- Chronological start: Begin with Mafia: The Old Country (Early 1900s Sicily).
- Release order: Play Mafia: Definitive Edition (1930s) first for narrative context.
- Trilogy flow: Progress from Tommy Angelo to Vito Scaletta, then Lincoln Clay.
- Collection value: Includes all DLC and the Man of Honor expansion.
- Current-gen: Mafia: Definitive Edition features 60 FPS on PS5/Xbox Series.
The Two Ways to Play
Deciding how to approach the four eras of organized crime in Mafia: The Omertà Collection depends on whether you value historical context or narrative evolution. The collection bundles Mafia: The Old Country Definitive Edition, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Mafia II: Definitive Edition, and Mafia III: Definitive Edition. Each entry represents a distinct decade, protagonist, and criminal philosophy.
New players should start with Release Order. Playing the American trilogy first (Mafia DE, Mafia II DE, Mafia III DE) establishes the core themes and recurring family connections that make the prequel, The Old Country, more impactful.
Release Order (Recommended)
- Start: Mafia: Definitive Edition (1930s)
- Middle: Mafia II: Definitive Edition (1940s-50s)
- End: Mafia III: Definitive Edition (1968)
- Bonus: The Old Country (Early 1900s)
- Pros: Best for understanding gameplay evolution and narrative callbacks.
Chronological Order
- Start: Mafia: The Old Country (Early 1900s)
- Next: Mafia: Definitive Edition (1930s)
- Then: Mafia II: Definitive Edition (1940s-50s)
- End: Mafia III: Definitive Edition (1968)
- Pros: Experience the rise of organized crime from its Sicilian roots forward.
Step-by-Step Play Order Guide
Follow this progression to experience the full saga across Lost Heaven, Empire Bay, New Bordeaux, and Sicily.
Mafia: Definitive Edition (1930s)
Start with the Salieri crime family in Lost Heaven. This remake introduces the series' signature blend of linear storytelling and open-world driving. It sets the standard for the "made man" origin story.
Mafia II: Definitive Edition (1940s-50s)
Move to Empire Bay as Vito Scaletta. This sequel expands the world with period-specific atmosphere and connects directly to the first game's ending. It includes all story DLC like Joe's Adventures.
Mafia III: Definitive Edition (1968)
Experience the revenge of Lincoln Clay in New Bordeaux. This entry shifts gameplay toward open-world territory control and features a more aggressive, combat-heavy style.
Mafia: The Old Country (Early 1900s)
Conclude with the Sicilian prequel featuring Enzo Favara. This title focuses on the harsh origins of the mafia, emphasizing stealth and melee combat in a period setting.
Be prepared for significant shifts in mechanics. Mafia III focuses on district takeover and stealth, while The Old Country is a more focused narrative experience compared to the open-world driving of the first two titles.
Timeline and Protagonist Comparison
Understanding the historical setting and key figures for each game helps clarify the saga's scope.
| Game Title | Timeline | Protagonist | Primary Location | Key Faction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Old Country | Early 1900s | Enzo Favara | Sicily | Torrisi Family |
| Mafia: DE | 1930s | Tommy Angelo | Lost Heaven | Salieri Family |
| Mafia II: DE | 1940s-50s | Vito Scaletta | Empire Bay | Multiple Families |
| Mafia III: DE | 1968 | Lincoln Clay | New Bordeaux | Marcano Rivals |
While each game stars a new protagonist, Mafia II and Mafia III share direct character connections. Vito Scaletta plays a major role in Mafia III, linking the Empire Bay and New Bordeaux eras.
Collection Content & DLC
The Omertà Collection is not just a bundle of base games; it includes the definitive versions of each title with their respective add-ons.
| Game Included | Major DLC/Content | Status in Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Mafia: The Old Country | Man of Honor Expansion, Deluxe Content | Included as Definitive Edition |
| Mafia: Definitive Edition | Free Ride Mode | Full Remake Included |
| Mafia II: Definitive Edition | Joe's Adventures, Jimmy's Vendetta, Betrayal of Jimmy | All DLC Included |
| Mafia III: Definitive Edition | Faster, Baby!, Stones Unturned, Sign of the Times | All Story DLC Included |
Before You Buy:
- Check if you own any previous titles on Steam for 'Complete Your Collection' discounts
- Verify your platform (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC) for the 60 FPS update on Mafia: DE
- Ensure enough storage space, as installing all four games requires substantial SSD space
- Decide if you prefer the chronological start (The Old Country) or release order
Technical & Platform Details
The collection unifies the series on modern hardware, but there are specific technical differences between the included titles.
- Performance: Mafia: Definitive Edition receives a dedicated current-gen upgrade on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, supporting 60 FPS gameplay.
- Legacy Content: Mafia II and Mafia III are included as their Definitive Edition remasters, running at their established performance profiles.
- New Entry: Mafia: The Old Country is built natively for modern PCs and current-gen consoles.
If you already own Mafia: Definitive Edition on PS4 or Xbox One, check your library. You may be eligible for a free current-gen upgrade path to the 60 FPS version without buying the full Omertà Collection.
Q: Do I need to play the games in chronological order?
No. While *The Old Country* is the earliest story chronologically, it is designed to be understood independently. Playing the American trilogy first (*Mafia DE*, *II*, *III*) provides better context for the series' themes.
Q: Does the collection include all DLC?
Yes. *Mafia II: Definitive Edition* and *Mafia III: Definitive Edition* include all previously released story DLC and bonus packs. *Mafia: The Old Country* includes the *Man of Honor* expansion and Deluxe content.
Q: Is Mafia: The Old Country a prequel?
Yes. It is set in Sicily in the early 1900s, serving as an origin story for the mafia's roots before the events of the American-based games.
Q: What is the difference between Definitive Edition and standard versions?
The Definitive Editions include all DLC, visual enhancements, and gameplay improvements. *Mafia: Definitive Edition* is a full remake of the original 2002 game.