Is PAYDAY 2 Left 4 Dead? Separating Fact From Fiction
No, PAYDAY 2 is not Left 4 Dead. While the two games share some superficial similarities and even feature in-game references to one another, they exist as separate intellectual properties developed by different companies (Overkill Software for PAYDAY 2 and Valve Corporation for Left 4 Dead). The connection is more of an easter egg and a nod to the zombie genre than a canonical link. Overkill Software has even created an Overkill mission for Payday: Heist that is simply set in no mercy hospital from the Left 4 Dead series. It is not telling the origins of the Infection and is not canon.
Unraveling the Connection: Shared DNA and Easter Eggs
Both PAYDAY 2 and Left 4 Dead fall under the umbrella of cooperative first-person shooter (FPS) games. Both are objective-based, involve teamwork, and pit players against hordes of enemies. However, the core gameplay loop and narrative are distinct. Left 4 Dead focuses on zombie survival, while PAYDAY 2 revolves around heists and criminal activities.
The inclusion of Left 4 Dead references in PAYDAY 2, such as L4D infected action figures on some maps and x-ray images referencing the Left 4 Dead logo, are intentional nods designed to delight fans of both franchises. These elements function as easter eggs rather than evidence of a shared universe. One of the x-rays the player can find depicts a hand with the thumb severed, reminiscent of the Left 4 Dead logo.
The “No Mercy” Heist: A Crossover, Not a Prequel
The most significant point of confusion arises from the “No Mercy” heist in PAYDAY: The Heist (the predecessor to PAYDAY 2). This heist takes place in the Mercy Hospital from the original Left 4 Dead campaign. While it might seem like a prequel hinting at the origins of the zombie outbreak, Valve has explicitly stated that this is NOT the case. It’s merely a mission set in a familiar location, not an origin story. This was clarified by Chet Faliszek of Valve, who stated that the video’s description of it being a prequel was “the work of ‘some over-excited marketing guys.'”
The gameplay in the “No Mercy” heist doesn’t offer any context to the zombie pandemic in the Left 4 Dead universe. Instead, the PAYDAY gang completes their specific objectives within the familiar hospital setting.
Other Connective Tissue: Crossovers and Parallels
While the core narratives remain separate, PAYDAY 2 has a history of crossover content. For example, John Wick appeared in PAYDAY 2 as part of a cross-promotion deal with Lionsgate Studios to promote the 2014 film, John Wick. This doesn’t mean John Wick exists in the same universe as PAYDAY 2, but rather that it was a mutually beneficial marketing strategy. Similarly, the Left 4 Dead references should be viewed as a playful acknowledgment of a shared genre, rather than a true connection.
Exploring the Allure of Crossover Content
Crossovers in video games, like the Left 4 Dead nods in PAYDAY 2, serve several purposes:
- Fan Service: Appealing to fans of both franchises by including recognizable elements and characters.
- Marketing: Generating buzz and attracting new players to both games through cross-promotion.
- World-Building (Sometimes): Occasionally, crossovers can expand the lore of a particular game, but this is not the case with PAYDAY 2 and Left 4 Dead.
The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores the impact of video games on learning and culture, and crossovers offer a fascinating case study in how games can leverage existing fanbases and narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is PAYDAY 2 a prequel to Left 4 Dead?
No. Valve has confirmed that the “No Mercy” heist, which takes place in the Mercy Hospital from Left 4 Dead, is not canon to the Left 4 Dead universe.
2. What are the Left 4 Dead references in PAYDAY 2?
The most prominent references include L4D infected action figures, and x-ray images referencing the Left 4 Dead logo.
3. Is the “No Mercy” heist in PAYDAY 1/The Heist canon to Left 4 Dead?
No, it is not considered canon.
4. Are PAYDAY 2 and Left 4 Dead made by the same company?
No. PAYDAY 2 is developed by Overkill Software, while Left 4 Dead is developed by Valve Corporation.
5. Is PAYDAY 3 connected to Left 4 Dead?
There are no known or announced connections between PAYDAY 3 and Left 4 Dead.
6. What kind of game is Left 4 Dead?
Left 4 Dead is a cooperative first-person shooter (FPS) focused on zombie survival.
7. What kind of game is PAYDAY 2?
PAYDAY 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter (FPS) focused on heists and criminal activities.
8. Are there zombies in PAYDAY 2?
While there aren’t “true” zombies in the Left 4 Dead sense, PAYDAY 2 does feature enemies like the cloakers and dozers that can feel somewhat zombie-like in their relentless aggression.
9. Is John Wick connected to Left 4 Dead?
No. John Wick’s presence in PAYDAY 2 is a cross-promotional event. He is not related to the Left 4 Dead universe. John Wick appeared as a crossover cosmetic outfit in the battle royale game Fortnite. This was the result of young players mistaking Reeves for another outfit named The Reaper.
10. What is the plot of Left 4 Dead?
Left 4 Dead follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world overrun by a highly contagious and deadly virus that turns people into zombies.
11. What is the plot of PAYDAY 2?
PAYDAY 2 centers on a crew of criminals carrying out a series of increasingly elaborate heists to earn money and build their reputation.
12. Are PAYDAY 1 and PAYDAY 2 connected?
Yes. PAYDAY 2 is the direct sequel to PAYDAY: The Heist.
13. What other games is PAYDAY 2 connected to?
PAYDAY 2 has connections to Scarface, Hotline Miami, Sons of Anarchy, and John Wick.
14. What is the gameplay like in Left 4 Dead 2?
Left 4 Dead 2 offers a co-op campaign where players fight through hordes of zombies using a variety of weapons, with an emphasis on teamwork and resource management.
15. Why is Left 4 Dead called Left 4 Dead?
Valve says the cover represents the title of the game, due to the hand being the “left” hand while only having “4” fingers while also being “dead,” making up the title (Left 4 Dead).
In conclusion, while PAYDAY 2 and Left 4 Dead share some similarities and enjoy crossover content, they remain distinct games with different themes, stories, and game mechanics. Any connections are more like an easter egg, not a canonical link. The crossover missions in PAYDAY aren’t a prequel, and they aren’t telling the origins of the Infection. The inclusion of Left 4 Dead elements is more of an easter egg to fans, not a canonical link.