Key Takeaways:

1. Mafia: The Old Country is set to revive the franchise in 2025 with a deep dive into the Sicilian Mafia of the 1900s.
2. Each Mafia game stands out for its detailed depiction of the criminal underworld across different eras, offering an immersive experience unique to its time period.
3. The series doesn’t require playing in release order, but chronological gameplay offers a seamless journey through the evolution of organized crime.

A New Chapter: Mafia Returns With The Old Country

After nearly a decade-long silence, the Mafia franchise is making a comeback with Mafia: The Old Country, slated for release in the summer of 2025. This highly anticipated game takes players back to the early 1900s in Sicily, the birthplace of the Sicilian Mafia, also known as the Cosa Nostra.

For fans of mobster tales and rich historical narratives, this is an exciting return to the roots of organized crime. Players will step into the shoes of Enzo Favara, navigating an era marked by brutal power struggles, vintage weapons, and iconic early 20th-century vehicles. Full voice acting in Sicilian will immerse players like never before, making The Old Country one of the most authentic historical depictions in gaming.

While we wait, now is the perfect time to revisit the rest of the series or dive in for the first time. Below, we break down the timeline of the Mafia franchise, including its mainline games, DLCs, and remakes.

The Chronological Order of the Mafia Games

If you’re wondering whether to play the series in release order or chronological order, here’s a pro tip: playing chronologically offers a cohesive understanding of the evolution of crime over the decades.

1. Mafia: The Old Country

Set in the 1900s, Mafia: The Old Country will offer players a rare glimpse into the early days of organized crime. Unlike the glitz of modern mob stories, this installment delves into the raw and unpolished origins of the Sicilian Mafia.

Expect era-specific weaponry, from rudimentary firearms to classic knives, and explore the picturesque yet dangerous streets of Sicily. From rival gang wars to Cosa Nostra politics, the game promises to deliver the most gripping Mafia story yet.

2. Mafia (Definitive Edition): The Beginning of Organized Crime

The first Mafia game, released in 2002 and remade as Mafia: Definitive Edition in 2020, is set in the 1930s in the fictional city of Lost Heaven, modelled after Chicago and New York during the Prohibition era.

You play as Tommy Angelo, a humble cab driver who stumbles into the chaotic world of organized crime. The Salieri family recruits him, and through them, Tommy rises through the ranks of the Mafia.

The game is steeped in era-appropriate details, from vintage cars to the prohibition-fuelled crime economy. The Definitive Edition modernizes the gameplay while keeping the original story intact.

3. Mafia II (Definitive Edition): Post-War America

Set in the 1940s and early 1950s, Mafia II follows Vito Scaletta, a World War II veteran who returns home to find his family drowning in debt. Vito, alongside his childhood friend Joe Barbaro, becomes entangled in the criminal underworld of Empire Bay, a city inspired by New York.

Mafia II paints a picture of post-war America with stunning detail. From the jazz music of the late ’40s to the rock-and-roll revolution of the ’50s, the game oozes nostalgia.

The 2020 Definitive Edition enhances the visuals, making the experience even more cinematic. Two major DLCs, Joe’s Adventures and Jimmy’s Vendetta, offer extra storylines, expanding the lore of the Mafia universe.

4. Mafia III: Revenge in the ’60s

Jumping forward to the turbulent 1960s, Mafia III tells the story of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam veteran seeking vengeance after his adoptive family is betrayed and murdered by the mob.

Set in New Bordeaux, a fictionalized version of New Orleans, the game features a rich backdrop of racial tension, civil rights struggles, and countercultural movements. The story is deeply personal, and players must navigate alliances with underbosses, each decision influencing the game’s multiple endings.

The Mafia DLCs: Uncovering Extra Stories

Beyond the mainline entries, the Mafia franchise has expanded its universe with several DLCs. Here’s a quick overview:

• Joe’s Adventures (Mafia II): Explores what Joe Barbaro was up to while Vito was in prison.
• Jimmy’s Vendetta & The Betrayal of Jimmy (Mafia II): Standalone arcade-style DLCs featuring a mercenary on revenge missions.
• Mafia III DLCs:
  • Faster, Baby!: Lincoln fights against a corrupt sheriff in a rural community.
  • Stones Unturned: A revenge-driven side story featuring John Donovan.
  • Sign of the Times: Lincoln confronts a cult terrorizing New Bordeaux.

Why Play the Mafia Series?

The Mafia games aren’t just about shootouts and car chases. Each installment brings a unique story filled with rich characters, detailed environments, and an atmosphere that transports players to another time and place.

From the gritty streets of 1930s Lost Heaven to the vibrant jazz-soaked alleys of 1960s New Bordeaux, the Mafia series is a masterclass in storytelling.

FAQs

Q1. Do I need to play the Mafia games in order?
Not necessarily. While each game exists in the same universe, the stories are self-contained. However, playing them chronologically (starting with The Old Country) gives you a better sense of the Mafia’s evolution.

Q2. What’s the difference between the original and Definitive Editions?
The Definitive Editions of Mafia and Mafia II are remakes/remasters with updated graphics, improved gameplay, and added content.

Q3. Will Mafia: The Old Country connect to the previous games?
While not a direct prequel, The Old Country explores the Sicilian Mafia’s origins, laying the groundwork for the events of the other games.

Q4. What makes the Mafia games different from other open-world games?
The Mafia series focuses more on story and atmosphere rather than endless side quests, setting it apart from games like Grand Theft Auto.