Payday 3 Early Access Launch Hit by Technical Woes: Server Crashes and PlayStation 5 Issues

Payday 3 has entered the realm of early access, but its debut has been marred by a slew of technical difficulties. As eager players dive into Payday 3 for the first time, the game's account servers have been struggling to maintain stability. Additionally, PlayStation 5 users have encountered an unexpected setback – they are currently playing an older version of Payday 3 rather than the anticipated launch version. Starbreeze Studios, the developer behind the game, is actively addressing these issues.

The anticipation for the third installment in the Payday series began way back in 2016, marking a seven-year journey to its release. With the official launch date set for September 21, players seeking early access can obtain it by purchasing the Silver or Gold Editions of Payday 3, priced at $69.99 and $89.99, respectively.

However, it might be advisable to exercise caution and await the full release of Payday 3, given the hiccups during the early access phase. Shortly after its launch, Payday 3's account servers encountered a severe crash. The Starbreeze Nebula, a mandatory login platform for all players across different platforms, displayed an error indicating that the servers were inaccessible. While the website appears to be operational now, some players still report ongoing login issues.

Another challenge affecting Payday 3's early access revolves around the game's current version on PlayStation 5. Those who pre-ordered on PS5 are playing an older iteration that lacks synchronization with other platforms, rendering crossplay unavailable. Furthermore, these players are unable to access in-game rewards and bonuses tied to their pre-orders. Starbreeze developers assert that this issue is "beyond their control," with Sony actively working on a patch.

To its credit, Starbreeze has maintained transparency regarding the ongoing issues with Payday 3's early access and is actively working to implement fixes wherever possible. For instance, players on the Epic Games Store had trouble progressing past the game's introductory screen, but according to the Payday 3 Twitter account, this problem has since been resolved.

Historically, early access serves as an opportunity for game developers to stress-test servers and address technical glitches before the full player base joins the fray. While this holds true for Payday 3, the fact that players had to pay for early access may not sit well with some, as every hour of server inaccessibility diminishes the value for those who invested. Nonetheless, it serves as a reminder of the risks associated with pre-ordering games, a practice that continues to raise concerns. With any luck, Payday 3 players will ultimately find the early access experience worth their investment.