5 Critical Facts You Must Know About Payday 3's Game Pass Status In 2025
The question "Is Payday 3 on Game Pass?" has a definitive, and for many, disappointing answer as of today, December 22, 2025: No, the game is no longer available on the Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass service. This comes as a surprise to many, as the co-op heist shooter was a marquee day-one launch title for the subscription service back in September 2023, giving millions of subscribers instant access to the highly anticipated sequel. The game’s departure from the service in September 2024, just shy of its one-year anniversary, means former subscribers must now purchase the game outright to continue their life of crime with the Payday Gang.
The swift exit of the Starbreeze Studios title sparked considerable discussion within the community, especially since it coincided with the game finally hitting its stride with major content and quality-of-life updates. This article breaks down the exact timeline of the game's availability, why it left, and the best current options for new and returning heisters looking to jump into the action and experience the overhauled gameplay systems like the massive Skills 2.0 update.
The Definitive Answer: Payday 3's Current Game Pass Status
For those checking their Xbox or PC Game Pass library in late 2025, the base version of Payday 3 is missing. The game was officially removed from the Game Pass catalog on September 15, 2024. This is a crucial detail, as most major day-one titles on the service remain for at least 12 months, and often much longer, especially those with an active live service roadmap.
A Timeline of Payday 3's Short-Lived Game Pass Run
- September 21, 2023: Payday 3 launches as a Day-One title on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Late 2023 - Early 2024: The game faces significant criticism for its always-online requirement, server instability, and lack of content/progression systems compared to its predecessor, Payday 2.
- Mid-2024: Starbreeze Studios begins rolling out major updates, including the Fear & Greed update and the highly anticipated Skills 2.0 overhaul, which dramatically improves build variety and progression.
- September 15, 2024: Payday 3 is officially removed from the Game Pass service, despite the ongoing development and a significant positive shift in community sentiment due to recent patches.
- December 2025: The game is only accessible via direct purchase on platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The departure was particularly frustrating for players who had subscribed to Game Pass, purchased DLC like the Year 1 Pass or individual heists (such as the Delivery Charge Heist or Party Powder Heist), and then lost access to the base game. While progress is saved via the game's Nebula account system, the base title must now be purchased to use any previously acquired add-ons.
Why Payday 3 Left Game Pass So Soon: A Look at the Turnaround
The short tenure of Payday 3 on Game Pass is likely a complex decision rooted in its initial rocky launch and the subsequent business strategy of the publisher, Deep Silver (a label of Plaion). While the game was a major draw for the service, its early struggles likely affected its long-term contract value.
Initial Launch Issues: Payday 3's launch was plagued by technical problems. Heisters experienced frequent server outages, matchmaking errors, and a general lack of features that fans expected from a sequel to a beloved title. This led to a significant drop in its player base and a poor reputation early on. The developers at Starbreeze Studios acknowledged these issues and committed to a comprehensive recovery plan.
The Content Turnaround: Paradoxically, the game started to gain momentum just as its Game Pass contract was ending. Major updates, including the complete revamp of the skill system—known as Skills 2.0—addressed the core issue of a lack of build variety and specialization. This free update, along with paid DLCs like Syntax Error and Boys in Blue, signaled a strong commitment to the game's future. The timing of the departure, right when the game "started getting good," according to many players, suggests that the decision was a pre-determined contractual one rather than a reflection of the game's current quality.
Key Entities and Updates That Prove Payday 3 is Thriving Post-Game Pass
Despite leaving the subscription service, Starbreeze Studios continues to support the game with a steady stream of content, making it a viable purchase in late 2025. The focus is on expanding the core experience and adding long-requested features:
- Skills 2.0: A complete overhaul of the progression system, offering deeper build customization and specialization, directly addressing early community feedback.
- The Payday Gang: The original crew—Dallas, Chains, Wolf, and Hoxton—continue to be the focus, with new characters and heists planned.
- Year 1 Pass Content: This pass includes four major DLC bundles: Syntax Error, Boys in Blue, Houston Breakout, and a fourth, unannounced pack.
- Seasonal Events: Starbreeze has maintained a commitment to community engagement, even mentioning a PAYDAY Advent Calendar 2025, indicating active holiday support.
- New Features: Free updates have added quality-of-life features like the ability to throw bags at enemies to stagger them, a small but impactful change for gameplay flow.
How to Play Payday 3 in December 2025: Editions and Best Prices
Since the Game Pass option is off the table, heisters must now look at purchasing the game. Fortunately, as of December 2025, the game frequently goes on sale across all major storefronts, making it an excellent time to buy.
Current Editions and What They Include
Payday 3 is available in several editions, which primarily differ based on their inclusion of the Year 1 Pass, the key to accessing all major paid DLC content for the first year.
| Edition | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|
| Standard Edition | Base Game only. |
| Silver Edition | Base Game + 6-Month Season Pass + Dark Sterling Mask. |
| Gold Edition | Base Game + Gold Season Pass (Year 1 Pass) + Dark Sterling Mask + Skull of Liberty Mask + Gold Slate Gloves. |
| Year 1 Edition | Base Game + Payday 3 Year 1 Pass (includes all four major DLC bundles). |
Best Purchase Strategy for December 2025
Given the current sales, the most cost-effective way to get into the game and its new content is to look for bundle deals:
- Check for Sales: As of December 2025, the base game has been seen on sale for as low as $14.99 (50% off the standard $29.99 price) on platforms like the Epic Game Store. Sales are common on Steam and the Xbox/PlayStation stores as well.
- Consider the Year 1 Pass: If you enjoy the base game, the Year 1 Pass is essential for accessing new heists and content. It has been available for $17.99 during recent sales. Buying the base game and the pass separately during a sale may be cheaper than purchasing the Gold or Year 1 Editions at full price.
- Platform Choice: The game is fully cross-platform for both progression (via Nebula) and play, so choose your preferred platform: PC (Steam/Epic), Xbox Series X|S, or PlayStation 5.
In summary, while the convenience of Game Pass is gone, the current state of Payday 3—with its robust Skills 2.0 system, active development from Starbreeze Studios, and frequent sales—makes it a worthwhile heist experience for fans of the co-op shooter genre.
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