Mafia: The Old Country Guide – 10 Tips and Tricks to Keep in Mind

The long-awaited chapter of “Mafia: The Old Country” has arrived, now playable on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Unlike its predecessors that dropped players into metropolises during various crime eras, Hangar 13 is venturing into the past this time, to 1900s Sicily, specifically San Celeste – a city under the control of the Torrisi family. As newcomer Enzo Favara, players must climb the ranks and demonstrate their value to the Don in this latest installment.

The Old Country” offers more than just these tactics; it has numerous additional features. Here are ten strategies to help you dominate your rival families and establish a lasting impact in San Celeste.

Follow Your Instinct

In this game, there’s a mode called Instinct Mode, similar to what players might remember from The Last of Us’ Listen Mode. This feature enables Enzo to spot enemy locations while hiding, even when they’re concealed behind environmental barriers. The range is quite extensive and can be useful in most scenarios, but it truly shines during stealth sections, where avoiding detection is crucial. While not as comprehensive as Detective Mode, Instinct Mode certainly provides the tools needed to strategically outmaneuver any adversaries you may encounter.

Life or Death Combat, Fewer Bullets

As a passionate player, I can tell you that Hangar 13 aimed to infuse “life or death” intensity into Mafia: The Old Country’s combat, particularly in the nail-biting knife duels. One slip and Enzo might find himself in a precarious position. This high-stakes approach isn’t limited to just the combat; it permeates every facet of the game. Resources like ammo are hard to come by, so you often need to scavenge bullets from your surroundings or fallen enemies. In such situations, stealth becomes a valuable strategy, enabling you to conserve ammo for crucial firefights or when cornered and left with no choice but to fight your way out. If you’re not fond of the intricate knife struggles, don’t worry! Just head over to the Accessibility options and activate Simplified Struggle, which automatically completes these instances with minimal fuss.

Even the Odds

In the world of a Torrisi mafioso, things don’t feel right without confrontations and shootouts against adversaries, particularly when there’s an array of weapons at your disposal. But it’s often wise to assess the situation before jumping in, perhaps taking out a few opponents quietly with stealth attacks first. This is because enemies in The Old Country have become significantly more cunning compared to previous versions, employing better coordination and strategies to corner you – even on Normal mode. Always ensure you’re well-prepared before charging into direct conflicts, and consider whether there might be a smarter approach to gain an advantage. If you find the AI too challenging or too easy, adjust the difficulty setting accordingly – lower it to Easy for a more manageable experience, or crank it up to Hard for a true Mafia challenge.

Improvise, Adapt, Overcome

In a mission, Enzo has other options besides just carrying guns and knives. He should carefully assess his surroundings for items he can use to divert guards, allowing him to approach them stealthily. Also, it’s important to find spots where he can conceal enemy bodies. Although seemingly ordinary, lanterns can be utilized as improvised explosives, making quick work of multiple enemies when needed. However, remember that objects alone should not be relied upon; they simply offer an advantage, especially in situations where ammunition is scarce.

Taking a Stance

Based on your preferred playstyle, you might find it beneficial to tweak the aim assist and camera field of view for a more enjoyable gameplay experience. On the other hand, in the game settings, you can customize Enzo’s cover stance, choosing between Persistent Crouch or the traditional Mafia style reminiscent of the original games. Ultimately, it’s all about personal preference, so feel free to try out both options and see which one suits you best.

Knives Out

It’s worth noting that knives play a significant role in our game. Our development team has invested considerable effort and resources into creating diverse knife designs. As you advance, you’ll encounter various types of knives, each with unique statistics and special abilities tailored to different playstyles. For instance, the Scannaturi excels at throwing knives, while the Rasolu allows for instant enemy elimination during combat if you can outmaneuver your opponents. If durability is your priority, the Stiletto could be your best bet, offering increased longevity or enabling more stealthy takedowns. Since you can only carry one knife at a time, choose wisely based on the situation to maximize your effectiveness.

Durability and Whetstones

No matter which knife you opt for, each one exhibits durability that decreases with every use in combat or lock-picking. While knives with lower durability don’t risk shattering, they can still serve as effective melee weapons when necessary. It’s advisable to always carry a whetstone, preferably in your quick-use inventory, as you’ll find them scattered across the world. If you’re someone who prefers stealthy, close-combat engagements, this tool can prove invaluable, especially in tight spots.

Explore Mode

In the remastered version of “Mafia: Definitive Edition,” the Free Ride Mode has returned, now called Explore Mode. You can access this feature after finishing the Prologue and moving to Chapter Replay. Although this game isn’t an expansive open-world title filled with numerous side missions, you can still uncover hidden details, finish your car collection, and enjoy the scenic beauty of San Celeste. Additionally, any spare cash can be used to buy new items and weapons. While it won’t keep you occupied for countless hours, there might be a few surprises in store as you explore. It’s worth noting that Hangar 13 plans to expand on the Explore mode with a free update after release, so keep an eye out for more information about that.

Simulation Driving, Manual Shifting, and More

The Mafia series stands in stark contrast to Grand Theft Auto, yet it strives to create an authentic driving experience. For instance, The Old Country offers customizable gameplay options. Within the Gameplay settings, there’s a Simulation Driving toggle for those seeking a genuine feel of these vintage vehicles. You can opt for Manual Shifting for added realism or Navigation Signage for easier navigation, as per your preference. Moreover, you can adjust the distance of the vehicle camera view to suit your gaming style.

Fast Forward Travel

The Old Country provides a more focused experience compared to Mafia 3’s open world, as it allows you to bypass all the driving scenes. This means if you’re only interested in the story and not the scenic drives through San Celeste, you can skip them without missing out on the narrative. It might be less immersive, but it’s a convenient option for those who prefer a more streamlined gaming experience.

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2025-08-08 20:21