Starbreeze has announced an open beta test for Payday 3, the blockbuster shooter, which ran on PC and Xbox Series X/S from September 8 to 11. This update comes from Stop the Game.
The beta serves as a stress test for servers, gauging how well they handle large populations of players. Participation was free and open to anyone interested.
To access the beta on Xbox Series X/S, players used the Xbox Insider Hub app, while PC players registered through the game’s Steam page. The testing window began on September 8 at 20:00 Moscow time and concluded on September 11. A cross‑play feature between PC and consoles was enabled, though there were no options yet to form custom lobbies.
The beta build available for testing originated in April 2023 and showed substantial differences from the final release version. Developers cautioned that the user interface, balance, and certain character abilities could change before launch. Testers had access to a heist scenario with four initial operatives: Wolfe, Chains, Dallas, and Hoxton. Two additional heroes, Joy and Pearl, were planned for the official release.
Progress within the beta was capped at level 22. The test included a variety of weapons and cosmetic items, with additional gear planned for future updates in the full game. Progress earned during testing did not transfer to the finished release. Players were also allowed to record and stream their beta gameplay.
Payday 3 was scheduled to release on September 21, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Owners of the Silver and Gold editions received access to the project three days earlier than other players.
Recently reported updates noted that a film adaptation of Payday 3 is in the works, expanding the franchise beyond interactive entertainment.