Welcome to the ultimate “PAYDAY 2: Getting Started Guide”! If you’re ready to dive into the thrilling world of heists, crime, and strategy, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re brand new to the game or just looking to brush up on the basics, this guide covers everything you need to hit the ground running. Get started by Creating Your Character and Understanding Basic Controls. Explore every option by Navigating the Main Menu before you embark on your adrenaline-pumping adventure by Starting Your First Heist. Don’t miss out on our Top Tips for New Players that will have you masterminding your way to a perfect score in no time. Let’s get started on your path to becoming the ultimate heister!

PAYDAY 2: Getting Started Guide#

Creating Your Character#

Starting your heisting career in PAYDAY 2 is super exciting, but before you dive into robbing banks and pulling off epic heists, you’ve got to create your character. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out!

Choose Your Character#

First up, you have to pick which crew member you want to be. PAYDAY 2 has a bunch of characters you can choose from, each with their own backstory and personality. Whether it’s Dallas, the cool-headed pro, or Chains, the muscle of the crew, they’re all unique but don’t worry – their skills are what really matter.

Skill Points and Trees#

As you level up, you’ll earn skill points which you use to unlock abilities in different skill trees. There are five main skill trees:

• Mastermind – Focuses on strategy, healing, and boosting your team.
• Enforcer – Great for heavy weapons and ammo.
• Technician – Includes skills for gadgets and explosives.
• Ghost – Perfect for those who love stealth.
• Fugitive – Specializes in close combat and agility.

Each tree also has subcategories making it even more customizable. Think about your playstyle and what role you want to fill in the crew.

Perk Decks#

Next up are Perk Decks. These are like special skill sets you can equip, adding extra abilities and boosts to your character. At the start, you’ll have access to a few basic decks like:

• Armorer – Increases your armor for taking more hits.
• Hitman – Makes you more effective with akimbo weapons (dual-wielding).
• Burglar – Perfect for sneaking, speeding up your lockpicking and revivals.

As you progress, more decks unlock, allowing you to get even more specific with your character build.

Choosing Your Loadout#

Your loadout is super important. It’s your choice of weapons, equipment, and armor.

• Weapons: There’s a wide variety, from pistols and rifles to melee weapons like bats and shovels. Try a few to see what suits you best.
• Armor: Comes in different sizes; heavier armor will protect you more but slow you down.
• Equipment: This includes things like ammo bags, medical kits, or even ECM jammers for disabling alarms.

Each mission might require a different loadout. For loud and messy heists, you might want heavier armor and bigger guns. For stealthier jobs, go light with quieter weapons.

Customizing Your Appearance#

One of the most fun parts of creating your character is customizing how they look. You can edit:

• Masks: PAYDAY 2 has tons of masks, from creepy clowns to quirky animals. Collect them all and switch them up for every heist.
• Outfits: Change up your style with different suits and vests. You unlock more as you progress through the game.

Infamy Levels#

As you become a better heister, you might want to try going Infamous. This is essentially like a prestige mode – you reset your level, lose your skills and cash, but you earn Infamy points to spend on cool things, like exclusive masks and skill bonuses. Be ready for a grind, though!

Pro Tips#

• Experiment with Skills: Don’t be afraid to try different skills. You can reset your skills if you feel like switching things up.
• Balance Your Team: If you’re playing with friends, try to balance your crew. Make sure you have a mix of skill sets to cover all angles of the heist.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you’ll understand what kind of setup works best for you.

Creating your character in PAYDAY 2 is all about personalization and finding what works best for your playstyle. Dive in, tweak your setup, and watch as you become the ultimate heist master! Happy heisting!

PAYDAY 2: Getting Started Guide#

Understanding Basic Controls#

Before you jump into the world of high-stakes heists in PAYDAY 2, it’s crucial to get a grip on the game’s basic controls. Knowing what each button does can mean the difference between a successful getaway and getting caught by the cops. Let’s break it down.

Movement and Interaction#

• W, A, S, D: These are your main movement keys. Think of W as going forward, A for left, S for backward, and D for right. It’s your standard WASD setup if you’ve played other shooters.
• Shift: Hold this key to sprint. Sprinting is faster than regular movement but drains your stamina. Use it wisely!
• Spacebar: Jump over obstacles or hop to get to higher ground. Perfect for quick escapes or getting the drop on enemies.
• Ctrl (Control): Use this to crouch. Crouching makes you a smaller target and reduces noise, helping with stealthy approaches.

Combat Controls#

• Left Mouse Button: Fire your weapon. Simple as that.
• Right Mouse Button: Aim down sights (ADS). It improves your accuracy and lets you line up better shots.
• R: Reload. Keep an eye on your ammo count and reload during lulls in combat because running out in a shootout is bad news.
• G: Throw a grenade or other deployable equipment. This can clear out rooms or damage multiple enemies at once.
• 1, 2, 3, 4: Switch weapons. Typically, 1 is your primary weapon, 2 your secondary, 3 and 4 for other items like melee weapons or special gadgets.

Interaction and Heist Mechanics#

• F: The interaction key. You’ll be using this one a lot! F is for picking locks, setting drills, answering pagers, and just about any other action-based task. Hold it down until the task is complete.
• E: Quick melee attack. Handy for close encounters or silently taking out guards.
• C: Change stance from standing to crouch and vice versa. This is useful if you need to quickly duck behind cover.
• Tab: Check objectives and your current status. This gives you a quick overview of your heist progress and other critical information.

Team Communication and Coordination#

• T: Open up the chat window to type messages to your team. Communication is key in PAYDAY 2.
• V: Use voice chat if you have a microphone connected. Sometimes it’s faster and more efficient to speak directly to your teammates.

Items and Inventory#

• Q: Use weapon gadget, like laser sights or flashlights if they’re equipped.
• 3 or 4: Equip your deployables such as ammo bags or medic bags and place them using G.
• Inventory Key (I): Access your inventory to check your equipment, weapons, and other items.

Special Actions#

• Shift + Sprint: Tap Shift while moving to sprint. The sprint action is critical for dodging bullets or reaching objectives faster.
• Right Mouse Button (Hold) + Left Mouse Button: This combo is for precise shooting, useful for long-range engagements or taking out tough enemies.

Stealth Mechanics#

• Ctrl (Control): Engage stealth mode by crouching. Move slower, make less noise, and keep to the shadows.
• Mask Toggle (usually G): Don your mask to get into heist mode. Remember, once your mask is on, any suspicious actions can draw attention.

Mastering these basic controls is the first step to becoming an effective heister in PAYDAY 2. Spend some time in solo missions or the safe house to get a feel for them, and you’ll be ready to join your team in the big leagues. Now, go grab those bags of cash!

Navigating the Main Menu#

So, you’re all set to jump into the chaotic world of PAYDAY 2. Before you start grabbing bags of cash and dodging the cops, you need to get familiar with the main menu. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

Crime.net#

Crime.net is where all the action happens. Once you enter this menu, you’ll see a map with tons of job icons. These icons represent different heists you can take on. You can filter them based on difficulty, job type, or even just browse through until something catches your eye.

• Contract Broker: If you want a specific heist and can’t find it on the map, head to the Contract Broker. Here, you can pick and pay for any job. You’re the boss!
• Crime Spree: Feeling adventurous? Try Crime Spree, where you take on continuous heists with increasing difficulty. It’s a great way to stack up some extra rewards.

Inventory#

The Inventory is your go-to place for customizing your gear and character. In here, you’ll find:

• Weapons: Choose your primary and secondary weapons, buy new ones, and slap on some mods to make them more deadly.
• Armor: Switch between different armors to balance speed and protection.
• Skills: Spend skill points to unlock abilities that suit your playstyle. There are five skill trees: Mastermind, Enforcer, Technician, Ghost, and Fugitive.
• Perk Decks: Select and upgrade your perk decks for additional buffs.
• Equipment: Choose between deployable items like ammo bags, medkits, and more.

Safe House#

Your Safe House is like your personal HQ. There’s a bit of everything here—it’s where you can practice your skills, review your accomplishments, or just chill. Over time, upgrading your Safe House becomes a fun side activity with practical benefits.

Gage Contracts#

If you’re a DLC owner, the Gage Contracts Menus lets you access all the additional content you’ve purchased. It’s like a bonus stash of content to keep things fresh.

Offshore Paydays#

Offshore Paydays is the place where you can gamble some of your big earnings for extra loot. It’s risky but can be very rewarding if luck is on your side.

Options#

The Options menu is your friend when it comes to tweaking your settings:

• Gameplay: Adjust game difficulty, HUD visibility, and more.
• Audio and Video: Tailor the sound and graphics to your liking. Make sure those explosions look and sound epic!
• Controls: Customize your key bindings and sensitivity so everything feels just right.

Community#

The Community section connects you to other PAYDAY 2 players. Here, you can join groups, check out news and updates, or share your epic heist moments.

Help and Tutorials#

New to PAYDAY or just need a refresher? This section offers tutorials and guides to help you become a better heister.

Quit#

Ready to take a break? Head to the Quit option to save and exit. Make sure to do this to avoid losing any precious progress.

Getting a handle on the main menu can make a world of difference as you dive into the action of PAYDAY 2. Now that you’re geared up and ready, it’s time to pick a job and make some money. Happy heisting!

Starting Your First Heist#

So, you’ve decided to dive into the wild world of PAYDAY 2 and are ready to hit the ground running? Excellent choice! Here’s when the fun truly begins. Whether you’re rolling solo or with a crew, this guide will help you start your first heist on the right foot.

Choosing Your Heist#

First things first, head to the Crime.net map. This is your hub for picking and planning heists. Crime.net will show you a bunch of available jobs across the city. As a beginner, look for simpler heists like “Jewelry Store” or “Bank Heist: Cash”. These are low-risk and provide a good introduction to the game mechanics.

Preparing for the Heist#

Before jumping in guns blazing, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared:

• Inventory Management: Check your loadout. For your first heist, you’ll want to balance firepower and stealth. Equip a good primary weapon like an AMCAR and a reliable sidearm. Don’t forget to arm yourself with basic gear like body armor and a medic bag.

• Skill Points: Initially, you’ll have limited skill points. Invest wisely in skills that help you in the field. For starters, allocate points in the Mastermind and Enforcer trees to enhance survivability and team support.

• Crew Selection: If you’re playing solo, AI teammates will fill in, but having real players is always better. Try teaming up with friends or finding players online for a coordinated approach.

The Heist Itself#

Once you’re set, dive into the heist! Here’s a walkthrough for a newbie-friendly heist, the Jewelry Store.

Survey the Scene#

When the heist begins, don’t rush in. Take a moment to scope out your surroundings. Identify essential spots like entrances, cameras, and guards.

Plan of Action#

There are two main approaches you can take:

1. Stealthy Approach:

   • Disable Guards and Cameras: Take out guards quietly and answer their pagers. You can also disable cameras if you find the security room.
   • Crowd Control: Secure the civilians without causing a panic. Use zip ties to keep them from alerting the cops.
   • Loot the Place: Bag the jewelry and move swiftly. Get as much as you can without raising alarms.

2. Loud Approach:

   • Go In Hot: Mask up and storm the store. Expect resistance, as guards will immediately respond.
   • Manage the Chaos: Control civilians and eliminate threats quickly.
   • Secure the LOOT: Grab the jewelry and fend off police waves. Keep an eye out for incoming siege units.

Escaping#

After you’ve gathered enough loot, it’s time to make your getaway. Follow the escape route; it’s usually marked on your HUD. Depending on how you handled the heist, the escape can be a breeze or a gauntlet of police resistance. Either way, stick with your crew and cover each other while making your escape.

Post-Heist#

Once you’ve escaped, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ll see a breakdown screen showing the loot secured, XP earned, and cash gained. This is also the time to check for level-ups and spend those skill points.

Tips for Success#

• Communication: If you’re playing with others, communicate constantly. It’s the key to coordinating a smooth heist.
• Stay Calm: Panic leads to mistakes. Keep your cool and stick to the plan.
• Learn and Adapt: If things go wrong, learn from it. What can you do differently next time? Each heist is a learning experience.

And there you have it—your step-by-step guide to starting your first heist in PAYDAY 2! Good luck out there, and happy heisting!

Tips for New Players#

Welcome to the insane world of PAYDAY 2! This game is all about planning heists, making bank, and trying to not get caught by the police. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—we’ve got some tips to help you get started on the right foot.

1. Learn the Basics First#

Before jumping into the heaviest heists, it’s a good idea to go through the tutorials. The game’s mechanics can be a bit complex, and the tutorials will help you understand the controls, how to interact with the environment, and the basics of stealth and combat. They’re short but packed with useful info. Trust us, it’s worth the time.

2. Start Off Small#

As tempting as it is to dive right into high-stakes missions, starting with easier heists is key. These lower-difficulty jobs will help you get a feel for how everything works—robbing small stores, simple bank jobs, etc. Plus, it’s a good way to earn some quick cash and experience points (XP) without too much risk.

3. Gear Up Wisely#

When you’re new, you don’t need to have the best weapons or gear immediately. Focus instead on building a balanced loadout:

• Primary Weapon: Something like an assault rifle or shotgun. They’re versatile and powerful.
• Secondary Weapon: A reliable pistol. Handy for quick kills or when ammo for your primary runs out.
• Armor: Start with light armor for better mobility. Heavy armor can come later when you’re comfortable and need more protection.

4. Invest in Skills#

As you level up, you’ll earn skill points. Spend these wisely to shape your character:

• Mastermind: Good for those who like control and support. Think crowd control and reviving teammates.
• Enforcer: Perfect for tanky players. Boosts to strength and armor.
• Technician: Ideal for gadget lovers. Focuses on explosives and hacking.
• Ghost: For stealth-savvy players. Sneak and disable alarms.
• Fugitive: For those who like to stay alive. Focuses on evasive abilities and medical skills.

Try experimenting with different skill trees to see what fits your playstyle the best.

5. Communicate with Your Team#

PAYDAY 2 is all about teamwork. Use voice chat or text chat to keep your crew informed. Planning is crucial—decide who’s handling hostages, who’s picking locks, and who’s watching for police. Good communication makes the difference between a smooth heist and a complete disaster.

6. Stealth vs. Loud#

Different heists can be approached in different ways. Sometimes, it’s easier (and more profitable) to go in quietly. Other times, all-out chaos is the best way. Early on, try a bit of both to see which method you prefer, and don’t be afraid to retry heists with different approaches.

• Stealth: Requires patience and precise coordination. Good for higher rewards.
• Loud: More straightforward. Great if you prefer action-packed gameplay.

7. Know When to Bail#

Sometimes, things won’t go as planned. Maybe you get overwhelmed by SWAT, or you run out of ammo. Don’t be afraid to cut your losses and escape. Completing the heist with some loot is better than failing and ending up with nothing.

8. Practice Makes Perfect#

Don’t get discouraged if you fail or mess up. PAYDAY 2 has a learning curve, and every failed heist is a learning opportunity. Get back in there, adjust your strategies, and keep improving.

9. Customize Your Character#

As you rack up cash and experience, don’t forget to customize your character. A cool mask or a snazzy outfit doesn’t just make you look awesome—it can also give you a sense of progress and personal investment in your character. Plus, it’s just fun!

10. Stay Updated#

PAYDAY 2 has a ton of updates, community events, and DLCs that add new content and challenges. Keep an eye on the game’s news feed so you don’t miss out on any opportunities or freebies.

Following these tips will help you get a solid start in PAYDAY 2. Remember, the most important part is to have fun. So gear up, gather your crew, and get ready to steal some serious cash. Happy heisting!