The beauty of Payday 3 is that it allows you to play however you want. One of the most fun ways for players to complete heists in Payday 3 is through stealth loadouts. The stealth mechanics have improved heavily in this sequel, making for very satisfying matches. But don’t fool yourself; stealth builds and heists in Payday 3 can challenging and take practice to master.
This article will cover everything you need to know for your stealth run in Payday 3. Stay with us and learn how to be as quiet as an owl and as deadly as a black widow on your next heist!
Is Stealth in Payday 3 Fun?
While stealth runs might be boring for some in Payday 3, there is no denying the satisfaction of completing a heist without triggering any alarms, especially after seeing the juicy payout you get afterward.
There is an idea that stealth is harder than guns blazing, but both are challenging in their own way. To be fair, on stealth runs, you don’t have to deal with bulldozers or cloakers jump scaring you at every corner of the map.
You can also play stealth runs in lots of different ways. For instance, you can use a stealthy sniper build in Payday 3. Alternatively, you can try to get in and out without firing a single shot. There are many choices available to you, and in this guide, we will provide you with the most versatile and best stealth build in Payday 3.
Stealth builds are extremely fun and satisfying once you learn and master most of the mechanics of Payday 3, but it takes a lot of patience and practice. If, instead, you just want to go in guns blazing right from the start, check out the best loud build for Payday 3.
How Does Stealth Work in Payday 3
When preparing for a stealth run in Payday 3, there is a significant amount of preparation work and analysis required before initiating the heist. Various variables need to be taken into consideration before jumping into a match.
Security Guards and Civilians
The placement of security guards and civilians is random, and while there are some common spots, the quantity and patterns may vary.
Security Cameras
Cameras play a crucial role in slowing down your progress, and it is your responsibility to hack, shoot, or deactivate them. Keep in mind that shooting cameras might alert guards.
Alarms
There are different ways in which alarms can be triggered in this game, and it is crucial for you to be aware of every action you take during a heist.
Difficulty Levels
Many of these aforementioned variables may change depending on the difficulty level you choose to play on. Therefore, we highly recommend becoming familiar with each difficulty level to anticipate what to expect from each heist.
Best Payday 3 Stealth Build
One of the great aspects of this franchise is that players have the flexibility to customize their loadouts according to their playstyle. In this article, we have decided to include the META and share what has worked exceptionally well for us during our playthrough of stealth heists.
We strongly recommend trying out various options in Payday 3 to create your own unique stealth build. These recommendations can assist you in crafting the perfect loadout that suits you best.
Essential Skills for a Great Stealth Build in Payday 3
Let’s delve into the four skill trees available, each of which can be focused on individually or combined to enhance your stealth abilities during heists.
Hacker
This skill tree focuses heavily on jamming and disrupting enemy equipment, including cameras. It is particularly effective for luring enemies and creating distractions.
Infiltrator
The Infiltrator skill tree is straightforward and primarily improves lockpicking, throwables, and looting abilities. By investing in this tree, you can greatly enhance your stealth capabilities.
Feel free to explore these skill trees and tailor your loadout to become a master of stealth in Payday 3!
Grifter
The Grifter skill tree is excellent for stealth builds in Payday 3 and heists where you don’t have to wear your mask. Cameras will take a long time to detect you, and it also improves lockpicking abilities when handcuffed by a guard.
CQC Specialist
CQC Specialist is the perfect tree for those who want a passive-aggressive approach to their stealth runs, as it improves takedown speeds, human shield effectiveness, and intimidation.
12 Best Skills in Payday 3 for Stealth Players
These are all the skills that are helpful overall for stealthy players. Most of the skills below will decrease the chances of getting detected, lure enemies, and improve speed and hacking abilities.
- Grifter – Grifter
- Social Engineering – Grifter
- Walk the Walk – Grifter
- Open Mic – Grifter
- Infiltrator – Infiltrator
- Quick Fingers – Infiltrator
- Hacker – Hacker
- Glitch Protocol – Hacker
- Signal Catch – Hacker
- Appliance Breach – Hacker
- Secure Loop – Hacker
- Swift – Escapist
Best Primary Weapons for Stealth Build in Payday 3
CAR-4 With Silencer Barrel Extension
The CAR-4 is the very first assault rifle you will get access to in Payday 3 and has everything you need for your stealth build. It offers decent damage with laser accuracy and good handling. Moreover, it can be silenced to help players remain undetected. This is such a great weapon that it made the S-tier of our Payday 3 weapons tier list, ranking all guns in the game.
FIK PC9 With Snub Silencer
If you want something lighter with a better fire rate and handling, then the FIK PC9 submachine gun is what you need. A good submachine gun is excellent for players who prioritize accuracy through volume and speed.
We decided to go for the Snub Silencer for our stealth loadout in Payday 3 as it doesn’t affect distance. This is in contrast to the Obelisk Silencer, which improves the spread of the weapon but sacrifices damage distance.
Most Reliable Sidearms
Signature 40 With Snub Silencer
The Signature 40 is the first sidearm you get in Payday 3 and is what you will be using primarily during stealth runs to silently take down guards and cameras early in the game. The Signature 40 is 100% effective, and you won’t regret using it.
SP Model 11 With Snub Silencer
If you feel fancier and want more firepower and precision, then the silenced SP Model 11 is what you want. Unlocked at level 38, the SP Model 11 is an extremely powerful pistol that will destroy enemies on stealth runs and is helpful if things go loud.
Best Payday 3 Equipment For Stealth Builds
Most Useful Deployables for Stealth Players in Payday 3
Unless you go in guns blazing or mess up your heist run, deployables will be almost irrelevant as they mainly benefit you in combat. The deployable category includes the Ammo Bag, Medic Bag, Armor Bag, and Sentry Turret. None of these items will be handy in a stealth run in Payday 3, but it is always good to be prepared if things go differently.
Best Throwable Equipment for Stealth Heists in Payday 3
Unless you have terrible aim or don’t trust yourself enough to complete a heist fully on stealth, there is no reason not to carry the Throwing Knives in a stealth run. The Throwing Knife instantly takes out any guard and can knock out cameras. Additionally, this throwable is as quiet as possible, so you don’t have to worry about alerting nearby enemies when using it in your Payday 3 stealth build
Related Article: Get Started with Payday 3 for Beginners
What Tools to Carry for a Stealth Run
ECM Jammer
The ECM Jammer is the ultimate tool to have on your stealth run. With its ability to slow down cameras and radio equipment, it makes it nearly impossible to be detected. This game-changing device ensures that you can navigate through the mission undetected.
MicroCam
On the other hand, the MicroCam is a valuable tool for monitoring the angles where guards are patrolling. It provides a safer approach and helps you understand enemy patterns more effectively. This handy gadget is a game-changer when it comes to making strategic moves and staying one step ahead of your adversaries.
Best Armor to Wear for a Stealth Run in Payday 3
Standard Lining
The Standard Lining Armor strikes a perfect balance between protection and movement speed. Although it may not be as lightweight as the Light Ballistic Lining armor, it provides excellent mobility while ensuring your safety during intense heists where you need to unleash your firepower.
Light Ballistic Lining
If you are confident in your stealth abilities and desire exceptionally high movement speed, opt for the Light Ballistic Lining. While this armor offers minimal protection, it significantly boosts your movement speed, allowing you to swiftly navigate your surroundings.
Final Thoughts on How to Build a Stealth Loadout in Payday 3
To create an optimized stealth loadout in Payday 3, careful consideration of skills, weapons, equipment, and armor is crucial. The Grifter, Infiltrator, Hacker, and Escapist skill trees play a vital role in enhancing your stealth, hacking, and speed abilities. By crafting a stealth build in Payday 3, you can immerse yourself in a strategic and covert gameplay experience.
We hope this guide has helped you learn and master your kit to enjoy your stealth runs. If you’re looking forward to playing on a console because you like to use a controller more than a mouse and keyboard, check out our Payday 3 controller support guide. Similarly, if you haven’t yet purchased the game, check out our step-by-step guide on how to buy Payday 3.
