5 Games You Should Play Before Payday 3

Robbing banks, casing lofty scores, and throwing down with the very best in the business for the highest take; it's in the very DNA of the Payday module, and it shines brightest when linked with its online multiplayer counterpart. That's partly the reason why it garners so much success, and it's also concrete proof why it warrants multiple sequels and expansions.

Anyway, Payday 3 may be just a stone's throw away, but that doesn't mean we're incapable of indulging in games of a similar style before launch day. And when we say similar games, we're strictly speaking about games and series that delve into the world of part-time robberies, legendary heists, and cutthroat betrayals. You know, everything Payday is known and celebrated for. On that note, these are the five best games to play while you wait for the third chapter to roll out.

5. ACT

ACT is an online multiplayer game for PC, one that utilizes a fair amount of role-playing elements to construct its base of operations. Although running with a relatively small player base, the simple yet promising concept is great for those looking to try something new with a few close friends. And, if the rules of Payday are enough to whet your appetite, then you'll definitely find some common ground somewhere around here.

In ACT, either four or six players engage in 10 minute bouts. During each session, each player is tasked with making the most money from one of several jobs. From a sly thief to an FBI agent, every user has their role; it's your place to liaise with your rivals to help divvy up the loot, or betray them and claw for a higher take. Whatever your call, know that loftier scores lead to higher rewards. The question is, should you make it to the top, will you share the podium?

4. Intruder

Intruder is a tactical role-playing game that pulls inspiration directly from games like Splinter Cell, Metal Gear Solid, and SWAT. Although still very much in its infancy, the Windows title already boasts a loyal player base, a number of quality modes, and a treasure trove of future improvements. At its heart, though, it's a bread and butter multiplayer experience, and one that has plenty of room for fresh innovations.

In Intruder, you choose to side with one of two factions: Intruders, a team of elite spies with the shared purpose of using stealth to complete a number of objectives, or the Guards, an armed bunch that aim to do all in their power to stop rivals from crumbling their protective barrier. As either team, you must work together to finish tasks while going toe-to-claw with the opposing side. Great fun, so long as you don't mind a few heated arguments between comrades.

3. Perfect Heist 2

Perfect Heist 2 takes the robbing banks schematic and puts it on a brand new, albeit slightly unorthodox canvas. Like games of its kind, the goal is to form a team, case a bank, and pull off one of many heists. However, rather than using stealth to overcome the guards, you're instead tasked with hiding in plain sight, meaning you'll have to fool the opposition into thinking you and your squad are nothing less than outstanding citizens.

This explosive online multiplayer game fires on all cylinders, providing a ridiculous amount of crazy fun for players of all backgrounds. With 32 playable classes to choose from, a bunch of maps and DLC to hone your skills in, and even more brewing in the pipeline, Perfect Heist 2 will have you and your virtual crime ring running back for more time and time again.

2. Sneak Thief

If you're looking at spending some time away from the hustle and bustle of the crime-based team building exercises, then be sure to check out Sneak Thief, a first-person stealth game that lets you carve your own legacy as an up-and-coming crook of multiple talents. From prime real estate to corporate complexes, every location has a back pocket, and it's your job to have a good old rifle around for the sake of boosting your own private gain.

Sneak Thief has a number of areas and levels for you to explore, and it all starts with prep work. Once initiated, it becomes a game of cat and mouse as you climb the ladder and become the most notorious robber in the criminal underworld. How you reach the apex, of course, is entirely up to you and your morality. The bottom line there is, well, how far are you willing to go to claim the throne?

1. Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand Theft Auto Online may be nearly a decade old, but that hasn't stopped Rockstar from shoveling content and new heists into it. And as of this moment, there are eight fully stocked heists to take part in with a crew, and the rewards for completing each are jaw-droppingly generous. Therefore, if you've still got a GTA Online profile kicking about, it might be worth investing in its few activities to help boost your bills before Payday 3 rolls out.

For those who don't know, Grand Theft Auto Online is the multiplayer counterpart to the critically acclaimed third-person action-adventure game. From the get-go, players can create a character and engage in a number of side activities, property acquisitions, and races. And then, of course, there are heists, which play out over a certain amount of time and consist of several playable segments. They're stupidly addictive, incredibly rewarding, and well worth replaying nearly a decade down the line.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.