experience, and not the final product.
Beyond Solo: More Content and Improvements
The upcoming Payday 3 update brings more than just a solo mode beta. It introduces several exciting additions. Firstly, NVIDIA DLSS 3 support for PC is now available. This feature, previously confirmed but missing at launch, enhances performance and visuals for compatible NVIDIA graphics cards.
Additionally, players can now personalize their saved loadouts with custom names for easier organization. A free playable character, Clover, a fan-favorite from previous Payday games, joins the roster. The update also adds two new weapons, including Clover’s signature gun and a powerful LMG. Finally, customization options are expanded with three new masks, twelve flag stickers, and one charm.
Addressing Matchmaking Issues
Payday 3’s launch was met with some criticism regarding its matchmaking system. Starbreeze is actively working on a new matchmaking service, aiming for a significant improvement in online play by the end of the year.
A Brighter Future for Payday 3
The upcoming patch demonstrates Starbreeze’s commitment to improving Payday 3. The solo mode beta, additional content, and focus on matchmaking indicate a positive trajectory for the game. While the online requirement for solo play might be a temporary hurdle, it paves the way for a more flexible future for Payday heists.
Also Read: Final Fantasy XVI on Xbox? Director’s Message Hints at Wider Audience After PC Launch