A couple of friends are thinking about picking up Payday 2 due to the lockdown and the current state of the world, so I decided to compile my initial thoughts on how to begin playing PD2 in one convenient location for future reference.

Most recent update: May 28, 2020.

Contents

  • Section One: Introduction to the Basics
  • Section 2: Abilities and Advantages
  • Section 3: Enjoying Games with Friends
    • 3.1 Section 3b: Choosing a Heist
    • 4.1 Instructions for Gameplay
    • 4.2 Recovery and Setbacks
    • 4.3 Observations on Weapons for Beginners
    • 4.4 jc Tiers
    • 4.5 Transforming Law Enforcement Officers
    • 5.1 Section 5.1: Accumulating the Experience Points
    • 5.2 Section 5.2: Distributing cards to yourself
    • 6.1 Medic
    • 6.2 Survivor
    • 6.3 Unique Eliminator
    • 6.4 Guardian
    • 6.5 Introduction
    • 6.6 Athlete

    Section 1: Introduction to the Basics [ ]

    If you’re looking to dive into Payday 2, here’s what to expect. Upon launching the game for the first time, the screen will resemble the first image, but in the lower left corner, you’ll notice a lot more zeros, reflecting your beginner status. Your character may seem unexciting, and the weapons at your disposal will feel rather ineffective, but you’re all set to jump into the action.

    To begin, click on Crime.Net located in the upper right corner. While you could access your Inventory screen, it’s not necessary at this point since you don’t have any funds to use, nor do you have any valuable items unlocked to purchase.

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    When you first access Crime.Net (as depicted in the second image), it may seem quite intimidating due to the developers’ poor design choices—intimidating new players is neither wise nor effective. However, you can find buttons in the top left corner. Click on the second button, labeled Filters, to bring up the filter screen shown in the third screenshot. For now, choose the Friends Only option to reduce the clutter.

    The text has been rephrased to make it unique, using English:The current year is 2020, and the date is April 17th. The time is 15:11:50. This is the first text in the sequence.

    There is a kind of tutorial available for Payday 2 that you can complete on your own, and it’s found on Crime.Net. Navigate through the buttons on the top left until you locate The Tutorial Heists, where you will see two choices: Flash Drive – Stealth and Get The Coke – Loud. For the moment, bypass the stealth option and select Get The Coke instead.

    You’ll access a heist preparation screen, as illustrated in the fourth screenshot, where your options are limited. The only thing you can modify is the music. Navigate to the Soundtrack tab, choose the Custom Heist Track, and select “Le Castlevania – Use Of Force.” Once that’s done, click READY.

    Here is a unique rephrasing of the text in English:The digital age has ushered in a new era of communication and information sharing. Technological advancements have revolutionized the way we interact, access knowledge, and conduct business. Smartphones, social media, and the internet have become integral parts of our daily lives, transforming the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. This digital transformation has brought both opportunities and challenges, as we navigate the complexities of the modern world. The ability to connect with people across the globe, access a wealth of information, and streamline various tasks has enhanced our productivity and connectivity. However, the rapid pace of technological change has also raised concerns about privacy, security, and the impact on our social and emotional well-being. As we continue to embrace the digital age, it is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits and the potential drawbacks, ensuring that technology enhances our lives rather than dominates them.

    The game immerses you in a classic yet brief experience of a heist—entering the scene, putting on a mask, engaging in some killings, grabbing some valuables, committing even more killings, and attempting to escape with the spoils. Simply follow the instructions, which primarily involve hitting the F key to perform nearly every action. Seriously, everything.

    Great job, you’re currently engaged in PAYDAY 2. Return once you’re finished.

    Section 2: Abilities and Advantages [ ]

    After completing Get The Coke, which consists of two segments, you’ll gain a bit of experience and a small amount of money, though not a significant amount of either. Congratulations! You may have also unlocked a few new weapons, but chances are you won’t have enough funds to purchase them.

    When you first navigate the levels in Payday 2, you might find it challenging to gather enough funds to purchase the gear you desire. This is perfectly normal, so there’s no need to worry excessively; while firearms are important, it’s wise to manage your finances carefully. Levels 2 to 4 in prestige are primarily focused on collecting the drop cards necessary to customize your loadout. It’s in prestige 5 that the true “end game” experience begins. By the time you reach prestige 14, the statistics lose their significance, and the dubstep becomes overwhelming.

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    Exit Crime.Net and navigate to the Inventory screen (not the Steam Inventory), which will resemble the fifth screenshot. Click on Skills (located in the top right), and you’ll encounter something similar to the sixth screenshot. The skills interface consists of five tabs, each containing three distinct skill trees, totaling 15 trees. In Payday 2, equipping skills is free, and you can easily add or remove them with a left-click or right-click.

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    Feel free to take a moment to explore and review the skills, but I strongly recommend allocating your initial ten skill points as shown in screenshots seven, eight, and nine. As you gain a better understanding of the game, return to this section to make more informed choices and collaborate with your teammates to ensure a balanced skill set without excessive overlap. Part 6 delves deeper into this topic.

    The text has been rephrased in a unique way, using English:The given information suggests that a specific event or occurrence took place on April 17, 2020, at 16:19:04. This event or occurrence has been described in a unique manner, without any references to the self or any other external sources.

    2020-04-17 16:19:31 1

    2020-04-17 16:19:32 1

    If you find yourself with additional skill points available, that’s great! Enjoy the process and explore various options. Many of the lower-tier skills are quite effective for most heists. However, you might want to hold off on investing further into the Ghost skills until you acquire some weapon modifications and are ready to delve into stealth gameplay.

    Additionally, navigate to the Perk Decks, located second from the bottom on the right side. Your experience points (XP) will be transformed into Perk Points. These points serve as an additional layer of advantages, and it’s advisable to concentrate on completing a specific track as quickly as you can. A common suggestion is to choose the Muscle track, but if someone in your group is eager, they might opt for Crew Chief for valuable team enhancements. Remember to revisit the Perk Decks screen frequently, as the conversion of XP to Perk Points is influenced by your level and becomes less beneficial the longer you wait between conversions.

    Since you’re here, let’s take a moment to organize your loadout. Ensure you have a deployable item ready. If you’re uncertain about your choice, consider going with the Doctor Bag, or you could experiment with something entertaining like sentry guns. If you have the option, it’s a good idea to equip some armor as well. Head over to the Primary Weapons section (by selecting the assault rifle) and purchase the Union 5.56 as your new assault rifle. Make a point to avoid the AMCAR from now on. Next, navigate to the Secondary Weapons section (by selecting your pistol) and acquire the Interceptor .45 as your new sidearm, and similarly, steer clear of the Chimano 88.

    Before we embark on our heist, let’s conduct an inventory assessment:

    1. Abilities (Ensure you possess a few that are currently in use)
    2. Perk set (Ensure you have the one you are focusing on equipped)
    3. Acquire some good firearms as soon as possible.
    4. Deployables (Ensure you have an item equipped)

    If you have everything in order, that’s great!

    Here is the rephrased text in English:Part 3: Engaging in Social Play

    Alright, let’s collaborate on a game as a team! So, how does a host go about creating a lobby? It’s a bit more complicated than it should be. You won’t find a simple “Create A Lobby” option. I understand, but just hang in there. Let’s say you’re in the role of the host.

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    Here’s a unique rephrasing of the text in English:Navigate back to the main menu, then select Crime.Net once more. Apply a filter to display only jobs intended for your friends or a similar setting to eliminate any extraneous content. You should now see numerous markers on the map, each with intricate names and peculiar icons, as depicted in the tenth image. The quickest way to set up a server is to click on any of these markers, which will bring you to the Contract screen (similar to screenshot 11). In this screen, be sure to modify the third line to indicate “Friends Only.” After making this change, simply leave the remaining default settings as they are and proceed to accept the contract.

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    Here’s a unique rephrasing of the text in English:Voila! You’ve got a lobby – it’ll resemble the image in screenshot 12 (you know, if you’ve just customized your character in a ridiculous manner to amuse your companions).

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    Here is a unique rephrasing of the text in English:Leverage the power of Steam to invite your friends to join you on your gaming adventures. If they are not already part of the Steam community, encourage them to sign up and experience the vast array of games and social features the platform has to offer. Connecting with your peers through Steam can enhance your gaming experience and foster a sense of community.Visit Crime.Net and apply the filter for Friends Only.Your name ought to be prominently displayed on one of the markers on their map version. From this point, you can open the Inventory screen to make any last-minute adjustments to your build, especially to cater to your friend’s preference for unconventional weapons. Additionally, the host can return to Crime.Net to select a different heist, which is likely a good idea.

    Venture back into the Crime.Net interface, and you’ll notice a new set of markers emerge. The most crucial elements to consider are the heist name and the number of yellow skull markers – these skulls represent the difficulty level, and I’d strongly advise against novice players attempting anything beyond a single skull, which denotes “Hard” difficulty. Two skulls present a slightly greater challenge, but you’ll be able to progress to that level relatively quickly. However, three skulls signify a significantly tougher task, and the difficulty curve becomes increasingly demanding beyond that point.

    Avoid engaging with enemies rated 4 skulls or higher until you feel confident enough to challenge at least half of the advice in this guide. The dynamics of enemy damage shift considerably once you surpass that threshold.

    Here is a unique rephrasing of the text in English:The Heist Lineup: Selecting the Perfect CrewAssembling the right team is crucial for a successful heist operation. The selection process involves carefully evaluating the skills and expertise of potential members to ensure they complement each other and can work seamlessly together. This stage is critical in determining the overall success of the endeavor, as the wrong combination of individuals can jeopardize the entire plan. The team must possess a diverse range of capabilities, from technical proficiency to strategic planning and execution. By carefully curating the heist selection, the organizers can increase the chances of pulling off the operation with precision and efficiency.

    One of my top picks for a heist suitable for complete novices is Mallcrasher. It requires no looting or intricate mechanics; the objective is simply to cause property destruction and take down the police. You can toss grenades into stores, shatter windows, and endure the police onslaught until it’s time to escape.

    Here’s a more comprehensive list of beginner-friendly heists to consider: – Art Gallery – Bank Heist: XYZ (excluding Big Bank or GO Bank) – Brooklyn Bank – Diamond Store – Jewelry Store – Mallcrasher – Nightclub – Panic Room – Stealing Xmas – Transport XYZ (excluding Train) – Ukrainian Job – Watchdogs (While Watchdogs is generally straightforward, it can be a bit daunting for newcomers. At the outset, quickly eliminate the ambushing officers, then focus on gathering all the bags to the front of the truck and upstairs for defense. It will all become clearer once you dive in.)

    The items highlighted in italics are most effectively tackled when you have an individual with the appropriate expertise to slightly decrease drill timers (refer to the central section of the Technician skill tab). Therefore, to emphasize this point:Attempt to locate “Mallcrasher” featuring a single skull.

    Especially challenging heists to steer clear of:

    Here is the rephrased text in English:Fossil Fuel Conglomerate, Automotive Repair Facility, The Explosive Device: Woodland, Secure Dwelling Distress, Goat Simulation

    Those that are overly difficult to begin with:

    The Bomb: Dockyard, Firestarter, Framing Frame, Election Day, GO Bank, Golden Grin Casino, Hotline Miami, Lab Rats, Murky Station, Rats, Shadow Raid, Yacht Heist.

    Here is a unique rephrasing of the text in English:Part 4: Fundamental Concepts, Recommendations, and Obscure Mechanics the Game Fails to Adequately Elucidate

    Instructions for gameplay [ ]

    Keep in mind that the priorities in Payday 2 should always be:

    1. Your Continuation
    2. Here is a unique rephrasing of the text using English:The well-being and preservation of your fellow team members is of paramount importance.
    3. Objectives
    4. Taking down the law enforcement.
    5. Unexpected bonus rewards
    6. Achievement-whoring

    Here is the rephrased text in English:Typically, objectives 1 and 2 can be most effectively accomplished by undertaking action 4, but it’s important to keep in mind thatThe number of kills holds no significance.Engaging in criminal activities, particularly in a botched robbery attempt, yields little more than meager accomplishments, providing no meaningful rewards.

    Here is a unique rephrasing of the text using English:Restoration and Valleys

    First, let’s address the downs. Typically, you can deplete your health and be downed three times, provided a teammate revives you each time, before you enter “Custody,” which is detrimental for your team. Avoid that situation.

    Keep in mind that you can “fall” without depleting your entire health due to certain unique enemies; in such cases, it won’t affect your total of 3 “lives.”

    Here is the text rephrased in a unique way using English:Healing is a crucial aspect in the game. There are two deployable items that can restore health – First Aid Kits (FAKs) and Doctor Bags (DBs). FAKs will fully replenish your health bar, and you can obtain a substantial amount of them, but they are consumed after a single use. On the other hand, DBs offer a more comprehensive healing solution. They can fully restore your health, but they also reset your downed counter to 0. You are limited to one (or two, with certain skills) DB, and they have a finite number of uses before being depleted. The strategic approach is to avoid using a DB until you have been downed 3 times or when your team is about to move away from the DB’s location, as the level progression may take you elsewhere.

    Beginner Weapon Insights [ ]

    At this point, I’m operating under the assumption that there won’t be any downloadable content, and honestly, it doesn’t have a significant impact until the later stages.

    To start off, pick an assault rifle with a decent fire rate. The Union 5.56 is an excellent choice, but you might also consider the CAR-4, which becomes available at level 4. It’s the most adaptable weapon in the game and will serve you well for a significant period. It could be beneficial to enlist the help of a high-level friend to unlock several achievements from the Butcher Mod Pack. With a little effort, you can acquire a variety of mods to enhance your CAR-4.

    To begin with, I recommend picking up LMGs as early as possible.The KSP 58 at level 23 is a solid choice. By investing skill points into Shotguns, Pistols, and Sniper Rifles, you can potentially surpass the performance of LMGs. However, achieving this effectiveness may require some time and possibly additional downloadable content.

    Consider trying out the Golden AK; it offers significantly more firepower, although it has a slower rate of fire. Just remember to avoid the DMR kit modification, which is exclusive to the DLC. Assault rifles with a low ammo count but high damage can be misleading; while they can be effective, the rate at which you can pick up ammo is quite poor, necessitating the use of ammo bags, which could be better allocated elsewhere. Keep in mind, the Golden AK comes with a hefty price tag, so it might be wise to wait until you have a substantial amount of money before investing in it.

    When it comes to secondary firearms, the Interceptor .45 continues to be a solid choice for a considerable duration. For those who prefer submachine guns, the Chicago Typewriter, which becomes available at level 14, is a great option. If shotguns are more to your liking, both the Locomotive (available at level 13) and the Judge (available at level 35) are exceptional weapons, even in the late game. However, their effectiveness largely depends on the skills and modifications, which may not be accessible to you for a while.

    It’s important to highlight that the Loco is likely the top option for lower levels, though it may take some time to acquire the appropriate modifications for it. Additionally, the 5/7 AP deserves recognition for its ability to penetrate shields, the Para is noteworthy as a compact CAR-4 that benefits from a similar modification pool, allowing for quick upgrades through a few achievement runs, and the China Puff is a solid choice simply because a grenade launcher is always a valuable asset.

    Regarding melee weapons, if you haven’t acquired any DLCs, the Weapon Butt could be a solid option. In truth, it likely won’t have a significant impact for a while, as you won’t be engaging in melee combat frequently. When you do, the priority is usually to execute the attack as swiftly as possible. However, once you reach level 16 and unlock them, you might consider transitioning to the Electrical Brass Knuckles for the thrill of electrifying the police.

    When it comes to throwables, it’s best to begin with the grenades at your disposal. Don’t overlook concussion grenades and Molotov cocktails, as they can be quite effective. Additionally, experimenting with items like Kunai and Javelins can be enjoyable. However, it’s advisable to stick with the standard grenades until you feel more assured in your understanding of their use.

    jc Tiers [ ]

    Alright, here’s an unusual one, but here it is: jc levels serve as an unseen metric for each heist, establishing a baseline level beneath which players will earn diminished XP for completing the heist. This is intended to prevent players from taking on challenges that are too difficult for them, and it may also serve to limit excessive power-leveling. However, there are two main issues: 1) there is a weak connection to the actual challenge level (for instance, Safe House Nightmare is one of the most difficult heists, yet it has the lowest jc level); 2) the jc level is essentially hidden, which means players only learn about it through the XP penalty notifications.

    Don’t stress about it too much; this is the reason you’re experiencing frequent random XP penalties during the initial heists. It’s frustrating.

    Transforming Law Enforcement Officers [ ]

    To make civilians lie on the ground and permit you to secure them with zip ties is quite simple—just press the F key a few times, and they will drop to the floor, making it easy for you to zip tie them. That’s it.

    Convincing police officers to yield can be somewhat more complicated, as they typically undergo three phases during the surrender process:

    1. Lifting their arms
    2. Letting go of their firearm.
    3. Cuffing themselves

    Simply continue yelling at them, and they should eventually comply. At the final phase, they will drop an ammo crate, similar to when you defeat them. Keep in mind that special officers will never give up, so you won’t be able to adopt a Bulldozer as a pet.

    There exists a type of “morale” system that determines the probability of your shouts intimidating a police officer. The chances of them yielding increase the more you shout at them if:

    • There are no other police officers in close proximity to them.
    • They have sustained injuries.
    • They have recently been taken down or dazed.

    A straightforward method to make a police officer yield is to first remove other officers from the vicinity. Next, use a stunning melee weapon, such as electric knuckles or a buzzer, to incapacitate them. After that, just shout at them by pressing F. If you have a different melee weapon in mind, most will be effective as well. If that approach doesn’t work, you can shoot the officer in the leg to intimidate them, followed by a shout.

    Here is a unique rephrasing of the text in English:There is a certain level of resistance mechanic in place as well. So, even if you are doing everything correctly and the law enforcement officer in front of you is displaying remarkable courage, the best course of action would be to eliminate them and proceed to the next target.

    Here is the rephrased text in English:You can compel a significant number of law enforcement officers to surrender and restrain themselves, but unlike ordinary citizens, you cannot use them as hostages (nor will their capture result in any cleaning expenses). Additionally, they present much larger targets compared to civilians on the ground, increasing the likelihood of accidentally killing them. This outcome is deemed acceptable.

    Certainly, you have the ability to persuade your adversaries to join your cause, provided you possess the necessary skills. On the Mastermind page, you can locate the individuals you desire. Approach a law enforcement officer, compel them to surrender, and then cuff themselves. Thereafter, identify the appropriate interaction prompt to convert them to your side. A common tactic is to stand in front of them and aim for their head, but alternative methods may also prove effective. Ultimately, press the designated key to secure your victory and acquire your very own law enforcement companion, but remember, a law enforcement officer is a lifelong commitment, not just for the duration of a holiday heist.

    You can recruit a maximum of two converts, and their ability to survive will greatly depend on your skill set. Keep in mind that they won’t be as effective as AI heisters; you won’t be able to command them to follow you or to stay in one place, and they can’t assist in carrying loot bags. While their damage output isn’t particularly impressive, any kills they achieve can be beneficial, and they will absorb damage on your behalf. Ultimately, the greatest advantage of having converts is the bonuses you gain from their presence.

    Section 5: Accumulation of Power [ ]

    In Payday 2, your capacity to engage law enforcement is influenced by two crucial factors that you gather while executing heists:

    1. Experience Points (which can be used to unlock weapons and armor, as well as to gain skill and perk points)
    2. Weapon modifications (which can be obtained through various methods)

    Let’s examine each one individually:

    Section 5.1: Accumulating the Ex Experience [ ]

    When it comes to XP grinding, numerous players have shared extensive insights on the most effective methods to rapidly earn XP in Payday 2. While I won’t delve deeply into the details, here are some key tips to help you accelerate your progress:

    • Here is the rephrased text in English:Never embark on a heist without a fully developed Perk Deck, beyond the fourth tier. This is a crucial rule to follow. The experience bonus provided by a complete Perk Deck is simply too valuable to overlook. Dedicate yourself to mastering one Perk Deck at a time, maxing it out completely before moving on to the next one you wish to explore. The difference in performance between a fully unlocked Perk Deck and an incomplete one is often quite significant.
      • Following each heist, review the inventory screen and exchange your XP for Perk Points. Keep in mind that the exchange rate declines as your level increases, so it’s wise to avoid squandering valuable perk points whenever possible.
      • Recommendations: Start with Brooklyn Bank until you reach level 21, then alternate between Beneath The Mountain, Boiling Point, Panic Room, Scarface Mansion, and Undercover until you hit level 51. After that, you can repeatedly play Hoxton Breakout.
      • Whenever you have the opportunity, engage in the Safe House Raid activity. It’s a straightforward and effortless task that can earn you a substantial amount of experience points in approximately 15 minutes.

      Section 5.2: Distributing Cards to Yourself [ ]

      Weapon modifications in Payday 2 can be quite intricate, so it’s important to establish some fundamental concepts.

      There are essentially four methods for obtaining weapon modifications, typically categorized by their type.

      Continental Currency

      You can now purchase any weapon modification using Continental Coins. While these coins may not be essential for many other purposes, I recommend saving them for when you truly need them. At a cost of 6 coins per modification, it’s wise to wait until you’re in a critical situation or if a particular build you’re aiming for necessitates a specific modification, such as a suppressor for a shotgun.

      Essentially, refrain from proceeding with this until you reach a stage where you consider this guide to be beneath you.

      Endless inventory modifications

      They will display “Cost: $XXXX Available” once you’ve gained access to them, which is typically achieved by accomplishing certain achievements and demonstrating your skills.

      Certain achievements can be quite challenging, and many are significantly more difficult