An enhanced version of the game, subtitled Crimewave Edition, was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in June 2015[4] and for the Nintendo Switch in February 2018.

The player can participate in a variety of heists, including but not limited to robberies of banks, shops and armored cars, and producing and distributing narcotics.

The game differs from the previous by allowing much more customization of the player (aesthetically and gameplay-wise), somewhat improved graphical interface and experience, more variety and playability in levels, and has reworked stealth mechanics.

Mixed in with these are special units; all versions of Payday 2 include the "Shield" and the "Taser" - both named for their signature equipment, the "Bulldozer" - a SWAT team member in a modified near-bulletproof bomb suit, snipers, and the "Cloaker" - an infiltration and hand-to-hand combat expert.

Exclusive to the PC and Crimewave editions are near-indestructible SWAT van turrets, capable of area denial, a medic capable of returning an enforcer to full health with no status effects, and Captain Winters, a well-protected veteran police officer who sustains assaults and buffs enemies until he can be driven off.

During the 4th day of "The Search For Kento" event the Crime Spree game mode was added, in which players complete heists consecutively to earn large rewards.

Hoxton (portrayed by Josh Lenn, voiced by Pete Gold), the fourth member in the previous game, has been arrested by the FBI and replaced by Dallas' brother Houston (Derek Ray).

This catches the eye of "The Dentist" (Giancarlo Esposito), a middleman for a number of wealthy clients, who offers to help break Hoxton out.

This is revealed to be Hector Morales, one of the contractors, who made a deal with the FBI in exchange for protection; the gang raids his safehouse and kills him.

Throughout this time, the gang took on larger contracts, which included stealing a famous and valuable diamond, retrieving nuclear weaponry, and infiltrating highly guarded establishments, as well as recruiting more members.

Law enforcement and government officials grow frustrated with the increasing crime rate; in spite of their efforts, the gang remains elusive.

A new contractor, former private military company Murkywater major Locke (Ian Russell), enlists the gang's help before double-crossing them.

Later, while attempting to get back at him, Bain is captured by an unknown group but tells the gang to trust Locke; the betrayal was a cover for their benefit.

Before his demise, he sees the gang carry out their final grand heist: infiltrate the White House and steal valid unused Presidential pardons to get away with all their criminal past.

The first weapon pack DLCs were mostly named after the gang's arms dealer, Gage,[16] who was introduced in the Payday webseries used to promote the game.

[19] In 2015, a second Lionsgate collaboration featuring Point Break was released containing two heists ("Beneath the Mountain" and "Birth of Sky") and Bodhi, a character inspired by the film.

[27] Development of further Payday 2 content was halted in December 2018, amid financial troubles at Overkill parent company Starbreeze Studios.

After Starbreeze had gone through a lengthy restructuring process, it announced in October 2019 that Overkill would resume previously halted work on the game, and produce new paid DLC.

As of June 2023, 12 DLC heists have been added: Border Crossing, San Martín Bank, Breakfast in Tijuana, Buluc's Mansion, Dragon Heist, Ukrainian Prisoner, Black Cat, Mountain Master, Midland Ranch, Lost in Transit, Hostile Takeover and Crude Awakening along with additional content packs such as weapon packs and other cosmetics.

[28] In October 2021, Starbreeze collaborated with Luke Millanta to create and release the Spooky Scary Halloween Update, a collection of Halloween-themed player suits, masks and weapon charms.

[29][30] Announced for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the Crimewave Edition of Payday 2 includes many features and add-ons from the PC version of the game.

Vince Ingenito of IGN praised its cooperative gameplay, stealth mechanics and sound design, but was not as impressed at graphical quality.

[11] Dan Whitehead of Eurogamer stated that "When all its clunky gear suddenly align, the result remains phenomenal: a combination of Left 4 Dead's randomly generated mayhem and the muscular precision of a hardcore shooter, topped off with the big screen frisson of being the smart-suited, fright-masked guy with the AK, ordering the hostages onto the floor or standing in the street, holding off the SWAT team in a flurry of cordite and thunder.

"[12] Craig Owens of PC Gamer concluded that this game is a "smart co-op shooting slightly undermined by poor stealth mechanics and dogged insistence on withholding the best toys".

[44] On 20 October 2015 the aforementioned drills were added to the card drop system, however this did not quell the backlash and Overkill was criticized for poor management of the controversy and silence to the press.