- Mafia: The Omerta Collection play order offers two main paths: Release Order and Chronological Order.
- Release Order (Mafia 1, 2, 3, Old Country) is best for narrative evolution and gameplay mechanics.
- Chronological Order (Old Country, Mafia 1, 2, 3) places you in the earliest historical setting first.
- New players should generally start with Mafia: Definitive Edition to understand the core themes.
- The Old Country serves as a prequel, enriching the lore of the later American-based titles.
Mafia: The Omerta Collection Play Order Overview
The Mafia: The Omerta Collection bundles four distinct eras of organized crime history. Choosing the right entry point is crucial for your enjoyment. While each game features a standalone story, they share thematic DNA and subtle connections.
For first-time players, we strongly recommend following the Release Order. This allows you to experience the evolution of the series from its classic 1930s noir roots to the gritty 1960s revenge tale, before diving into the series' origins in Sicily.
Release Order Path
- Start: Mafia: Definitive Edition (1930s)
- Next: Mafia II: Definitive Edition (1940s-50s)
- Then: Mafia III: Definitive Edition (1968)
- End: Mafia: The Old Country (Early 1900s)
- Best for: Gameplay evolution, narrative context
Chronological Order Path
- 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)
- Best for: Historical timeline, lore enthusiasts
Path 1: Release Order (Recommended)
This path follows the real-world development of the franchise. It is the most popular way to experience the Mafia: The Omerta Collection because it mirrors how the series introduced new mechanics and storytelling styles.
Mafia: Definitive Edition
Begin in the fictional city of Lost Heaven during the 1930s Prohibition era. You play as Tommy Angelo, a cab driver forced into the Salieri crime family. This game establishes the series' foundation: linear storytelling, realistic driving, and a strict honor code.
Mafia II: Definitive Edition
Move to Empire Bay two decades later. You control Vito Scaletta, a war veteran returning home to pay off his father's debts. This sequel introduces a more open world, a chapter-based structure, and a deeper look into the "American Dream" gone wrong.
Mafia III: Definitive Edition
Experience the violent revenge of Lincoln Clay in 1968 New Bordeaux (based on New Orleans). This entry shifts gameplay towards open-world territory control, racketeering, and a distinct 60s soundtrack. It connects directly to the events of Mafia II.
Mafia: The Old Country
Finally, travel back to the early 1900s in Sicily. You play as Enzo Favara, a young man entering the Torrisi crime family. This prequel explains the harsh origins of the Mafia culture that eventually spreads to America.
Be aware that Mafia III plays significantly differently from the first two titles, focusing heavily on base-building and district takeover, whereas The Old Country returns to a more focused, cinematic narrative style similar to the first game.
Path 2: Chronological Order (Timeline)
For players interested in the historical progression of the "Omertà" (code of silence), playing in chronological order offers a unique perspective. You start at the very beginning of the organized crime timeline.
| Order | Game Title | Era | Location | Protagonist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mafia: The Old Country | Early 1900s | Sicily | Enzo Favara |
| 2 | Mafia: Definitive Edition | 1930s | Lost Heaven | Tommy Angelo |
| 3 | Mafia II: Definitive Edition | 1940s-50s | Empire Bay | Vito Scaletta |
| 4 | Mafia III: Definitive Edition | 1968 | New Bordeaux | Lincoln Clay |
Starting with Mafia: The Old Country provides context for the Sicilian traditions and harsh realities that shape the characters in the later American games. However, it features more brutal combat and survival elements compared to the polished city driving of the 1930s entries.
Detailed Game Comparison
To help you decide which order suits your playstyle, here is a breakdown of the core gameplay differences you will encounter in the Mafia: The Omerta Collection.
| Game | Setting | Gameplay Focus | Structure | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mafia: DE | 1930s Lost Heaven | Story, Driving, Gunplay | Linear Cinematic | Moderate |
| Mafia II: DE | 1940s-50s Empire Bay | Driving, Shooting, Story | Chapter-based | Moderate |
| Mafia III: DE | 1968 New Bordeaux | Open World, Combat, Rackets | Open World Sandbox | Variable |
| The Old Country | Early 1900s Sicily | Stealth, Brawling, Story | Cinematic Adventure | High |
If you prefer a tight, movie-like story, stick to Mafia: Definitive Edition and The Old Country. If you prefer open-world freedom and empire building, Mafia III will be your highlight.
Completion Checklist
Whether you choose the release or chronological path, use this checklist to track your progress through the collection.
Collection Progression:
- Complete Tommy Angelo's rise in Lost Heaven (Mafia: DE)
- Finish Vito Scaletta's journey in Empire Bay (Mafia II: DE)
- Establish Lincoln Clay's empire in New Bordeaux (Mafia III: DE)
- Uncover Enzo Favara's origins in Sicily (The Old Country)
- Try the 'Free Ride' mode in Mafia: Definitive Edition
- Explore the 'Man of Honor' expansion in The Old Country
FAQ
Q: Do I need to play the games in order?
No, each game in Mafia: The Omerta Collection features a self-contained story with a new protagonist. However, playing in order enhances your appreciation of the recurring themes and family connections.
Q: Which game is the best starting point for beginners?
Mafia: Definitive Edition is the best starting point. It introduces the core mechanics of driving and combat in a structured, classic narrative environment that is easier to learn than the complex systems of Mafia III.
Q: Is The Old Country a sequel?
No, Mafia: The Old Country is a prequel. It is set in the early 1900s, before the events of the American-based Mafia games, and explores the Sicilian roots of the criminal organizations featured in the series.
Q: Why is Mafia III gameplay different?
Mafia III focuses on open-world territory control and racketeering, which differs from the linear, story-driven focus of Mafia and Mafia II. It was designed to modernize the gameplay loop for a 2016 audience.