Payday 2 Crimewave has a first person shooter game play that combines elements of stealth and tactical shooter genres. Players take the role of bank robbers who must properly execute some daring heists throughout major cities the United States. Dressed in suits and ties and covered in clown masks, the robbers are on the ultimate spree to get away with some serious cash. Payday 2 Crimewave encourages the use of stealth tactics to minimize the unleashing of violent Force such as shots from rifles and pistols. Disabling security cameras and silencing civilian witnesses are some of the tactics that are used in this game. There is also an emphasis on cooperation between the characters that must act as a cohesive unit during the heists.