Payday 2: The Loud Meta DW+

This article is to help you win those loud heists on Death Wish or above.

First of all I would like to mention that I recommend that when playing a Loud heist on DW or above, have at least on friend in the game, and at least 1 AI as to help with reviving you at times since the AI crew members are very OP in terms of life and almost never get downed unless tazed / dropkicked.

Perk Deck
First of all lets discuss the perk deck, for one the the most viable option at this moment is the Rogue perk deck. There is an alternate DW maniac build but still does not come close to the perks of the Rogue build at this stage of the META. The rogue perk deck grants the player increased dodge, weapon swap speed and makes u less likely to be targeted by enemies when near crew members (Another reason to always have at least one AI crew member).

A more detailed description of the perk deck bonusses:
+45% dodge 
-15% chance to be targeted when you are close to your crew members 
+25% chance to pierce enemy armor 
+80% weapon swap speed

Skills
The skills for this promotes taking hostages, quickly placing doc bags and getting extra dodge chance.

•   Mastermind
  •  Controller
    
    • Forced Friendship
    • Confident Aced
    • Joker Aced
    • Parners in Crime Aced
    • Hostage Taker Aced
• Enforcer
  • Shotgunner
    • Underdog Aced
  • Tank
    • Resillience Aced
    • Transporter
    • Die Hard
  • Ammo Specialist
    • Scavenger
• Technician
  • Oppressor
    • Steady Grip
• Ghost
  
  • Artful Dodger
    • Duck and Cover Aced
    • Parkour Aced
    • Shockproof
    • Dire need
    • Sneaky Bastard Aced
  • Silent Killer
    • Second Wind
    • Optical illusion
    • Low Blow
• Fugitive
  • Revenant
    • 9 Lives Aced
    • Swan Song

Loadout

Primary:

Secondary:
GL 40 Grenade Launcher - So Lets talk about the exceptions of the enemies the crossbow does not kill with 1 shot namely the hated Dozer. The strategy with this is to shoot 1/2 shots to remove face plate and then put a bold right through there for an instant kill. Shields are also easily taken care of with this weapon. (No mods needed)

Melee:
Electrical brass knuckles - Easier to intimidate enemies hit with an electric weapon

Throwable:
Anything you want, I enjoy using dinamite / HE grenade

Armour:
2 piece suite

Deployable:
Doctor bag - ESSENTIAL

Link to build: http://pd2tools.com/l/9bcdd6705943d64163c15e7691aadcbf

Strategy
So when running a DW+ heist on Loud the most important things are:

• Find a good hiding spot - Anywhere where u can place a doctor bag where u can use it without being too exposed.
• CONVERT, CONVERT, CONVERT! - Nothing is more important to have converted enemies that soak up a lot of damage (With the perk and skills of not being targeted these are essential) When you start the heist look for the starting security gaurds or any units too quickly give one punch, down and convert. As you progress the heist always look to take hostages and constantly convert enemies.
• Use that grenade launcher. The GL40 gains ammo very fast as each 1-2 ammo drops from enemies gives it a shell. Therefore you can liberally use it when moving around. Blast through groups of enemies while running through them as to keep that ammo up and get from goal to goal. Ammo is rarely a problem for this weapon on DW+ difficulties because of the amount of enemy spawns and the requirement of a lot of movement. 
• Snipers are cancer - Do not stand in the open where snipers can target you, if there is no choice make sure to take them out the second you see them as they will down you almost instantly. If you are struggling with the bow and snipers take them out with the grenade launcher but best is to stay in positions and take routes where they cannot target you.

This build thrives on running around. With the perk deck you already gain 45% dodge, and another 10% while running therefore try to keep on the move between points. You need to focus on running between covers, if it is a small tree, a pole whatever you can have, it should go from run to cover while blowing up enemies, assess next point of cover and run to that, repeat. It takes some getting used to. Whenever you see a dozer make sure to take it as they have the ability to easily eliminate converted enemies which is your main source of survival for this build. Using them as meat shields and as a source of health is essential on these difficulites. Dozers are not too much of a threat as it takes 1-2 shots with the grenade launcher then 1 arrow to the head to take them out. Use this as an oppurtunity to clear some of the surrounding enemies by shooting so that the dozer is just in the area of the GL40 shot but moreso targetting surrounding enemies. Other enemies are all killed with 1 shot from the heavy crossbow. Keep a close eye on your downs. You have plenty of doctor bag charges to use. 

I would suggest that in crew setup you give your first AI crew member the inspire ability to avoid them being diverted when reviving you. Whenever you are revived immediately run for cover as to be healed up by tour current converts if you do not have one get one while you have the revived health bonus from skills.

Once you get used to this build it is really easy completing any loud heist on DW and above. All you need to do is grab a friend or 2 and have at least one AI crew member as the enemies main target and you will get through those seemingly impossible heists. I would strongly suggest doing this on DW first as to get used to this build and the running - cover - running