PAYDAY: Aces High: Starbreeze and Fast Travel Games Bring Heisting to VR
During the VR Games Showcase, Fast Travel Games unveiled PAYDAY: Aces High, an upcoming virtual reality cooperative heist game set within the universe of Starbreeze Entertainment’s acclaimed PAYDAY franchise. Slated for release on Quest and SteamVR in 2026, the game promises immersive, four-player co-op action.
Immersive Heists with The Aces
PAYDAY: Aces High allows players to step into the roles of “The Aces,” an elite group of heisters equipped with cutting-edge technology and weaponry. The premise centers around seeking revenge against business titan Warren Jupiter after being framed and incarcerated. Players will plan and execute heists targeting banks, museums, and even luxurious penthouse apartments.
Gameplay and Roles
The game emphasizes tactical planning and execution, with players choosing from four distinct Ace roles, each offering a unique gameplay style:
- Ace of Hearts: The Mastermind – Specializes in strategic planning and anticipating every possible outcome.
- Ace of Clubs: The Ghost – Excels in stealth and covert operations, moving undetected.
- Ace of Diamonds: The Technician – Focuses on utilizing gadgets and creating elaborate distractions.
- Ace of Spades: The Enforcer – A combat specialist, thriving in direct confrontations.
Arsenal and Progression
Players will have access to a comprehensive arsenal of weapons, including ARs, SMGs, shotguns, and pistols, alongside gadgets like grapple guns and sentry guns. Successful heists reward players with cash and reputation, enabling them to unlock improved skills, gear, and gadgets. The gameplay loop mirrors the core progression system of the PAYDAY series.
Collaboration and Development
The development of PAYDAY: Aces High is a collaborative effort between Fast Travel Games, a studio with a strong track record in VR development – including titles like Cities: VR and Apex Construct – and Starbreeze Entertainment, the creators of the PAYDAY franchise. Starbreeze CEO Adolf Kristjansson highlighted Fast Travel Games’ expertise as the ideal partnership to bring PAYDAY to virtual reality, emphasizing that Aces High is a dedicated VR experience built from the ground up, rather than a simple adaptation.
Franchise Success and Future Plans
The PAYDAY franchise boasts over 50 million players worldwide and has generated $400 million in lifetime revenue. Payday 3 generated SEK 76.5 million ($8.19 million) in sales during Starbreeze’s 2025 financial year, while Payday 2 contributed SEK 50.1 million ($5.37 million). Starbreeze remains committed to expanding the PAYDAY universe with future installments.
Players can wishlist PAYDAY: Aces High on the Horizon Store for Quest and on Steam for PC VR headsets.
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