Death Sentence Copycat Builds for All 22 Final Cards *No DLCs*

This guide contains 22 builds for the new Copycat perk deck all based around playing on Death Sentence difficulty and not requiring any DLCs.

Introduction

Quickly after the release of the Copycat perk deck i gave myself a challenge to make a build for all 22 final cards. Im not branding those builds as "best" because such builds do not exist.

I was trying to keep a decent bit of weapon variety. (Use pistols/DMR at your own risk)

Constructive critique is welcome down in the comments.

Special Thanks to TheHixter for giving me a second opinion on most of these builds.

(I proof read the guide but i made some mistakes probably plz point them out in comments)

Requirements

You only need the base game. Level 100 for all skill points. Infamy 1 for reduced skill point requirement for each tier of skills by 10 %.

• Level 100
  
• Infamy-1

Format

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=0-90-90-9000&p=0&a=0&t=6 (<-- A link to pd2builder containing the skillset)



(A short description on the general playstyle)

(Weapons with attachments)

Primary Weapon
Amcar Rifle
Attachments

None

Secondary Weapon
Chimano 88
Attachments

None

Armor: Suit
Deployable: None
Throwable: Frags
Melee: Weapon Stock

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Crew Chief

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk3I10F6c1100010-512xk000114&p=m&a=2&t=5&d=5



Note
Predator 12g isn't as reliable as it used to be due to drm but it's still usable. Get jokers so you can tank two 225 shots and you can take 2 light shots you your armor. Kill one unit with melee from time to time to boost that awful predator reload speed

Primary Weapon
Predator 12g Shotgun
Attachments

000 Buckshot
Extended Magazine
Shark Teeth Nozzle
+1 Concealment Boost
Folded Stock

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Champion's Suppressor
Concealment Boost
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine

Equipment

Armor: Ballistic Vest
Deployable: First Aid Kits
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Kento's Tanto

Muscle

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk3I1000dg10-52V001058000100&p=m&a=3&t=5&d=5



Note
You can tank two 225 shots to your health in addition you can tank two light shots to your armor. This build is kinda close to normal muscle but you should be targeted a bit less and you have all the benefits of copycat like passive reload of your secondary and 2s godmode. You can swap your secondary to a 100 dmg Smg, Compact 40mm, Tombstone Grimm,

Primary Weapon
KSP 58 Light Machin Gun

Attachments

Stubby Compensator
Lion Bipod
Boost - Stability
LED Combo
Plastic Stock


Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Facepunch Comepensator
Boost - Accuracy
Combined Module
Extended Magazine


Equipment

Armor: Heavy Ballistic Vest
Deployable: First Aid Kits
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Armorer

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=1G001000cP3000922h0050xa000100&p=m&a=6&t=5&d=3


Note
Utility ♥♥♥♥♥. You carry heavy bags faster. You have Faster Drills. You bring a saw. Really Helpful for Firestarter day 1 or Hotline Miami day 2.

Primary Weapon
KSP 58 Light Machine Gun

Attachments

The Bigger the Better Suppressor
Lion Bipod
Boost - Stability
LED Combo
Plastic Stock


Secondary Weapon
Compact 40mm Grenade Launcher

Attachments

Do Whatever you want just don't change the ammo type.
Secondary Weapon Alternative
OVE9000 Saw

Boost - Total Ammo
Fast Motor
Durable Blade

Equipment

Armor: Improved Combined Tactical Vest [ICTV]
Deployable: Doctor Bag
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Rogue

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk38gF00sz010-4g1005058000100&a=6


Note
This build is pretty much anti rogue. So it's a consistent build you can depend on. 500 Dmg sniper rifle for pretty much anything and krinkov for dozers. Play around your 2 shot armor and 2 shot health after activating quick fix Aced.
Primary Weapon
Platypus 70 Sniper Rifle

Attachments

Beak Suppressor
+4 Stability Boost
LED Combo
Riktpunkt 45 Degree Sight

Secondary Weapon
Krinkov Submachine Gun

Attachments

The Bigger the Better Suppressor
Boost – Stability
Moscow Special Rail
LED Combo
-Sight of your choice-
Wooden Sniper Stock

Equipment

Armor: Improved Combine Tactical Vest
Deployable: First Aid Kit
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Crook

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=5g3I10009410-5g900U3l0xa0100&p=m&a=1&t=5&d=5


Note
Copycat Crook = Bad

Primary Weapon
Akimbo Crosskill Guard Pistols
Attachments

IPSC Compensator
Stability Boost
Polymer Flashlight
Ergonomic Grip
Extended Mag
Milled Slide

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Facepunch Compensator
Boost - Concealment
Micro Laser
Extended Magazine

Equipment

Armor: Lightweight Ballistic Vest
Deployable: First Aid Kit
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Hitman

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk3I1000d010-5i90010h6Na0100&p=m&a=0&t=5&d=5



Note
What if hitman was a health deck? That's what happens.

Primary Weapon
Akimbo STRYK 18c Pistols

Attachments

Jungle Ninja Suppressor
+1 Concealment Boost
Polymer Flashlight
Ergo Grip
Extended Magazine


Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol

Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Champion's Suppressor
Concealment boost
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine

Equipment

Armor: Two piece suit
Deployable: First Aid Kits
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Burglar

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=1G001000b010-6V002hh41001xc&p=m&a=0&t=5&d=3



Note
Glass cannon dodge build inspired by Bay1k's Grom Sniper Rifle Zerk Rogue.

Primary Weapon
Tempest-21 Rifle
Attachments

The Bigger the Better Suppressor
+8 Stability Boost
Assault Light
Tactical Mag.
Riktpunkt Magnifier Gadget
Surgeon Sight

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Champion's Suppressor
Boost – Concealment
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine

Equipment

Armor: Suit
Deployable: Doctor Bags
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Infiltrator

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk3I0-4d01000100V0010Bi100100&p=m&a=0&t=5&d=5



Note
You can tank three 225 shots while Quick Fix and Partners in Crime and Infiltrator DR are active.
That kinda insane tankiness is further expanded upon with uppers and die hard during interactions. You have a pretty solid rifle too.

Primary Weapon
UAR Rifle
Attachments

Short Barrel
The Bigger the Better Suppressor
+1 Concealment Boost
A3 Tactical Foregrip
Raptor Polymer Body
Surgeon Sight
Riktpunkt Magnifier Gadget

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Facepunch Compensator
Boost – Concealment
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine


Equipment

Armor: Two piece suit
Deployable: First Aid Kits
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Sociopath

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk3Ig900c1010-4g900303k000100&p=m&a=2&t=5&d=5


Note
Well Copycat Socio's main strength is armor gating if we fail to armour gate we can tank 2 heavy shots. That allows you to play very aggressively.

Primary Weapon
Galant Rifle

Attachments
Tanker Barrel
The Bigger the Better Suppressor
Stability Boost
Custom Foregrip
LED Combo
Surgeon Sight
Rikpunkt Magnifier Gadget
Magpouch Stock

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Facepunch Compensator
Boost – Concealment
Micro Laser
Extended Magazine

Equipment

Armor: Ballistic Vest
Deployable: First Aid Kits
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Gambler

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xa380-4dg10-6V0010xm120100&p=m&a=0&t=5&d=3


Note
Triple SMG goes brrr. (Can be run with triple Mark 10)


Primary Weapon
Akimbo Compact-5 Submachine Guns
Attachments

The Bigger the Better Supressor
Stability Boost
Polizei Tactical Barrel
LED Combo
Straight Magazine

Secondary Weapon
Compact-5 Submachine Gun
Attachments

The Bigger the Better Supressor
Accuracy Boost
Sehr Kurze Barrel
Straight Magazine
Surgeon Sight
Riktpunkt Magnifier Gadget
Adjustable Stock
Equipment

Armor: Twoi-Piece Suit
Deployable: Doctor Bag
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Grinder

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=1k3I1000dg10-5iF00101m000100&p=m&a=0&t=5&d=5


Note
Big HP
Big Heals
Big DPS

Primary Weapon
Akimbo CMP Submachine Guns
Attachments

The Bigger the Better Suppressor
Accuracy Boost
LED Combo

Secondary Weapon
Signature Submachine Gun
Attachments

The Bigger the Better Suppressor
Accuracy Boost
LED Combo
Extended Magazine
Surgeon Sight
Rikpunkt Magnifier Gadget
Tactical Stock

Equipment

Armor: Two-piece Suit
Deployable: First Aid Kit
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Yakuza - Stealth

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=005g0-43030581i004X70140-4xc&p=m&a=0&t=1&d=42


Note
This is a pretty simple stealth build. Using berseker makes you the saw specialist of the group you can 1 tap deposit boxes because of 40% dmg boost from berseker and frenzy. You also should take the heaviest bags. If someone else is using molotovs at the start of the game you can join them. Throw 4 incendiary grenades straight up at spawn (on open maps) for at least 90% zerk.

Primary Weapon
OVE9000 Saw
Attachments

Sharp Blade
Silent Motor
Boost – Concealment

Secondary Weapon
Bernetti 9 Pistol
Attachments

Medved R4 Suppressor
Boost – Concealment +3
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Either Ergo grip or Engraved Bernetti Grip
Marksman Sight
The Elite Slide

Equipment

Armor: Two-Piece Suit
Deployable: Depends on heist and your situation
Throwable: Ace of Spades or Incendiary Grenades
Melee: Any base 30 Concealment Melee

Ex-President

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=1G3I00zc8110-910Eh120100&p=m&a=0&t=5&d=3


Note
Ex-Pres final cards is the only final card that gives +10% health boost. Using 3 copycat health boosts in additon to that you get 391 hp. Adding PiC Ace to the mix 391+69 = 460 hp. So pretty much perfectly enough to tank two 225 shots without any other survivability buffs. You can heal pretty well combining ex-pres + head games + Hostage Taker aced. Akimbo goliaths are not to be underestimated. (I think that copycat ex-president is better then normal)

Primary Weapon
Akimbo Goliath 12G Shotguns
Attachments

000 Buckshot
Short Barrel
Shark Teeth Nozzle
+1 Concealment boost

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Facepunch Compensator
+1 Concealment Boost
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine
Equipment

Armor: Two-Piece Suit
Deployable: Doctor Bag
Throwable: Concussion
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Maniac

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=5g3I1000d08N00102p00105g100100&p=m&a=1&t=6&d=5


Note
Gas Gas Gas FYI. Max damage absorption from coypcat maniac is -20 damage.
You can pickup grenades because of Fully Loaded Ace.


Primary Weapon
Union 5.56 Rifle
Attachments

Short Barrel
The Bigger the Better Suppressor
+4 Accuracy boost
Tactical Mag.
Surgeon Sight
Riktpunkt Magnifier Gadget

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Facepunch Compensator
+1 Concealment Boost
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine


Equipment

Armor: Lightweight Ballistic Vest
Deployable: First Aid Kit
Throwable: Viper Grenade
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Anarchist

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk3I0-4d01000100V0030xi100100&p=m&a=0&t=5&d=5


Note
Blitzkrieg Bop armor regen is kinda insane. You have 1 in a 5 chance to ignore a bullet that hits you. You have two god mode periods to save your skins. In addition to being able to save yourself from taking health damage with bullseye. But even if your health gets hit you can heal it up pretty fast with headgames and hostage taker. I thought this build will be weak but it turned out really strong.

Primary Weapon
AK5 Rifle
Attachments

CQB Barrel
The Bigger the Better Suppressor
Accuracy Boost
Belgian Heat Handguard
LED Combo
Tactical Mag.
Bertil Stock
Surgeon Sight
Rikpunkt Magnifier Gadget


Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Facepunch Compensator
Accuracy Boost
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine

Equipment

Armor: Two-Piece Suit
Deployable: First Aid Kit
Throwable: Concussion
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Biker

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xa381W00d010-6100107U000100&p=m&a=0&t=5&d=3


Note
This is how you get the most out of North Star without zerk. There are plenty of copycat biker builds out there so i wanted to do something special with it.

Primary Weapon
Akimbo Parabellum Pistols
Attachments
Reinforced Barrel
+4 Stability Boost


Secondary Weapon
North Star Sniper Rifle
Attachments
Celestial Assault Kit
Tiwaz Silencer
+1 Concealment Boost
LED Combo
Riktpunkt Magnifier Gadget
Surgeon Sight

Equipment

Armor: Two-Piece Suit
Deployable: Doctor Bag
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Kingpin

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=5O1K10zcd010-910xk100100&p=m&a=0&t=0&d=5


Note
Copycat kingpin doesn't give you 100% healing from damage like normal kingpin but instead you get 10 health on head shot faster weapon swap speed and 2 seconds god mode while in a pinch. Use the injector like 75% damage reduction button and heal on armour damage that's why hit head shots as often as possible.

Primary Weapon
Izhma 12G Shotgun
Attachments

000 Buckshot
Shark Teeth Nozzle
-4 Accuracy Boost
Skeletal Stock

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Champion's Suppressor
Boost – Concealment
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine

Equipment

Armor: Suit
Deployable: First Aid kits
Throwable: Injector
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Sicario

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk3I00zcdg1000120-410xk000100&p=m&a=0&t=0&d=5


Note
Copycat Sicario only gives you the throwable which actually isn't the selling point of normal sicario. I'd say it plays like muscle with smoke bomb. Pick this one if u need long interactions done in open spaces (or just wait out the assault).

Primary Weapon
Akimbo Judge Shotguns
Attachments

Tombstone Slug
The Silent Killer Suppressor
+1 Concealment Boost

Secondary Weapon
Goliath 12G Shotgun
Attachments

000 Buckshot
Short Barrel
Shark Teeth Nozzle
-4 Accuracy Boost
Surgeon Sight
Rikpunkt Magnifier Gadget

Equipment


Armor: Two Piece Suit
Deployable: First Aid Kits
Throwable: Smoke Bomb
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Stoic

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=1G0-6fM10-52h0050xa0001xc&p=m&a=6&t=0&d=3


Note
This is pretty much a way to acess 2/9 stoic without any mods. 2/9 stoic is simply bad so this is pretty bad too.

Primary Weapon
KSP 58 Light Machine Gun

Attachments

The Bigger the Better Suppressor
Lion Bipod
Boost - Stability
LED Combo
Plastic Stock


Secondary Weapon
Compact 40mm Grenade Launcher

Attachments

Do Whatever you want just don't change the ammo type.

Equipment

Armor: Improved Combined Tactical Vest [ICTV]
Deployable: Doctor Bag
Throwable: Stoic Flask
Melee: El Verdugo

Tag Team

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xa3IgF00d0010-4g10010xc000100&p=m&a=3&t=0&d=3


Note
As i don't own the H3H3 Pack and Normal Tag Team perk deck i went for a safe build. Killing groups with graze allows us and our partner to heal in chunks. I was killing so many enemies that i was able to have Gas Dispenser active and a ready one in my pocket. Please be respectful and dont tag zerk players.

Primary Weapon
Platypus 70 Sniper Rifle
Attachments

Boost – Accuracy
LED Combo
-Sight of your choice-
RiktPunkt 45 Degree Sight

Secondary Weapon
Krinkov Submachine Gun
Attachments

The Bigger the Better Suppressor
Boost – Stability
Moscow Special Rail
LED Combo
-Sight of your choice-
Wooden Sniper Stock

Equipment

Armor: Heavy Ballistic Vest [HBV]
Deployable: Doctor Bag
Throwable: Gas Dispenser
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Hacker

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=5g1G001Qd010-6p00105i000100&p=m&a=0&t=0&d=5


Note
The idea behind this build is utilizing Overkill Aced. Without dlcs this skill mostly sucks due to being costly and you need shock and awe aced too. That's 1/3 of all your skill points gone. I wanted to use PCM stun to deal with shields to save some points. (It doesn't work great) It's a gimmick build kinda but i reached 20 kpm with it so you can too. Remeber that the smg is your actual primary.

Primary Weapon
Mosconi 12G Shotgun
Attachments

000 Buckshot
+1 Concealment Boost
Road Warrior Barrel
Gangsta Special Stock

Secondary Weapon
Chicago Typewriter Submachine Gun
Attachments

Long barrel
+1 Concealment Boost
Discreet Foregrip
Discreet Grip
Surgeon Sight
Riktpunkt Magnifier Gadget
Discreet Stock

Equipment

Armor: Two-Piece Suit
Deployable: First Aid Kit
Throwable: Pocket ECM Device
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

Leech

Screw Leech






Note
♥♥♥♥ leech. Just no.

Primary Weapon
Flintlock Freedy
Attachments

Royal Bayonet
Total Ammo Boost

Secondary Weapon
Cash Blaster
Attachments

Boost – Concealment

Equipment

Armor: ICTV
Deployable: Armor Bag
Throwable: Snowball
Melee: The HAM-mer

Cat

https://pd2builder.netlify.app/?s=xk1G1000d010-5g90001N6xa0100&p=m&a=0&t=6&d=5



Note
I tried to make use of every single feature of copycat that means making "is this your bullet" useful somehow. It can trigger pistols skills. I didn't build for full dodge because relying on it is a mistake.

Primary Weapon
Akimbo Chimano 88 Pistols
Attachments

Jungle Ninja Suppressor
+1 Concealment Boost
Golden Rule Exclusive Set
Polymer Flashlight
Platypus Grip
Extended Magazine

Secondary Weapon
5/7 AP Pistol
Attachments

TiN Treated Barrel
Champion's Suppressor
Concealment Boost
Medved R4 Laser Sight
Extended Magazine

Equipment

Armor: Two-Piece Suit
Deployable: First Aid Kits
Throwable: Concussion Grenades
Melee: Electrical Brass Knuckles

------------------------------------------------------------------------

My other guide

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2844935695

Free stuff for broke homies

This is a link to Payday2 Social Safe you can get some rewards like a weapon skin or a melee weapon for free check it out.

https://www.paydaythegame.com/static/social-safe/

[Rymd]

The combination of an autistic russian with broken english and a terrible elitist attitude is quite something to behold.

[Ɛ: ʎɥɔʇɐԀ]

Turns out, crew chief card with 4 health cards and frenzy ace allows you to survive a heavy zeal shot to health (as well as have 2 shot CTV

[Ɛ: ʎɥɔʇɐԀ]

Just had an idea for a build,
Frenzy ictv copycat infiltrator as an alternative to frenzy armorer that has 2 shot health as a backup
Expensive, but hey, it technically can eork

[Zamdifast]

Excellent explanation. It works for me, so everything is ok. You are trying to teach someone, since you decided to write a guide on builds. So why is everything done to fuck off? Moreover, you make a guide marked non-DLC specifically for new players. So why impose your point of view on them without explaining? You simply ignored my comments and suggestions on alternative leveling. You took a setup with a body ex with paired points and on crits, chewed a hundred times, and you write that you are not trying to do power builds. What's wrong with you?

[TurboAntOne]

These builds work for me and suit my playstyle.

[TurboAntOne]

I wanted to make builds with these restrictions in mind.
Not the highest kpm builds.
Not the strongest builds.
Builds that anyone pretty much can pick up an play decently well and have fun at ds.
I didn't chose other points because they are shallow. Saying its only in ur opinion implies that my opinion is bad. It's based in my own experience.

[Zamdifast]

I've read, but its still questinable for me.
We have pd2 legacy collection, dlc it pretty cheep in 2024, undecetable DLC unlocker (its cringe ik)
It's funny that out of everything you chose only this point :^)

[TurboAntOne]

1. who cares about dlcs in this game, but okey.
Read the full guide name. That would help a lot.

[Zamdifast]

Nice arguments, bro
1. who cares about dlcs in this game, but okey.
2. lol nope. body exp its aim helper, loke and loud either. aced inseen and low blow + aced surefie its enought for average player, especially w 2 jokers experience. (free non dlc guns is AMR16, AK 762)
3. its only in ur opinion lol.
4. awesome argument, yep
5. why? xd
6. afk gameplay w 2 jokers for newbies, alr alr. no problem.
7. wat? u're nuts?

[TurboAntOne]

1. Aced OVK sucks without dlcs.

2. Body exp + crits is strong (yes i do have boomer hands and i don't like tryharding)

3. Most pubs players are not good enough to play with ammo bags / not healing deployables.

4.I find my copycat anarch plenty strong.

5.Shock and awe is not mandatory.

6.Stacking jokers is a valid team strategy and helps a lot.

7. Stop trying to force your solo no ai killwhoring playstyle.