With these tips for Mafia: The Old Country, you’ll get the perfect start to the game. We’ll show you how to optimize graphics and controls, master combat, and make the most of Enzo’s abilities.
Mafia: The Old Country plunges you into a dark world full of betrayal, power plays, and bloody confrontations. To survive in the dangerous alleys and backstreets of the Sicilian underworld, you’ll need to fully understand the game’s core systems and mechanics. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fine-tune graphics and controls, use Enzo’s abilities effectively, and handle yourself in both combat and stealth situations. This will ensure a smooth start – whether you’re playing on PC, console, or Steam Deck.
In this guide to Mafia: The Old Country, you’ll learn:
- Which graphics settings are truly worth it
- How to use Enzo’s instinct and stealth mechanics
- Which knives are best for each situation
- How to adjust aim assist and controls
- What you need to know about vehicles and horses
- How to replay chapters and hunt trophies
Graphics & Performance: How to Keep the Game Running Smoothly
Especially on mid-range systems, it’s worth checking the graphics options. Use DLSS (Nvidia), FSR (AMD), or XeSS (Intel) to boost framerates. On consoles, enable performance mode for the smoothest gameplay experience.
We recommend these settings:
- Motion Blur: Turn off for a clearer image
- Shadows & Reflections: “Medium” for a good balance
- Draw Distance & Vegetation: “Far” or “Medium” to reduce pop-in
- Textures: At least “Medium” (8 GB VRAM), “High” for 12 GB or more
- Framerate Limit: 60 FPS for consistently smooth gameplay
- Cutscenes: With the day-one patch, you can raise framerate to 60+ in cutscenes
Gameplay Tips: Use Enzo’s Instinct and Stay Unnoticed
Enzo’s instinct ability is your best friend. It lets you see enemies and objects through walls – perfect for stealthy approaches and item collection. To remain undetected in Mafia: The Old Country, make use of distraction mechanics. Throw bottles or coins to lure enemies along specific routes or draw their attention away from your intended path.
Once you’ve taken out opponents, it’s important to hide their bodies in safe spots. This prevents patrols from being alerted and dragging you into open combat. After completing a chapter, it’s worth replaying it. This allows you to collect missed collectibles, try new tactics, and refine your approach.
- Tip: Use the instinct ability regularly to get a clear overview of your surroundings.
Knives in Combat: How to Choose the Right Tool
In Mafia: The Old Country, you have three knife types to choose from, each with its own strengths:
- Scannaturi: Throwing knives for silent ranged kills
- Rasolu: Deadly in close combat, ideal for quick actions
- Stiletto: Most durable, good for extended fights
Pay attention to audio and visual cues in knife fights. Dodge precisely and counter at the right moment – this is especially crucial on higher difficulties.
- Tip: Use whetstones to sharpen your knives regularly. This saves resources and increases effectiveness.
Settings You Should Adjust in Mafia: The Old Country
On PC, you can freely remap controls; on console, you can at least adjust sensitivity and aim assist.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Aim Assist: Adjust based on your skill – helpful during fast firefights
- Camera & Stick Sensitivity: Fine-tuning allows precise aiming
- Inversion: Optionally enable for camera and controls
Test different settings in the menu until you feel comfortable, especially when aiming with a controller.
Difficulty & Accessibility: Play Your Way
Mafia: The Old Country offers several difficulty levels. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, switch to “Hard.” Here, combat is more intense and stealth sections are more demanding. Try different difficulties – they can be changed at any time.
Useful Accessibility Options:
- Color modes for the visually impaired
- Adjustable text sizes
- Subtitles & voiceover – including in Sicilian
Vehicles & Horses: How to Get Around
Travel plays a central role in Mafia: The Old Country, whether in classic vehicles or on horseback. Both control types are intentionally heavier to create a realistic feel. This is why enabling driving aids can be worthwhile if you prefer easier handling.
Keep in mind that horses respond more slowly and move more sluggishly than cars, so plan your routes carefully. Especially in chases, anticipating the road ahead pays off more than raw speed. If you want to get used to the controls, use free mode to practice different scenarios.
Replay Chapters & Collect Trophies
After finishing a chapter, you can replay it at any time. This is particularly useful if you want to collect missed items or try alternative approaches. The chapter select is also ideal for targeting specific trophies or achievements. This way, you can test certain knife types or tactics without affecting your story progress.
Summary: How to Get the Most Out of Mafia: The Old Country
- Use Enzo’s instinct to spot enemies early
- Combine knife types depending on the situation
- Optimize graphics and controls for your system
- Adjust aim assist and sensitivity to your playstyle
- Replay chapters for 100% completion
