Mafia: The Old Country Beginner's Guide | Gameplay Tips & Tricks

Mafia: The Old Country prequel returns you to early 20th-century Sicily with a focused adventure that demands both caution and cunning.

In this beginner's guide, you will discover six essential tips to help you manage your resources, master combat, and uncover hidden treasures as you carve out your reputation in the Sicilian countryside.

Don't Waste Your Money

Early on, money can be tough to come by, and you will be locked into story outfits for much of your first playthrough.

While you can turn off this option to wear whatever you want, you are better off investing your limited currency in charm slot upgrades and weapons at Pasqual's shop. 

The same applies to vehicles: you will receive horses or cars as needed, so spending your dinari on improved combat capabilities will serve you best.

Beware of the icon by the vehicle bench that costs 1,000 dinari—interacting with it purchases the item outright instead of opening a menu.

Take the Time to Loot

The little money you can gather early on comes mainly from looting downed enemies, prying open containers with your knife, and trading in Trinacria.

Thoroughly patting someone down requires a long button hold and animation, but it is worth the effort, as you will often replenish both dinari and ammunition.

Prioritize Knife Durability

Most knife actions consume durability, displayed as little squares in your HUD. While stealth sections offer options that reduce the need for knife takedowns, you are better off saving durability for prying open containers. 

When you first have the chance, choose the knife with the highest durability at Pasqual's shop. 

You can still choke foes, throw coins and bottles, ignite lanterns, or even engage in shootouts during non-autofail sections.

If you are lucky, eliminating enemies will sometimes reward you with a wet stone to restore knife durability.

You Can Shoot Trinacria

Trinacria sigils appear on your map and can be exchanged at Pasqual's shop. They are not always within reach, but you can shoot them down to collect them from a distance.

Use Explore Mode to Find Collectibles

Although Mafia: The Old Country follows a linear narrative, its open-world-looking environment can make exploration challenging.

For collectibles without the yellow mission indicator, activate Explore Mode once it becomes available in the story. 

This mode allows free fast travel, shop access, and the opportunity to hunt photography spots, Trinacria, charms, and more. All finds and purchases carry over into your main story save. Keep an eye on locals, as they love to photobomb.

Short Shotguns Can Be Sidearms

You can carry only a pistol and a long gun, but the first pouch can also house alternative sidearms, including short shotguns.

This allows you to wield both a powerful sidearm and a long-range precision rifle without sacrificing firepower. Pistols remain invaluable in many situations, so reserve your long gun slot for truly long-range options.


Also, check our Mafia: The Old Country Review and other guides below: 

• Mafia: The Old Country Guide | All Chapter 1 Collectibles Locations
• Mafia: The Old Country Guide | How to Earn Dinari Fast
• Mafia: The Old Country Guide | Infinite Money (Dinari) Glitch