> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://lookbook.cyberjungles.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://lookbook.cyberjungles.com/osep-preperation-notes/msf-payload-types-staged-vs.-non-staged.md).

# Payload Types (Staged vs. Non-Staged)

Staged payloads are tiny, and their single mission is connection. Then it transfers real stages, and Stages do real work. 

Non-Staged payloads like everything workers. Also, their size is bigger than Staged payloads.

{% embed url="<https://blog.rapid7.com/2015/03/25/stageless-meterpreter-payloads/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://buffered.io/posts/staged-vs-stageless-handlers/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://blog.cobaltstrike.com/2013/06/28/staged-payloads-what-pen-testers-should-know/>" %}