A Fusion of Payday, Cyberpunk, and Heat: Den of Wolves Reinforces the Timeless Appeal of Co-op Heist Games

Everything fell apart. We really thought we had the perfect plan. My crew and I spent days preparing for the heist—scoping out that futuristic bank, collecting explosive supplies to break through windows, and setting up killer drones to sneak into the target zone while posing as regular delivery guys. We’d ironed out every detail to ensure it was foolproof. Yet, as with any thrilling heist, things took an unexpected turn.

The root of our downfall? Greed. Once we’d hacked into the cerebral mainframe of a tech mogul, secured the crucial data, and were poised to make our getaway, one of my teammates—part of the 10 Chambers development team, to boot—posed a question. “How about grabbing more loot from the other vaults?”

Why not, indeed? Our daring escape plan, involving a base jump from a skyscraper resembling those in Dubai, was set. A few extra bags of cash seemed harmless. But as we positioned ourselves at the mezzanine, chaos erupted. Security droids and mercenaries poured in, unleashing a hailstorm of bullets and shields. One teammate was caught in the thick of things in the lobby. Another, a 10 Chambers team member, got blindsided by a grenade. As I prepared to make our exit, someone with a DMR caught me off guard. And just like that, the heist crumbled.

This game nails the heist genre. I appreciate how elements can spiral out of control. One developer remarked on our predicament, “I’ve never seen so many enemies show up so quickly. Shows anything’s possible!” That unpredictability is what sets Den of Wolves apart from similar games. Unlike Payday and Payday 2, where you might dive into a mission with barely a skeleton of a plan, Den of Wolves demands intricate preparation. It’s all about strategy and precision.

In my mind, it plays out like a modern Ocean’s 11. One of you is the natural leader laying out the plan, another is the nonchalant follower, and there’s someone eager to take risks and make a statement. But in this game, you’re not just roleplaying; you’re executing detailed plans reminiscent of iconic heist films.

10 Chambers’ co-founder Simon Viklund likens it more to the film Heat, where you see the meticulous groundwork of heists unfold. And he’s spot on. In Den of Wolves, your caper begins with smaller missions where you gather essential gear, devise your escape route, and skew the odds in your favor.

Take, for instance, the prep mission leading to the main heist, which can last up to 40 minutes. Our team infiltrated a fortified building to grab an assault drone. That bit of strategy allowed us to smoothly enter the vault, as the drone made quick work of inside threats, setting the stage for our heist.

Viklund laughed, “It’s more serious and badass than Ocean’s films.” The game indeed offers more freedom in choosing your role—whether you’re going with stealth, sniping, or full assault depends on your prep work. Regrettably, my choice as a marksman didn’t pan out too well against the late-stage wave of adversaries. Perhaps more explosive gear would’ve made a difference.

Den of Wolves deepens the heist formula established by Payday, reflecting the team’s ample experience. The stakes are higher, choices matter more, and there’s always potential for things to spiral. This risk and challenge are familiar to the developers behind GTFO—a game known for its nail-biting co-op experience, but Den of Wolves is also accessible and fun. Our downfall was rooted in overconfidence.

The cyberpunk vibe enhances the tight, responsive, and exhilarating action. Weapons feel satisfyingly powerful—DMRs pack a punch, pistols feel more like cannon fire, and carrying a hefty loot bag shifts your balance as if you’re really lugging that weight. Shooting through a defensive shield feels strategic and rewarding, offering tactile satisfaction as the enemy’s attacks harmlessly deflect.

Considering the game isn’t available to the public yet—I’m playing a very early version—it’s impressively polished. The cycle of planning, prepping, infiltrating, stealing, and escaping creates a compelling feedback loop. With more weapons and customization, the experience promises to become even more thrilling. You can feel the legacy it carries, having gestated for some 15 years since Ulf Andersson first dreamed of a sci-fi heist experience.

Den of Wolves shines in execution, providing production quality and gameplay that Payday 3 didn’t quite manage. 10 Chambers has a golden opportunity with this co-op heist shooter, investing its passion into ensuring Den of Wolves stands out. It’s thoughtful in its approach to monetization and understands what the heist genre needs, ready to capture the hearts of players looking for a new thrill. Let’s hope they can maintain this momentum to deliver a truly exhilarating experience.

Soon, Den of Wolves will step into Early Access on PC, though a precise release timeline remains unknown.