Payday 3introduces a new weapon type called ‘Overkill’. These are equipped in a third slot separate from your primary and secondary weapons as they’re more like special abilities. You start out with the grenade launcher but, after playing enough, come to unlock a hefty sniper that can put a dent in even the strongest of response units.

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Payday 3 Overkill weapons menu showing the Marcom Mamba MGL and locked HET-5 Red-Fox

The training mode shows you how they work if you want to see them in action, but there’s far more to Overkill weapons than simply deploying them, like when they’re useful and how you unlock them. Let’s break it down.

How Many Overkill Weapons Are There?

As of writing,there are only two Overkill weapons- the Marcom Mamba MGL grenade launcher and the HET-5 Red Fox sniper.

The grenade launcher has arevolver barrel that holds six rounds.You can dole out some serious damage before having to reload.

Payday 3 Het-5 Red Fox sniper over a yellow and orange comic background

The sniper meanwhile has incredibly low recoiland even comes witha thermal scope. It’ssemi-automaticandholds 20 rounds.

How To Unlock The HET-5 Red Fox Sniper

To unlock the HET-5 Red Fox sniper, all you need to do isreach Infamy Level 40.

You can do this bycompleting challengesand heists.Once you’ve reached level 40, it’scompletely freeand can be equipped in place of the grenade launcher.

Payday 3 civilians queing up to be served at Secure Capital Bank

How To Deploy Overkill Weapons

In thebottom right of your HUD will be an Overkill meter.You canfill this by completing objectives and killing enemies.

Once it’s full, aprompt will appearto deploy your weapon.On PC, it’s ‘Z’.

thermite burning through a floor in Payday 3

When you press the prompt, apackage will be delivered in front of you containing the Overkill weapon.Simplyinteract with it and you’ll equip it automatically.

How To Choose The Best Overkill Weapon For Your Build

The grenade launcher is not subtle.That goes without saying. You’re firing off explosives that are going tomake a lot of noise.As such, it’sbest used when you’re going loud and need to take out crowds.

If you liketaking hostagesand fighting waves of cops,the grenade launcher is perfect. It can easily dispatch several enemies at once in rapid succession.It’s best used for mid-range builds, complimenting assault rifles.

The sniper is still a loud weapon,but it’sbetter for long-range buildsthat will providecover fire.If your teammates are focused on enemies within your proximity,you can take out snipers from afar or hold back reinforcements before they get close.

The sniper is best for a support role, such as the team medic, as you may keep your squad safe without having to put yourself in too much danger.