There was a time when developers were focusing on a lot of tactical first-person games with horde shooting mechanics. PayDay 2 is a prime example of that since it is unrivaled even today. So, if you are craving a similar experience, you’re in luck because we’ve made a list of 10 games like PayDay 2.
Before making this list, I tried to find games that could scratch the itch PayDay 2 left. However, there weren’t a lot of games that felt similar. So, after trying out tons of games, the ones mentioned on this list will certainly help you feel familiar and have a great time as well.
Payday: The Heist
Release Date: October 2011
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3
Let’s start off this list with a game that is extremely similar to PayDay 2. We are, of course, talking about its predecessor, PayDay: The Heist. It is a cooperative first-person shooter where you have to complete various objectives with your friends while fighting tons of enemies.
Since it is a prequel to PayDay 2, you can expect tons of similar mechanics and an overall familiar tone as well. You get it all here, a horde shooter, completing objectives with your team, and the high tension of running out of time before you can complete the mission.
World War Z
Release Date: April 2019
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
World War Z is a third-person shooter that features extremely similar mechanics to Left For Dead 2. However, you’ll also be glad to know that it shares similarities with PayDay 2 in the sense that it is a great horde shooter where you have to fight hundreds of enemies and come out on top.
Plus, the overall gunplay is quite smooth and feels satisfying. You can also play with other players online to satisfy your need of playing co-op like in PayDay 2. Work with your team and defeat hordes of zombies while completing small objectives as well.
Killing Floor 2
Release Date: November 2016
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux
In Killing Floor 2, you will have to go up against swarms of zombies – called Zed – and mow them down. It is an open-world game that you can either play solo or with up to six additional players. Fans of the PayDay 2 multiplayer will love the co-op in this game as well.
The best part is that you can choose between various classes, each with its unique weapons and abilities. This keeps the game extremely fun as you can try out different characters to see which one you like most.
While this isn’t exactly like PayDay 2 since it is a zombie game, you can expect similar mechanics like fighting massive hordes. The game even has a separate mode where you have to complete objectives while you’re surrounded by swarms of enemies. This will feel like home to PayDay 2 fans.
GTFO
Release Date: December 2019
Platform: Microsoft Windows
As the slogan implies, you will have to work with your team in order to survive and take down enemies. If you try to be the hero and go guns blazing alone, you’ll have a tough time since the game is extremely difficult.
You can always expect to be outnumbered by hordes of monsters that are looking to take you down. There are multiple types of monsters that you can fight, which keeps the game interesting and fun.
Plus, you’ll have to complete certain objectives while fighting tons of enemies, which feels just like PayDay 2. However, keep in mind that this is more of a horror experience rather than focusing on fighting human enemies.
Ready or Not
Release Date: December 2021
Platform: Microsoft Windows
PayDay 2’s combat feels amazing, even if you play it today. Luckily, Read or Not is a tactical first-person shooter that focuses on realism and sublime gunplay. You take control of a police SWAT team and have to raid various areas to uncover illegal deals.
The best part is that you will have to watch out for civilians, or you’ll lose the game if you kill too many. This mechanic is similar to PayDay 2 where you get a penalty if you hit civilians too much. Plus, you’ll have to rely on taking cover and carefully fighting your enemies rather than going guns blazing.
Even if you weren’t looking for a game similar to PayDay 2, I would still suggest trying out Read or Not because it is a great tactical shooter that you can play online with friends.
Left 4 Dead
Release Date: November 2008
Platform: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Left For Dead is an iconic zombie survival game that is extremely popular with fans. While it is an old game, you can still expect to have tons of fun while playing the game with your friends. So, if you are craving a co-op experience like PayDay 2, Left For Dead is just the game for you.
In it, you will have to fight hordes of zombies while running around to either complete objectives or hold your ground to defend an area. When that horde comes, the tension runs high, and all hell breaks loose. You will have to stick to your plan and take down the horde before it gets to you.
Left 4 Dead 2
Release Date: November 2009
Platform: Xbox 360, Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS
Left For Dead 2 is a sequel to Left For Dead. Despite it being quite old at this point, the game still holds up in terms of fun, combat, and zombie fighting. Plus, if you are a fan of PayDay 2, you’ll love to know that Left For Dead 2 features a great horde shooting experience.
At the end of each level, you’ll have to hold out against a massive horde while completing small objectives. This falls perfectly in line with what PayDay 2 fans have come to expect. Plus, you’ll be glad to know that both games feature a somewhat similar shooting mechanic as well.
The best part is that this game enhances all the mechanics of its predecessor – which was already an amazing game. So, you can expect to have twice the fun while having a similar experience as well.
Warhammer: Vermintide
Release Date: March 2018
Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
Vermintide 2 is a first-person action where you have to take on hordes of enemies while running around and completing objectives. The overall premise of the game feels somewhat similar to PayDay 2 while being a completely different experience.
The best part is that you can play this game co-op with other players or with your friends online. This enhances the overall experience and makes the game extremely fun as well. If you were looking for a game that is like PayDay 2, but in a fantasy setting, Vermintide 2 is perfect for you.
While you can play Vermintide 1 as well, I would suggest that you stick with the sequel. Since it made a lot of improvements over the original and introduced new mechanics that makes the game more enjoyable.
Raid: WW2
Release Date: September 2017
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Raid: WW2 is an action-packed four-player cooperative shooter set during a time when the Nazi war machine was still going strong. The co-op feels amazing, and if you are a fan of the PayDay 2 multiplayer, this will feel just the same.
You can choose from four different classes with their own highly developed skill tree and War Cry – a powerful ability that can be unleashed to buff yourself or the entire team. This keeps the game fresh, as you can play a different class in the next round to keep things interesting.
While you aren’t running around robbing banks, you will be completing the ultimate heist in Raid: WW2 which is to take down Hitler.
Deep Rock Galactic
Release Date: February 2018
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Deep Rock Galactic is a cooperative first-person shooter that features similar mechanics to PayDay 2. It is also a horde shooter where you have to fight tons of enemies and complete objectives.
The best part is that you can co-op with up to 4 players, which makes the overall game extremely fun and enjoyable. Plus, each map has procedurally generated caves and destructible environments to enhance your immersion.
It is an amazing horde shooter that you should try out if you are a fan of the genre and are looking for similar titles to PayDay 2.
Conclusion
And there you have it; those are 10 games like PayDay 2. If you finished PayDay 2 and are craving a similar experience, make sure that you try out some of the games mentioned on this list. They not only feel similar but some of them also have a lot of familiar mechanics as well.
What do you think of PayDay 2? Which game do you think feels similar to it? We would love to hear which game you found to be the best on this list in the comments below!
