Payday 3 Xbox Game Pass subscribers rejoice – Payday 3 is coming to the popular subscription service! The latest installment in the popular co-op heist shooter franchise will be available on day one for Xbox Game Pass members on console, PC and cloud gaming.
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What is Payday 3?
For those unfamiliar, Payday is a cooperative first-person shooter series that lets players team up for elaborate heists and robberies. The original Payday: The Heist released in 2011, with Payday 2 arriving in 2013. Payday 2 became massively popular thanks to its engaging cooperative gameplay and constant stream of new content updates over nearly a decade.
Now, nearly 10 years after Payday 2 first launched, Payday 3 is on the horizon. Developer and publisher Starbreeze Studios has said Payday 3 will release sometime in 2023. The game will introduce new characters, weapons, locations and heists to the franchise. Like previous games, Payday 3 is built around four-player co-op, allowing teams to strategize and execute bold robberies ranging from banks to diamond stores.
For Xbox Game Pass members, Payday 3 will be available on day one at no additional cost. Keep reading to learn more about what the addition of Payday 3 means for Xbox Game Pass and what players can expect when the game launches.
Payday 3 Xbox Game Pass Details
Payday 3 will be added to the Xbox Game Pass catalog on its launch day, which is currently slated for 2023.
- Console – Payday 3 will be playable on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles for Game Pass members. An Xbox Live Gold subscription is required for online multiplayer.
- PC – The game will also be available via Xbox Game Pass for PC. No Gold subscription is needed to play online.
- Cloud – With Xbox Cloud Gaming, Payday 3 can be streamed and played on phones, tablets, low-spec PCs and more. A Game Pass Ultimate subscription is required.
At launch, Payday 3 will support cross-play across Xbox consoles, PC and cloud, allowing Game Pass members on different platforms to play together.
Payday 3 will remain available in the Game Pass library forConsole, PC and Cloud users as long as they maintain an active subscription. If it ever leaves the catalog, members will lose access unless they purchase the game outright.
What’s New in Payday 3?
Payday 3 aims to build on the success of Payday 2 while introducing fresh elements.
Here are some of the new features players can expect:
- New setting – Payday 3 moves the action from Washington D.C. to a new city, unveiling new environments to rob.
- New characters – Details are scarce, but Payday 3 will introduce new playable characters beyond the original Payday crew.
- New weapons – Expect a wide range of new firearms, melee weapons and tools to takedown enemies and obstacles while pulling off heists.
- New heists – Payday 2 had over 30 unique heists, and Payday 3 should significantly expand the number and variety of robberies.
- Deeper RPG elements – Weapon and skill upgrades will allow for deeper customization and progression.
- Graphics overhaul – As the first Payday for newer consoles, Payday 3 will mark a major graphical leap for the series.
- Reputation system – A new reputation mechanic will change how NPCs react to and interact with players.
- Next-gen features – Payday 3 will leverage features like faster loading on Xbox Series X/S, haptic feedback on PS5 controllers and hardware-ray tracing for enhanced visuals.
While the core 4-player co-op action will remain at the heart of Payday 3, these changes and additions will give players new ways to plan, customize and execute heists together.
Xbox Game Pass Pricing and Availability
To play Payday 3 through Xbox Game Pass on its release day, you’ll need an active Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Here are the pricing details on signing up:
- Xbox Game Pass for Console – $9.99 per month
- Xbox Game Pass for PC – $9.99 per month
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – $14.99 per month (includes Xbox Live Gold for online play)
New subscribers can get their first month of Game Pass for just $1, making it an inexpensive way to check out Payday 3 right away. It’s also possible to purchase 3-month and 6-month prepaid subscriptions for a discount. Xbox frequently offers promotions like “$1 for 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate.”
Beyond Payday 3, an Xbox Game Pass subscription provides access to a library of over 100 downloadable games across PC and consoles. Popular titles like Minecraft, Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5 and many more are included.
Microsoft frequently adds new games to Game Pass on day one, so it will continue to be one of the best ways to play new releases across Xbox and PC ecosystems. Payday 3 simply adds to its growing value as a subscription.
Release Date and Platforms
Payday 3 does not yet have a firm release date beyond its 2023 launch window.
It’s expected to launch simultaneously across all platforms, including:
| Xbox Series X/S |
| Xbox One |
| Playstation 5 |
| Playstation 4 |
| Nintendo Switch |
| PC (Windows) |
Whenever the official launch date is revealed, Xbox Game Pass members will be able to dive into Payday 3 on day one as part of their subscription.
Payday 3 Xbox Game Pass Perks
While Xbox Game Pass grants access to Payday 3 at launch, members may also receive additional perks and bonuses:
- DLC access – Future Payday 3 DLC expansions could be included at no extra cost
- Consumables – Free in-game items like weapon skins or currency packs
- Discounts – Game Pass members often get exclusive discounts on related game purchases
- Trials – Early access trials of Payday 3 could be offered ahead of release
Microsoftrewards Game Pass subscribers in various ways. Be sure to check the Xbox Game Pass Perks section for any associated with Payday 3 when the game becomes available.
Pre-Ordering on Xbox and Steam
Even though Payday 3 will be on Game Pass, players can still pre-order the game to own it permanently:
- Xbox Store – Pre-order for consoles here, usually $59.99. Comes with bonuses
- Steam – Pre-order for PC on Steam, usually $49.99. Also offers bonuses
Pre-ordering ahead of release provides immediate access to all pre-order bonuses. These often include exclusive in-game items, currency packs, character skins and other digital content.
However, Xbox Game Pass subs get the full game for as long as they maintain membership. Pre-ordering only makes sense for those who want to own Payday 3 permanently.
System Requirements
Since Payday 3 is coming to both console and PC, the system requirements will vary.
Here are the expected specs needed to run Payday 3:
Minimum Requirements (1080p @ 60fps)
| OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen R5 1600 |
| 8 GB RAM |
| GPU: Nvidia GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 290X |
| 35 GB storage space |
Recommended Requirements (1440p @ 60fps)
| OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| CPU: Intel Core i7-7700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| 16 GB RAM |
| GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 SUPER / AMD Radeon 5700 XT |
| 35 GB storage space |
Competitive Requirements (4K @ 60fps)
| OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X |
| 16 GB RAM |
| GPU: Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti |
| 35 GB storage space |
Payday 3 will support modern features like ray tracing and DLSS on capable PCs. Game Pass subscribers can stream through cloud gaming if their PC or console doesn’t meet minimum specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Payday 3 coming to Xbox Game Pass:
Q: When does Payday 3 release on Xbox Game Pass?
A: The exact release date is TBA, but it will launch into Game Pass on the same day it becomes available for purchase in 2023.
Q: How much does Xbox Game Pass cost?
A: Game Pass starts at $9.99 a month for PC or console. Game Pass Ultimate is $14.99 and includes Xbox Live Gold.
Q: Can I pre-order Payday 3 if I have Game Pass?
A: Yes, pre-ordering lets you own the game permanently. But Game Pass subscribers can play on day one without pre-ordering.
Q: Does Xbox Game Pass include all Payday 3 DLC?
A: Potentially. Game Pass sometimes includes bonuses and DLC for major titles.
Q: Can I play co-op on PC without Xbox Live Gold?
A: Yes, Xbox Live Gold is only required for console multiplayer. PC Game Pass members can play online cooperatively.
Q: Will my PC run Payday 3 through Game Pass?
A: If your PC meets minimum requirements, yes. You can also stream through cloud gaming even on lower-end hardware.
The Bottom Line
The addition of Payday 3 to Xbox Game Pass means subscribers can pull off elaborate heists together starting day one, at no additional cost. This huge cooperative shooter joins Game Pass for Console, PC and Cloud in 2023.
New and existing Xbox Game Pass members should be thrilled to gain access to Payday 3 the moment it drops. And if you don’t have Game Pass already, joining for just $1 makes it an easy way to check out Payday 3 right away.
While an official release date isn’t confirmed yet, Payday fans can look forward to strategizing and cooperating through memorable robberies together across Xbox platforms in the coming year.