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PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION

Review · Action · Xbox One · PlayStation 4

PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION

Reviewed: 03 May 2026

Xbox One · PlayStation 4

505 Games · 2013

Ludograph rating

B

Good

61 /100

Automated review

PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION is an action shooter that develops strategic thinking and teamwork through cooperative heist gameplay, with intense violence.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 46 · R 10
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

46

Risk (RIS)

10

Daily limit

–

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.50
B2Social-emotional
0.33
B3Motor
0.55

PAYDAY 2 offers strong cooperative gameplay, requiring teamwork and strategic thinking to execute heists. Players will engage in problem-solving and spatial awareness to navigate environments and achieve objectives. The game also demands hand-eye coordination and quick reactions during combat sequences.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.13
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.17

The game contains frequent intense violence, including gunfights and explosions, with a focus on criminal activities. There are also references to illegal substances and strong language. While it promotes teamwork, the game's subject matter could desensitize players to criminal behavior. Some compulsion-loop design tactics are present, though not as pronounced as in other titles.

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
0.33

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

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·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.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • 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.

ReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION safe for kids?

Ludograph gives PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION a rating of 61/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION?

We don't publish a daily session budget for PAYDAY 2: THE CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION: 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 CRIMEWAVE COLLECTION?

The game contains frequent intense violence, including gunfights and explosions, with a focus on criminal activities. There are also references to illegal substances and strong language. While it promotes teamwork, the game's subject matter could desensitize players to criminal behavior. Some compulsion-loop design tactics are present, though not as pronounced as in other titles.