Thirteen years after its initial launch, Payday 2 is undergoing a major technical overhaul managed by Sidetrack Games, following a handoff from developer Starbreeze. The update shifts the game from a 32-bit to a 64-bit architecture and migrates the engine from DirectX 9 to DirectX 11, according to official patch notes published on Steam. These changes aim to improve load times and performance while reducing the game’s file footprint from 86 GB to 32 GB.
Why is a 13-year-old game receiving engine updates?
Developer Sidetrack Games is prioritizing modernization to ensure long-term stability and compatibility with contemporary hardware. By moving to DirectX 11 and 64-bit support, the studio expects to reduce the strain on older systems while unlocking better performance on modern PCs. According to the studio, these technical improvements allow the game to support up to six players in a single session, an increase from the original four-player limit.
Despite the availability of a sequel, Payday 2 consistently maintains a daily concurrent player count of at least 30,000 on Steam, significantly outpacing Payday 3, which has struggled to retain an audience following its 2023 launch.
What happens to existing mods?
The technical transition will likely break many existing community-made modifications. Sidetrack Games confirmed that the engine update is expected to cause compatibility issues with current mods. However, the developer stated it intends to collaborate with the modding community to help restore functionality to popular add-ons following the official release of the update.
How does Payday 2 compare to its successor?
The market performance of the two titles highlights a disparity in player retention. While Payday 2 continues to see tens of thousands of active daily users, Payday 3 has struggled to sustain interest, with reports citing player counts dropping to approximately 1,000 concurrent users. This trend follows a difficult 2023 launch for Payday 3, which was marred by server instability and technical problems that prompted public apologies from leadership at Starbreeze.
If you currently use mods for Payday 2, back up your game files before the open beta begins on June 30. Expect a period of instability while the modding community updates their tools to match the new 64-bit engine architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does testing for the new Payday 2 update begin?
Sidetrack Games announced that public testing begins on June 30. Anyone who owns the game on Steam will have access to the open beta.
Will the game take up less space after the update?
Yes. According to the developer, the overhaul reduces the game’s storage requirements from 86 GB down to 32 GB.
Can I still play with four players?
Yes. The update increases the player cap to six, but the core four-player gameplay remains supported.
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