Is Payday 3 a Prequel?
The question on everyone’s mind: is Payday 3 a prequel? In this article, we’ll delve into the details and explore the answers to this burning question.
What is Payday 3?
Before we dive into the prequel question, let’s quickly review what Payday 3 is. Payday 3 is a first-person shooter game developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by Deep Silver. It is the third installment in the Payday series, which started with Payday: The Heist in 2011. The game was released on September 21, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
Soft Reboot or Prequel?
According to the game’s developers, Payday 3 is not a traditional prequel, but rather a soft reboot of the series. In a statement, the developers said: "Payday 3 is a soft reboot of the series, taking place several years after Payday 2." This means that while the game is not a direct sequel to Payday 2, it still takes place in the same universe and features some familiar characters.
New Characters and Storyline
One of the most significant changes in Payday 3 is the introduction of new characters. The game features two new playable heisters, Pearl and Joy, who join the original gang of Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf, and Chains. The game’s storyline follows the gang as they take on new heists and face off against new enemies.
How Does Payday 3 Connect to Payday 2?
So, how does Payday 3 connect to Payday 2? According to the game’s story, Bain, the main antagonist of Payday 2, is presumed dead after a successful heist. The game’s storyline picks up several years later, with the gang facing new challenges and enemies.
Bain’s Fate
For those who may have forgotten, Bain was the main antagonist of Payday 2. He was a former CIA agent who had become a ruthless criminal. In Payday 2, Bain was revealed to be the mastermind behind many of the gang’s heists, and his ultimate goal was to take over the world.
The Virus
According to the game’s story, Bain succumbed to a deadly virus during a post-mission debriefing, leaving the gang to deal with the consequences of his actions. The virus, known as the "Pandora virus," had been created by Bain himself and was designed to wipe out the population.
The Gang’s New Mission
With Bain out of the picture, the gang is left to pick up the pieces and deal with the aftermath of his actions. The game’s storyline follows the gang as they take on new heists and face off against new enemies, all while trying to uncover the truth behind the Pandora virus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Payday 3 is not a traditional prequel, but rather a soft reboot of the series. The game takes place several years after Payday 2 and features new characters and a new storyline. While the game does connect to Payday 2, it is not a direct sequel, and the story is more of a continuation of the series rather than a direct prequel.
Table: Payday 3 Characters
| Character | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas | Leader | The leader of the gang, Dallas is a skilled heister with a reputation for getting the job done. |
| Hoxton | Muscle | Hoxton is the gang’s muscle, responsible for taking down enemies and breaking into secure locations. |
| Wolf | Hacker | Wolf is the gang’s hacker, responsible for cracking secure systems and disabling alarms. |
| Chains | Medic | Chains is the gang’s medic, responsible for keeping the gang members healthy and alive. |
| Pearl | Infiltrator | Pearl is a new playable character, an American con artist and infiltrator from New York. |
| Joy | Hacker | Joy is a new playable character, a skilled hacker and member of the gang. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Payday 3 is a new chapter in the Payday series, featuring new characters, a new storyline, and a fresh take on the heist genre. While it is not a traditional prequel, it is a soft reboot that connects to Payday 2 and continues the series’ tradition of action-packed gameplay and over-the-top heists.