Payday 2 is receiving a major engine upgrade that should improve performance, stability, loading behaviour, and storage use for PC players. The Diesel 3.0 update moves the 13-year-old shooter to 64-bit architecture and DirectX 11, while reducing the installation size from roughly 86GB to around 32GB.
The update will first enter open beta on Steam on June 30. There are no announced plans for console versions, so the changes currently appear to be limited to the PC release.
For a game that has been supported for more than a decade, this is a significant technical overhaul. Rather than adding a new heist, weapon pack, or DLC, the update focuses on the game’s underlying code and engine systems.
64-Bit Support Removes an Old Memory Limitation
One of the largest changes is the move from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture. Older 32-bit games are limited to using around 4GB of system memory, which can create stability problems when games grow more complex through updates, assets, and mods.
With 64-bit support, Payday 2 should be able to use more memory when needed. That may help reduce crashes, improve compatibility with modern PCs, and give mod creators more room for larger projects.
| Upgrade | Expected benefit |
|---|---|
| 64-bit architecture | Better memory use and improved stability |
| DirectX 11 | Lower VRAM use and stronger compatibility |
| Reworked game packaging | Smaller installation size |
| New engine backend | Potentially faster loading and smoother performance |
| Steam beta testing | Time for players and modders to report issues |
The change is especially relevant for Payday 2’s modding community. Many players use custom maps, gameplay tweaks, visual overhauls, and interface modifications, all of which can place additional pressure on an older game engine.
DirectX 11 Should Help Lower-End Hardware
Payday 2 is also moving from DirectX 9 to DirectX 11. This does not appear to be a visual upgrade focused on better graphics, but it could still improve the game in important ways.
DirectX 11 can offer more efficient rendering support on newer hardware and may reduce video memory use. That could help players on lower-end GPUs, older laptops, or systems that struggle with the game’s current performance profile.
The update may not make Payday 2 look dramatically different, but smoother operation and fewer technical issues would be more valuable for many players.
The Install Size Is Dropping by More Than Half
The storage reduction is one of the most noticeable improvements. Payday 2 currently takes up around 86GB, but the new packaging system is expected to lower that to roughly 32GB.
| Version | Approximate install size |
|---|---|
| Current Payday 2 build | 86GB |
| Diesel 3.0 update | 32GB |
| Estimated space saved | Around 54GB |
That change should make the game easier to install on smaller SSDs and handheld PCs, where storage space can disappear quickly. It could also reduce download time for players installing the game again after a long break.
Mods May Break During the Transition
The engine rewrite is likely to break many existing mods at first. The developers have warned that the update changes large parts of the codebase, which means custom tools and modifications may need updates before they work properly again.
The open beta is meant to give modders time to test their work and repair anything affected by the new architecture. For players who rely heavily on mods, it may be wise to wait for compatibility updates before moving to the new version permanently.
The Diesel 3.0 update is an unusual but welcome investment in a game released in 2013. Payday 2 may be old, but the move to 64-bit support, DirectX 11, and a much smaller install suggests the developers are still trying to make it easier to play on modern PCs.
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