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PAYDAY 2

Review · Action · Linux · PC · Xbox One

PAYDAY 2

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

Linux · PC · Xbox One

505 Games · 2013

Ludograph rating

B

Good

59 /100

Automated review

PAYDAY 2 is an action shooter that builds problem solving and strategic thinking through cooperative heists, but contains intense violence and strong language.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 60 · R 43
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

60

Risk (RIS)

43

Daily limit

–

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.68
B2Social-emotional
0.43
B3Motor
0.65

PAYDAY 2 offers a high-intensity cooperative experience that demands strategic thinking, problem-solving, and close teamwork to execute complex heists. Players must adapt to changing situations and coordinate effectively with their team members, fostering communication and collaboration skills. The game's customizable loadouts and skill trees allow for diverse playstyles and encourage experimentation.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.57
R2Monetization
0.21
R3Social risk
0.44

The game's primary risks stem from its mature content, including frequent intense violence and strong language. The focus on criminal activities and lack of ethical repercussions may be concerning for some players. While the cooperative nature promotes teamwork, the competitive aspects and potential for social comparison among players could lead to negative interactions. The game also utilizes some compulsion-loop design techniques, such as variable rewards and infinite play loops, which could contribute to extended play sessions.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.33
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Heads up

  • Monthly spendTypical real-money spend by engaged players: $0 – $10/mo.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Not yet assessed·GDPR-K — Not yet assessed·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Avg playtime~9 hReviewedApr 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is PAYDAY 2 safe for kids?

Ludograph gives PAYDAY 2 a rating of 59/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is PAYDAY 2 appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for PAYDAY 2, based on benefits, risks, and content review. That is more lenient than ESRB AO: industry ratings reflect content intensity, while ours also weighs how the game is designed to be played.

How long should kids play PAYDAY 2?

We don't publish a daily session budget for PAYDAY 2: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of PAYDAY 2?

The game's primary risks stem from its mature content, including frequent intense violence and strong language. The focus on criminal activities and lack of ethical repercussions may be concerning for some players. While the cooperative nature promotes teamwork, the competitive aspects and potential for social comparison among players could lead to negative interactions. The game also utilizes som